How to start STALKER 2 Cost of Hope DLC

The Back to the Zone update and Cost of Hope DLC is now live in STALKER 2, and you can jump in to enjoy the new campaign. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran, you don’t need to wait long to access the new content.

In this guide, I will explain the key steps for you to begin Cost of Hope DLC.

How to play Cost of Hope DLC in STALKER 2

For starters, you’ll need to own the DLC, since this is a paid expansion. If you own the Ultimate Edition, the DLC will be added automatically to your game. If you don’t own it, you can purchase the DLC separately to add to your digital library.

Once installed, your next step is to reach the content of the DLC. The DLC content is split between two parts of the game.

• The first part begins after you leave the Lesser Zone, right after you begin the game. This one is relatively easy to reach.
• The second part unlocks after you complete A Minor Incident main story mission.

However, there’s a shorter way to begin the DLC immediately. You can’t embed this in your existing save, but it will save you time if playing the DLC is your main concern.

• Select New Game, and then pick DLC content.
• Choose Skip Ahead to the Cost of Hope.
• If you go with Early Part, it will take you to the point where the first part begins.
• If you go with the Advanced Start, it will begin from where the later stage of the DLC begins.
• The Advanced Start is recommended if you purely want to enjoy the DLC. It comes with two different options: Spark or Ward. However, the choice will only affect the main game and won’t impact the DLC.

If you opt for the Advanced Start, all the faction-related decisions (in context to the main story). While going for the organic route will be more immersive, the Advanced Start will give you a direct head start.

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