Is it necessary to have played the first few games?

[Conan]

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

[.ZombonerX13]

I would play the others to completion first. You're probably going to hate it but if you want the full experience, it's best played that way. All the references to content in the original trilogy would be lost on you. Seeing and playing as Clear Sky is really cool and it gives you a better understanding and appreciation for that part in Stalker 2 and many more parts.

The only thing that really bothers me is the map isn't the same in Stalker 2 as it was through the entire trilogy. Things are moved around, re-positioned, repurposed and it kinda bugs me.

[Othobrithol]

Originally posted by Conan:

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

Not really, no. There will be spoilers about the earlier titles obviously.
Biggest loss will be nostalgia since you revisit so many locations.

[TsPok]

No NEED, but it is much more understanding if play old games BEFORE.

[devil_505]

The game contains many references to the earlier games. New players will not get all that fanservice goodness and really miss out a part of the charme this game has.

The story in every Stalker game is closed in itself and you don´t need to have played the old games to make sense of Stalker 2´s story. But you miss out the bigger picture if you have never played the old games.

So to get the full experience the old games should have been played. Clear Sky - Shadow of Chernobyl - Call of Pripyat - in that order.

[Dr.Corpse]

It is definitely not required, and considering the age of the other games not recommended. the plot is not any more coherent with prior knowledge, and one of the biggest failures of the game is over-explaining any remaining mysteries of the zone taking away much of the charm.

[minisith]

Stalker 2 maps are more accurate to real life location.

[jeffy]

yes play them all. they are super good and lots of story to learn

[AfkForCoffee]

Originally posted by Conan:

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

No and at this point I would not even bother with the old games. The old game engine was and still is a buggy POS. Not worth it IMO in 2025. You're not missing out on anything.

[Optive]

Originally posted by Conan:

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

You are fine to go in blind bud. Take your time and enjoy the long walked path´s of the zone.

[Vi'ir Jul K'hane]

Originally posted by Conan:

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

Depends on what you think you may have missed. If it's gameplay you are not missing much as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 plays exactly like the first series with less functions. I.e. no low crouch, no binoculars, and no nightvision. If it is story, then yes, play the first series through; it is worth the price and the time. If it is gameplay and you want the best S.T.A.L.K.E.R. experience out there then download S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Anomaly. It is a FREE version of the first 3 games with the same content and different storyline. It has less of a tunnel environment and incorporates more immersive modifications to the game. The biggest being the A-Life. Enemies spawn from POI and combat over them for position. You can get upgraded PDAs that can track other PDAs in the Zone.

Here is the link for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Anomaly:
https://www.moddb.com/mods/stalker-anomaly

[Nite69]

Yes play the other 3 games first because stalker 2's storyline takes place after the events of the originals

You will be confused in several parts if you jump into stalker 2 first

[Joe Coffee]

Originally posted by Conan:

Hi, I own the first couple Stalker games but haven't really played them to completion. I was wondering if this was a series that necessarily had to be played in order, or are the stories self contained to each game? Thanks

Not really necessary but it helps. They are awesome games, and there's a ton of lore that seems to carry over.