Stalker 2 modders add Night Vision to the game as devs leave it out of full release

There are two essential tools in previous Stalker games: binoculars and night vision goggles. Unfortunately, both of these tools are not present in Stalker 2, likely due to the spawn distance of the game’s currently-broken A-Life system.

Nevetheless, modders have stepped in to bring some form of night vision to the Zone, although it’s nowhere near as extensive as an actual in-game mechanic. Still, band-aid night vision is better than no night vision.

Stalker 2 Night Vision Goggles

Uploaded to Nexus Mods by Bwerken, the new “Night Vision Goggles” mod is technically a filter that can be applied via ReShade. Obviously only available on PC, the mod allows you to activate different forms of night vision at the press of a button, complete with a mask overlay for added immersion.

Looking through the night vision goggles in Stalker 2 will result in additional film grain and an overall haziness to the image, as well as allowing you to see in the dark. As the mod is only a ReShade filter, there’s not really any negative to having it installed—you won’t take on extra in-game weight for using it, for example.

However, with Stalker 2 completely lacking the ability to use night vision goggles, this is an okay compromise for now. With a host of updates and free content in the works, there’s hope that both the goggles and binoculars will be added in the game.

At the time of writing, Stalker 2 is broken, massively so, but there’s still few games like it. Depsite its rough edges, it’s a unique experience that loads of gamers should try if they can. It may not get everything right, but it’s certainly a great deal of fun.

For more news on GSC Game World’s latest, read about how you take down the game’s annoying bloodsuckers, or the mod bringing more parkour options to the survival game.