The team behind Atomic Heart, led by Mundfish founder and studio head Robert Bagratuni, has confirmed that work is underway on Atomic Heart 2, the anticipated sequel to the Soviet-era inspired first-person shooter. The disclosure came during a conversation with comedian Garik Kharlamov on the program Meanwhile, where Bagratuni outlined the project’s direction and goals.
Bagratuni emphasized that the follow-up will expand beyond typical RPG elements. He explained that the design will lean into gameplay mechanics and features familiar to many players from beloved post-apocalyptic and open-world RPGs, with a nod to the Fallout series as a benchmark for familiarity and depth. The aim is to deliver a richer, more varied experience that still maintains the distinctive atmosphere and storytelling style that defined the original game.
In addition to confirming the strategic direction of Atomic Heart 2, the developer remarked on the commercial reception of the first game. He expressed satisfaction with the sales performance while also noting that the project originated from a more modest concept inspired by early PC VR experiences. This origin story highlights a path from a personal, experimental project to a full-scale title with broad ambitions.
Beyond the main release, Mundfish has teased new content for the franchise. A short teaser reveals a location that players will explore in upcoming material, offering a glimpse into the expanding world and the kinds of challenges that fans can expect to encounter in future chapters.
When the first game’s expansion was announced, the team stated that Atomic Heart would receive updates aimed at full optimization for portable platforms, including Steam Deck. This move underscores a commitment to accessibility and performance across a range of modern gaming devices, ensuring players can enjoy the title on diverse hardware setups.
The original Atomic Heart debuted on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and both Xbox Series X and S. The release occurred on February 21, 2023, and it introduced a fictional, alternate-history version of the USSR where strange technologies and eerie enigmas drive the narrative. The ongoing plan for the franchise involves expanding the game world and weaving in new story threads that deepen the lore while inviting players to revisit familiar environments with fresh ambitions and discoveries.
As Atomic Heart 2 moves from concept to production, the development team is focusing on enhancing player agency, atmosphere, and replayability. The creators intend to preserve the distinctive visual style and mood that fans appreciated in the original while layering in more complex progression systems, broader environmental interaction, and a broader set of quests and outcomes. The result is expected to be a game that appeals to longtime fans and new players who crave a fusion of action, exploration, and narrative-driven design.
The ongoing dialogue around the sequel also touches on how the team plans to balance retro-futuristic aesthetics with modern gameplay innovations. By leveraging lessons learned from the first release and listening to the community, Mundfish aims to deliver a title that feels both familiar in its core charms and refreshingly new in how it invites players to experiment with combat, stealth, and exploration. This balance will be critical as the team charts the path for Atomic Heart 2’s development, testing mechanics, pacing, and world-building to ensure a compelling progression for the series.
In summary, Atomic Heart 2 is positioned as a broader, more varied experience that keeps the spirit of the original while embracing a wider range of mechanics and story opportunities. With continued updates, future DLCs, and a focus on optimization for popular platforms, the franchise is poised to expand its footprint across PC and consoles alike. Fans can anticipate a carefully crafted sequel that respects the first game’s unique voice while offering new ways to engage with its enigmatic universe, all delivered through a modern lens that resonates with players in North America and beyond.