Recommendations to go along with the s.t.a.l.k.e.r. series?

[Dany_the_penguin]

After beating call of pripyat, getting far enough to the end section of shadow of chernobyl (at least enough to say I didn't want to keep playing), and giving clear sky some reluctant looks, I'm now in search of another game or game franchise that can replicate the s.t.a.l.k.e.r. series' bizarre immersion mixed with hard/borderline unfair difficulty. People have recommended me the metro games but I'm compiling a bit of a list of what to search for.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

There's the rub: There's nothing that really compares. (I found Metro to be disappointing in comparison.) Some hold Desolate up as a similar experience, but I was also disappointed by that; Chernobylite could be a contender. And I'll give an opinion on Atomic Heart right after I figure out just what the hell it actually is.

 

[Dany_the_penguin]

Atomic heart seems to have changed quite a bit, now looking like another immersive sim of the deus ex and system shock 2 variety

 

[wings012]

Metro gives some similar atmospheric vibes in places, but is fundamentally a very different game. It's a much more linear experience, nowhere near as bad as the likes of something like COD granted. But it's a far cry from the open world nature of Stalker. There's very clearly defined areas and levels that you progress through, even if you have relative freedom to handle your encounters and approach. I really enjoyed all the Metro games, but it definitely does not scratch the same itch.

Survarium was made by ex-GSC employees, but it's been in early access for ages and is an online f2p shooter. And has rather mixed Steam reviews. It's probably not quite Stalker due to its online multiplayer nature. I haven't checked it out myself but it is free to play....

Chernobylite seems like another attempt at a Stalker-esque game. Also still in Early Access. Also haven't played it myself, but the Steam reviews are positive.