STALKER 2 Features a Hilarious Harry Potter Easter Egg

Discovering hidden Easter eggs in video games is always a treat, and one player of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl has uncovered an exciting nod to the world of Harry Potter. The player shared their find with the gaming community, unveiling a clever homage nestled within the game. Easter eggs like these are not just added fun; they’re nods to iconic elements across the pop culture spectrum, showing how even unrelated universes like STALKER 2 and Harry Potter can intersect in surprising ways.

After more than a decade of development challenges, STALKER 2 finally hit the shelves in November 2024. As the latest entry in GSC Game World’s franchise, following 2009’s Call of Pripyat, this first-person survival horror game invites players into its immersive world with cutting-edge graphics and a story that branches into multiple endings. Before diving deep into the game, players are encouraged to tackle some initial missions to set the stage for the expansive adventure awaiting them.

In a Twitter post by user xGarbett, the community was treated to a screenshot from STALKER 2 that shows a player highlighting an anomaly in the foreground. Suspended between the branches of a barren tree is a car that, for Harry Potter fans, is instantly recognizable. It’s a clear homage to the Ford Anglia 105E, famously seen flying (and stuck) in the Whomping Willow during “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” This clever nod to Chris Columbus’ 2002 film adaptation showcases STALKER 2’s appreciation for influential works in popular media.

While Hogwarts Legacy is known for its numerous nods to the wizarding world, STALKER 2 appears to have only this single magical reference. But the same player who found this Easter egg also unearthed others, including nods to Dark Souls and Call of Duty 4. Among these discoveries is a particularly notable reference to Dark Souls: a lonely campfire near water, reminiscent of the Bonfire, which serves as a rest spot for the Chosen Undead in FromSoftware’s famous game.

For Harry Potter enthusiasts, the franchise’s new projects, including a sequel from Avalanche Software and a live-action TV reboot, are hotly anticipated. While future Harry Potter content always carries the expectation of living up to the timeless charm of the original films, it’s intriguing to see how STALKER 2 has incorporated this cultural phenomenon into its own universe, acknowledging its enduring impact and popularity within the world of gaming.