- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
- Right-click on your audio device and select Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- If updates are found, install them and reboot your PC.
If automatic updates don’t work, visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest audio driver manually.
4. Reinstall Audio Drivers
Possibly, the audio driver on your computer has been corrupted or missing for some unexpected reason. Now, if you’re also feeling the same, make sure to reinstall audio drivers on the PC by following the steps below:
- Press the Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
- Now, click on Device Manager to open it > Double-click on Sound, video, and Game controllers.
- Right-click on the active or problematic audio device > Select Uninstall device.
- Click on Uninstall again to confirm the task > Wait for the process to be completed.
- Once done, make sure to restart your computer to apply changes.
- After the reboot, the Windows system will automatically reinstall the missing audio driver or audio device (if connected).
However, if the system doesn’t automatically install it, note down the computer or motherboard model number and directly visit the official manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest audio driver.
5. Remove Stalker 2 Config
It would be best if you tried removing the Stalker 2 Config file on your PC to check for the issue and whether it has been fixed. To do so:
- Head over to File Explorer (This PC) > Go to the C: drive (where you’ve installed the game).
- Now, go to the specific directory – username\documents\Stalker 2\settings and delete the Stalker 2 config file.
- Once done, reboot your PC to apply changes.
6. Check Wires of the Audio Output
Ensure that your audio output device is correctly connected:
- Verify that the cables are securely plugged into the correct ports.
- For wireless devices, check the Bluetooth connection or dongle.
- Test different ports to rule out hardware-related issues.
7. Disconnect Other Peripherals
Sometimes, other connected peripherals can conflict with your audio setup. Disconnect any non-essential devices such as additional USB hubs, controllers, or headphones, and test the audio again.
8. Test Out Other Speakers or Headsets
Make sure to test out other speakers or headsets with your computer while playing the Stalker 2 game to check for an issue with your existing speaker or headset.
9. Power Cycle your PC
Sometimes, when performing a power cycle, your PC can fix multiple issues with the game. To do so:
- Make sure to power off the PC and unplug the power cable.
- Wait for around a minute and then power on the computer to check for the issue.
10. Turn Off Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound
If your desktop or laptop has the Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound feature, then make sure to disable it by following the steps below:
- Click on the Start menu > Go to Settings > Click on System.
- Now, click on Sound > Select Related settings.
- Go to Sound Control Panel and select a playback device.
- Next, select Properties > Select Spatial sound.
- In the Spatial Sound format, select Windows Sonic for Headphones.
- Finally, select Apply and reboot the PC to change effects.
11. Reset BIOS
If resetting the overclock feature doesn’t work, try resetting the BIOS/UEFI menu as well. Using the same process, boot into the BIOS/UEFI menu. Then, find the BIOS Settings Reset or Default BIOS Setup and select it to confirm. Once done, restart your PC.
12. Update BIOS
Plenty of shortcuts and in-depth tutorials are available online to safely update your Windows system BIOS/UEFI according to your motherboard brand without any issue. Like the Windows update, the BIOS update is also useful and necessary to fix many crashes or errors.
Conclusion
Audio issues in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 can significantly detract from its immersive experience, but the steps above should help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Whether it’s verifying game files, updating drivers, or tweaking audio settings, each solution is designed to address specific causes of audio issues. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 support for further assistance. Let us know in the comments if these steps worked for you or if you have other tips to share!
