Who doesn’t love a good Easter egg in video games? They’re those cheeky little winks from developers that make you go, “Wait, did they really just do that?” STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the long-awaited sequel to the post-apocalyptic classic, just dropped one for the ages—a nod to Genshin Impact’s osmanthus wine meme featuring none other than Zhongli. Yeah, you read that right. The same stoic Archon we all know and love has found a new (and slightly grittier) home in Chornobyl.
The Easter Egg Breakdown
Stalker 2 has a Zhongli reference!
byu/CorruptedY inGenshin_Impact
So, what’s the deal? Early explorers of STALKER 2 discovered a trader NPC named Bobber hanging out in the Zaton region’s Shevchenko area. While Bobber is your typical in-game merchant, selling items like vodka (a Zone essential, apparently), it’s his dialogue that got people buzzing.
Bobber casually drops this gem:
“Cossack vodka tastes the same as I remember… but where are those who share the memory?”
Back in Genshin Impact’s early days, this line was memed into oblivion because, let’s be honest, Zhongli couldn’t seem to stop saying it. It’s now a staple of Genshin’s meme culture, and STALKER 2 has immortalized it in a way that’s both unexpected and absolutely brilliant.
Vodka vs. Osmanthus Wine
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how perfectly this works. Vodka is practically a cultural icon in the world of STALKER, so it’s only fitting that it replaces Zhongli’s refined osmanthus wine in this homage. It’s like Zhongli got tired of his fancy wine and decided to embrace the gritty life of a Zone survivor. Imagine him sitting by a radioactive campfire, sipping vodka, and reminiscing about the good old days.
This isn’t just a random throwaway line, though. It’s a testament to how interconnected gaming culture has become. Developers are acknowledging the impact of memes and shared moments across wildly different games, and honestly? It’s awesome.
The Internet Reacts
The gaming community wasted no time reacting to this find. A Reddit user, CorruptedY, was among the first to share a screenshot of Bobber’s line, and the post blew up. Genshin Impact fans flooded the comments, joking about Zhongli’s unexpected career change.
One fan quipped, “Zhongli’s Archon powers ran out, so he had to take up trading in the Zone.” Another chimed in, “Osmanthus wine couldn’t survive the apocalypse, so he settled for vodka. Respect.”
Meanwhile, STALKER fans appreciated how seamlessly the reference fit into the game’s world. It’s not every day you see a crossover that feels this organic.
A Decade in the Making
STALKER 2 has been in development for over a decade, and its release on November 20 was met with both excitement and high expectations. The game has delivered on its promise of a sprawling, immersive world filled with danger, mystery, and—clearly—plenty of humor.
This isn’t the only Easter egg STALKER 2 has tucked away. Fans have also spotted nods to Harry Potter, Call of Duty, and even the original STALKER game from 2007. It’s like the developers decided to pack as many love letters to gaming culture as they could into this radioactive sandbox.
Why It Matters
Sure, Easter eggs are fun, but they’re also a way for developers to connect with players on a deeper level. By including a reference like this, STALKER 2’s creators are not just acknowledging Genshin Impact’s massive cultural footprint—they’re celebrating the shared experiences that bring gamers together.
It’s a reminder that even in vastly different gaming worlds, there’s room for a little humor, a little nostalgia, and a lot of vodka.
Looking Ahead
As players continue to explore STALKER 2’s sprawling map, there’s no doubt more hidden gems are waiting to be uncovered. The game’s developers have already rolled out patches to address bugs and glitches, ensuring smoother gameplay for those diving into the Zone.
And who knows? Maybe there are even more nods to Genshin Impact—or other beloved franchises—waiting to be found.
Wrapping It Up
STALKER 2’s Zhongli Easter egg is the perfect blend of humor and homage. It’s a little surprise that bridges two vastly different gaming experiences, reminding us why we love this medium in the first place.
So, what’s your take? Have you stumbled across this Easter egg in your own STALKER 2 adventures? Or maybe you’ve found another hidden gem that’s worth shouting about? Drop your thoughts below—because let’s face it, gaming’s all about sharing the memories.