GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series with the announcement of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. This next-gen upgrade is set to bring the beloved original trilogy, including Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), to new heights on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, with a release date of May 20.
The Enhanced Edition promises a comprehensive overhaul for each game, featuring upgraded visuals, optimizations for next-gen consoles, and enhanced mod support. This means players can expect a more immersive experience with improved graphics and smoother gameplay across all platforms.
For those already owning the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5, GSC Game World has a treat: you'll receive the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games at no additional cost. PC players aren't left out either; owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will get the Enhanced Editions for free, and those purchasing the Enhanced Editions will also receive the original versions. The trilogy is available as a bundle for $39.99 or individually at $19.99 per title.
It's important to note that cross-platform saves between PC and consoles are not supported, so your progress will be platform-specific.
On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players can choose from multiple frame-rate options for the Enhanced Edition. These include standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as specific modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS, which are available only on displays supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
The console versions of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Edition offer different graphical and performance modes, including Quality Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance modes. Here's how they break down:
- Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
- Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).
Both the Quality Balanced mode and the Ultra Performance mode are exclusively available when using a display that supports VRR technology.
Visual upgrades across all platforms include enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, upscaled textures and detailed 3D models, advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, upgraded skyboxes, 4K pre-rendered cinematics, and improved weapon FOV for better combat visibility.
Console-specific enhancements and new graphic mods for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S include:
- Keyboard & Mouse Support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience.
- Mod.io Integration, allowing players to create and share mods across PC and consoles via mod.io.
For PC players, the Enhanced Edition offers:
- Steam Deck Optimization for on-the-go gaming.
- Steam Workshop Integration for easy access to a vast library of user-generated mods.
- Cloud Saves for seamless progress backup across devices.
- Gamepad Support for a console-like experience on PC.
GSC Game World, the Kyiv, Ukraine-based developer behind last year's successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, continues to push the boundaries of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe with these enhancements. For more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has impacted the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, you can read further details here.
