GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, announcing the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. This next-generation upgrade of the original trilogy, including Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on May 20. Players can look forward to a comprehensive overhaul of each game, featuring enhanced visuals, optimizations tailored for next-gen consoles, and an expanded mod support ecosystem.
GSC Game World is rewarding loyal fans with free access to the Enhanced Edition for those who already own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5. PC players who own the original trilogy will also receive the Enhanced Editions at no additional cost. New buyers of the Enhanced Editions on PC will receive the original versions included. The trilogy is available as a bundle for $39.99 or individually for $19.99 per title.
It's important to note that cross-platform saves between PC and consoles are not supported; your progress will remain exclusive to the platform on which you're playing.
On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players will have a variety of frame-rate options for the Enhanced Edition. These include standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as specialized modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. The latter two options are designed specifically for displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
The console versions of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Edition offer different graphical and performance modes to cater to various preferences:
- 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 exclusive to displays supporting VRR technology.
The visual upgrades across all platforms include:
- Enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination for a more immersive atmosphere.
- Upscaled textures and detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments.
- Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, paired with upgraded skyboxes for a more dynamic world.
- 4K pre-rendered cinematics for dramatic storytelling and improved weapon FOV for better combat visibility.
Console enhancements and new graphic mods for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S include:
- Keyboard & Mouse Support 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 Optimized for on-the-go gaming.
- Steam Workshop Integration for accessing 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, has made significant strides with last year's successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. For more on how this game has impacted the studio amidst the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, click [ttpp].
