GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the 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-generation upgrade, set to launch on May 20 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, brings a fresh experience to the classic trilogy, comprising Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009). Each game will undergo a significant overhaul, featuring enhanced visuals, optimizations for next-gen consoles, and broader support for mods, ensuring a more immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.
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 generous offer: you'll receive the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games at no additional cost. PC gamers aren't left out either; as a token of appreciation, owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will get the Enhanced Editions for free. New buyers of the Enhanced Editions on PC will also receive the original versions included in their purchase. 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 won't be supported, meaning your progress will stay on the platform you're playing on. On the console side, players on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S will enjoy a variety of frame-rate options for the Enhanced Edition. These include standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as exclusive modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS, available only on displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
The console version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Edition will feature different graphical and performance modes, including Quality, Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance. Specifically, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Pro will offer:
- Quality mode at native 4K/30 FPS
- Balanced mode at upscaled 4K/40 FPS
- Performance mode at upscaled 4K/60 FPS
- Ultra Performance mode at upscaled 2K/120 FPS
Meanwhile, Xbox Series S users will enjoy:
- Quality mode at native 2K/30 FPS
- Balanced mode at upscaled 2K/40 FPS
- Performance mode at 1080p/60 FPS
Both the Balanced and Ultra Performance modes are exclusively available with VRR-compatible displays.
Visual upgrades across all platforms include enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, upscaled textures, and detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments. Players will also benefit from advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, upgraded skyboxes, 4K pre-rendered cinematics, and an improved weapon field of view for enhanced combat visibility.
Console-specific enhancements for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S include keyboard and mouse support, offering a more tailored gaming experience. Additionally, the integration of mod.io (https://mod.io/) allows players to create and share mods across PC and consoles, expanding the game's community-driven content.
For PC players, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition offers several notable features, including optimization for Steam Deck, allowing for on-the-go gameplay. The integration with Steam Workshop provides access to a vast library of user-generated mods, while cloud saves ensure seamless progress backup across devices. Full gamepad support also means players can enjoy a console-like experience on their PCs.
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 innovate and push the boundaries of gaming, even amidst challenging times. For more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has impacted the studio, read here.
