S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy Enhanced Edition: Next-Gen Upgrade Unveiled

GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series: the announcement of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. This next-generation upgrade of the iconic trilogy is set to launch on May 20 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. The trilogy includes revamped versions of Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), each with significant enhancements.

Players can anticipate a comprehensive overhaul with improved visuals, optimizations for next-gen consoles, and expanded mod support. 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, the Enhanced Edition will be available at no extra cost. PC gamers who own the original versions will also receive the Enhanced Editions for free as a gesture of appreciation from GSC Game World. New buyers of the Enhanced Editions on PC will receive the original games included. The trilogy can be purchased as a bundle for $39.99 or individually for $19.99 per title.

It's important to note that cross-platform saves are not supported, meaning your progress will remain exclusive to the platform on which you're playing. Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S will benefit from multiple frame-rate options, including standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as specialized modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. However, the 40 FPS and 120 FPS options require displays with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.

The Enhanced Edition on consoles introduces various graphical and performance modes such as Quality Balanced mode, Performance mode, and Ultra Performance mode. 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 with VRR-compatible displays.

Visual upgrades across all platforms include enhanced lighting with features like godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, upscaled textures, and more detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments. Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, along with upgraded skyboxes, contribute to a more dynamic world. Additionally, 4K pre-rendered cinematics enhance storytelling, and improved weapon FOV increases combat visibility.

Console-specific enhancements include:

• Keyboard & Mouse Support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience.
• Integration with mod.io, allowing players to create and share mods across PC and consoles.

For PC players, the Enhanced Edition offers several features:

• Steam Deck optimization for portable gaming.
• Integration with Steam Workshop for easy access to a wide range of user-generated mods.
• Cloud Saves for seamless progress backup across devices.
• Full 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 innovate and enhance their beloved franchise. For more details on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has impacted the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, you can read more here.