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

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, a next-generation upgrade of the original trilogy set to release on May 20 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. This enhanced collection includes upgraded versions of Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), featuring overhauled visuals, optimized performance for next-gen consoles, and enhanced mod support.

GSC Game World has generously stated that players who already own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5 will receive the Enhanced Edition upgrades for the corresponding games at no additional cost. For PC users, in a move to appreciate their loyal fanbase, owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will also receive the Enhanced Editions for free. Additionally, those who purchase the Enhanced Editions will receive the original versions as part of the package. The trilogy is available as a bundle for $39.99, or individual titles can be purchased for $19.99 each.

It's important to note that cross-platform saves between PC and consoles are not supported, meaning your game progress will remain exclusive to the platform on which you are playing.

For players on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition offers multiple frame-rate options, including standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, and more advanced options targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. These higher frame rates are available only on displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology. Console players can also choose from various graphical and performance modes, including Quality Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance modes.

Here's a breakdown of the graphical and performance modes available on different consoles:

• 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 and Ultra Performance modes are exclusive to displays that support VRR technology.

The visual upgrades for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition 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-specific enhancements and new graphic mods for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S include:

• Keyboard & Mouse Support: Available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience.
• Mod.io Integration: Create and share mods across PC and consoles via mod.io (https://mod.io/).

For PC players, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition offers several notable features:

• Steam Deck Optimized: Play the trilogy on the go with full Steam Deck compatibility.
• Steam Workshop Integration: Access a vast library of user-generated mods.
• Cloud Saves: Seamless progress backup across devices.
• Gamepad Support: Full controller compatibility 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 support their community. For more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has influenced the studio amidst the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, you can read more here.