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 with the announcement of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. This next-gen upgrade, set to launch on May 20, brings enhanced versions of the beloved trilogy—Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009)—to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S.

Each game in the trilogy has been given a significant overhaul. Players can expect upgraded visuals, optimizations tailored for next-gen consoles, and an expanded mod support system. This means a more immersive and dynamic gaming experience across all platforms.

GSC Game World has sweetened the deal for current owners. If you already own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5, you'll receive the Enhanced Edition for free. On PC, to show appreciation to their loyal fanbase, owners of the original games will also get the Enhanced Editions at no extra cost. New buyers of the Enhanced Editions on PC will receive the original versions included. The entire trilogy can be purchased as a bundle for $39.99, or each title can be bought individually for $19.99.

It's important to note that cross-platform saves are not supported; your progress will remain specific to the platform you're playing on.

On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players can enjoy multiple frame-rate options for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition. Standard modes offer 30 FPS and 60 FPS, while specific modes target 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. These higher frame-rate options are exclusively available for displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.

For console players, different graphical and performance modes are available:

• 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 require a display with VRR technology.

The visual upgrades across all platforms are impressive, featuring:

• 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 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, the Enhanced Edition comes with several notable features:

• Steam Deck Optimized: Enjoy 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 the successful sequel S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, continues to innovate and enhance their iconic series. Learn more about how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has transformed the studio amidst the ongoing challenges in Ukraine here.