GSC Game World has announced the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition, a next-generation upgrade of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy. This enhanced version, set to launch on May 20, will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. The trilogy includes revamped editions of Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), each receiving significant visual enhancements, optimizations for next-gen consoles, and broader mod support.
GSC Game World has generously announced 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 Editions of these games at no additional cost. For PC gamers, GSC is expressing gratitude to their loyal fanbase by offering the Enhanced Editions for free to those who own the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games. Additionally, buyers of the Enhanced Editions will receive the original versions included. The trilogy is available for purchase as a bundle for $39.99 or individually at $19.99 per title.
It's important to note that cross-platform saves are not supported, meaning your progress will be exclusive to the platform on which you're playing. On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players will benefit from multiple frame-rate options for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. These options include standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as specific modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS, which are exclusively available on displays supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
The console versions of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Edition offer various graphical and performance modes, including a Quality Balanced mode, a Performance mode, and an Ultra Performance mode. Here's a breakdown:
- 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 on displays that support VRR technology.
Visual upgrades across all platforms include enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, contributing to a more immersive atmosphere. Other enhancements include upscaled textures and detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments, advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, upgraded skyboxes for a more dynamic world, 4K pre-rendered cinematics for dramatic storytelling, and improved weapon field of view for better combat visibility.
Console-specific enhancements and new graphic mods for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and S include:
- 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).
- 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 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition offers additional 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, is renowned for last year's successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The studio continues to innovate and enhance their gaming legacy amid challenging circumstances.
