GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, announcing the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. Set to launch on May 20, this next-generation upgrade will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. The enhanced edition includes upgraded versions of the classic titles: Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009). Players can look forward to overhauled visuals, optimized performance for next-gen consoles, and an expanded modding community.
GSC Game World has shown appreciation for its dedicated fanbase by offering the Enhanced Edition for free to current owners of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5. For PC enthusiasts, those who already own the original games will receive the Enhanced Editions at no extra cost. New buyers of the Enhanced Editions will also get the original versions included. The trilogy can be purchased as a bundle for $39.99 or individually for $19.99 per title.
While cross-platform saves won't be supported, ensuring that your progress remains specific to your chosen platform, the console versions of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition promise versatile frame-rate options. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S will have access to standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, as well as specialized modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS, available only on displays with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
On consoles, players can choose from different graphical and performance modes to suit their preferences: Quality mode, 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).
Note that both the Quality Balanced mode and the Ultra Performance mode are exclusive to displays supporting VRR technology.
The visual upgrades across all platforms include enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, upscaled textures, detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments, advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, upgraded skyboxes, 4K pre-rendered cinematics, and improved weapon field of view for better combat visibility.
Console players will also benefit from enhancements such as keyboard and mouse support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and mod.io integration for creating and sharing mods across PC and consoles.
For PC players, the Enhanced Edition comes with several tailored 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.
Developed by GSC Game World, the Kyiv, Ukraine-based studio behind last year's successful S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, this enhanced trilogy promises to bring the chilling and immersive world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to a new generation of gamers.
