GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. They've announced the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition, set to launch on May 20 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. This enhanced edition breathes new life into the beloved trilogy, including Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), with significant upgrades across the board.
Each game in the trilogy will receive a comprehensive overhaul, featuring upgraded visuals, optimizations for next-gen consoles, and expanded mod support. GSC Game World has promised a visually stunning experience with enhanced lighting, godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination to immerse players deeper into the haunting world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. You'll also notice upscaled textures and more detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments. The dynamic world comes alive with advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, paired with upgraded skyboxes. For a cinematic touch, the trilogy boasts 4K pre-rendered cinematics and an improved weapon field of view for better combat visibility.
For console players, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition brings a range of graphical and performance modes. On Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Pro, you can choose from Quality mode (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced mode (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance mode (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), and Ultra Performance mode (upscaled 2K/120 FPS). Xbox Series S users will enjoy Quality mode (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced mode (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), and Performance mode (1080p/60 FPS). Both the Balanced and Ultra Performance modes are available exclusively on displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
Console enhancements also include keyboard and mouse support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, allowing for a more tailored gaming experience. Additionally, the integration of mod.io (https://mod.io/) enables players to create and share mods across PC and consoles, fostering a vibrant modding community.
PC players are in for a treat with features like Steam Deck optimization, ensuring you can take the trilogy on the go with full compatibility. The Steam Workshop integration provides access to a vast library of user-generated mods, while cloud saves ensure seamless progress backup across devices. Gamepad support rounds out the PC experience, offering a console-like feel.
GSC Game World is showing appreciation to its loyal fanbase. Owners of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5 will automatically receive the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games for free. On PC, owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will get the Enhanced Editions at no extra cost, and buyers of the Enhanced Editions will receive the original versions included. The trilogy is available as a bundle for $39.99 or individually at $19.99 per title.
It's worth noting that cross-platform saves are not supported, meaning your saved data will remain specific to the platform you're playing on.
GSC Game World, based in Kyiv, Ukraine, is the creative force behind last year's successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The studio continues to push boundaries despite the challenges they face amidst the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
