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

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, a next-generation upgrade set to launch on May 20 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. This enhanced version revives the beloved trilogy, including Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), with a comprehensive overhaul.

Each game in the trilogy will feature upgraded visuals, optimized performance for next-gen consoles, and enhanced mod support, ensuring a fresh and thrilling experience for both new players and long-time fans. GSC Game World is keen on rewarding its loyal community; owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games on Xbox Series X and S or PS5 will receive the Enhanced Edition for free. Similarly, PC players who own the original trilogy will also get the Enhanced Editions at no extra cost, with buyers of the new editions receiving the classics included. The trilogy is available 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, so your progress will remain tied to the platform on which you're playing. For those on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, multiple frame-rate options are available, ranging from standard 30 FPS and 60 FPS modes to advanced settings targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS, provided your display supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.

Console players can enjoy different graphical and performance modes, including Quality, Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance. For Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Pro, options include native 4K/30 FPS, upscaled 4K/40 FPS, upscaled 4K/60 FPS, and upscaled 2K/120 FPS. Meanwhile, Xbox Series S offers native 2K/30 FPS, upscaled 2K/40 FPS, and 1080p/60 FPS. Both the Balanced and Ultra Performance modes require a VRR-capable display.

The visual upgrades across all platforms are impressive, featuring enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination, alongside upscaled textures, detailed 3D models, advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, upgraded skyboxes, 4K pre-rendered cinematics, and improved weapon field of view for better combat visibility.

Console enhancements are equally robust, with keyboard and mouse support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and the integration of mod.io for creating and sharing mods across PC and consoles. For PC players, additional features include Steam Deck optimization for on-the-go gaming, Steam Workshop integration for accessing a vast library of mods, cloud saves for seamless progress backup, and full gamepad support for a console-like experience.

GSC Game World, based in Kyiv, Ukraine, continues to innovate following the success of last year's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Their commitment to enhancing the gaming experience, even amidst challenging circumstances, underscores their dedication to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community.