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If there is one set of PC-centric titles that I wanted to get into early on, it has to be GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. Starting in 2007 with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, the series focuses sci-fi-ish take on the Chornobyl disaster, the exclusionary zone, and the surrounding area of Pripyat/Prypiat, with the series spawning two further sequels. None of them hit consoles until last year. It was also announced yesterday that the first three games are to get enhanced editions next week. This is what the press release has to say:

“GSC Game World is thrilled to announce that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition will launch on May 20, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. he iconic trilogy, comprising Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), receives an overhaul with upgraded visuals, next-gen console optimizations, and expanded mod support.” The announcement comes alongside a new trailer showcasing the enhancements, and the press release goes on to list the improvements with these Enhanced Editions.

From enhanced lighting, screen-space reflections, and general enhancements in lighting and reflections, interestingly, “Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects,” and better skyboxes. Upscaled textures for NPCs, weapons, and overall environments. As well as 4K cinematics and “improved weapon FOV for better combat visibility.” All of these improvements are to all platforms, according to the press release, with further improvements based on the platform.

For the Xbox Series X and PS5/PS5 Pro, the following modes and parameters are the expected performance specs: “Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).” While Xbox Series S users will see the following performance: “Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).“ So that’s not a great look for consoles. However, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users will receive support for keyboard and mouse, as well as Mod.io integration, which allows you to have mods too.

PC players get a slightly better deal with Steam Deck Optimization, Steam Workshop integration, cloud saves, and controller support. That says nothing of the performance, which presumably will be a lot more detailed for PC, hopefully.

The press release goes on to note, “Players who own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X/S or PS5 will receive the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games for free. As for PC, to thank our loyal fans, owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games get the Enhanced Editions free, and buyers of the Enhanced Editions receive the original versions included.“

The trilogy will be available next week for $39.99 as a bundle, or you can buy each separately (for whatever reason) for $19.99. Of course, regional equivalents are variable, but the team notes, “Our goal is to ensure consistent availability and fair pricing across all platforms, though prices may vary slightly in some regions to reflect local market conditions.“

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition will be available next week on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and GOG from the 20th of May.

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