The iconic post-apocalyptic shooter series that defined atmospheric FPS gaming is getting a significant visual overhaul. GSC Game World is breathing new life into its classic STALKER trilogy with an extensive remaster that adds modern graphics capabilities while preserving the haunting essence of the Zone.
 |
|---|
| The iconic atmosphere of the STALKER series is visualized through a tense moment in a post-apocalyptic setting |
Enhanced Edition Details
GSC Game World has officially announced the STALKER Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition, set to launch on May 20, 2023. This comprehensive update will bring Shadow of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat into the modern era with substantial visual improvements and quality-of-life features. Most notably, existing owners of these titles on Steam or GOG will receive the enhanced versions completely free of charge, with each remastered game appearing as a separate entry in their game libraries.
Visual Upgrades
The Enhanced Edition remasters introduce significant graphical improvements to the 16-year-old trilogy. Players can expect god rays, dynamic screen-space reflections, global illumination, and new water shaders that dramatically enhance the atmosphere of the Zone. The update also includes upscaled textures, higher polygon count models for environments, characters, and weapons, plus improved skyboxes to create a more immersive experience. These visual enhancements are complemented by full 4K resolution support and compatibility with ultra-wide monitors, bringing the trilogy firmly into modern display standards.
Modern Features
Beyond the visual upgrades, GSC Game World has implemented several contemporary features that improve the gameplay experience. The remasters include adjustable field of view settings, full gamepad support, and a refreshed user interface. Technical improvements include Steam Workshop integration for easier mod installation, cloud save functionality, and FSR upscaling support. Perhaps most importantly for portable gaming enthusiasts, the Enhanced Edition has been optimized for full Steam Deck compatibility, allowing players to explore the Zone on the go.
Pricing and Availability
For newcomers to the series, each enhanced game will be available for USD $19.99 individually, or as a complete bundle priced at USD $39.99. These packages will include both the remastered versions and the original games. The Enhanced Edition will be available across multiple platforms, including Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, expanding the reach of these PC classics.
Technical Requirements
Despite the significant visual improvements, the system requirements remain relatively modest by today's standards. Mid-range GPUs like the GTX 960 or RX 560 can achieve 60fps at 1080p on low settings, while 4K gameplay is recommended with more powerful cards such as the RTX 2080 Ti or Radeon 6800 XT. Storage requirements are also reasonable, with each game needing approximately 10GB of space.
 |
|---|
| Technical requirements for the STALKER trilogy remaster highlight the modest system demands despite significant visual upgrades |
Modding Considerations
One notable drawback for longtime fans is that the enhanced editions won't be compatible with existing mods or save files from the original games. This means the extensive modding community will need to develop new modifications specifically for these versions. However, the addition of Steam Workshop support should streamline the modding process moving forward, and importantly, the original versions of the games will remain accessible for those who prefer their existing modded setups.
Timing and Context
The release of these remasters comes at a strategic time for GSC Game World, as the long-awaited STALKER 2 is set to launch later in 2024. These enhanced editions provide an excellent entry point for newcomers interested in experiencing the series' origins before diving into the new installment, while also giving veterans a reason to revisit the Zone with modern visual fidelity.