The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has reopened its irradiated arms, looking more menacing and feeling more responsive than ever before!
GSC Game World today launches the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This comprehensive overhaul of the iconic survival horror FPS classics – Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009) – brings upgraded visuals, significant console optimisations, and, crucially, expanded mod support, to the games that dropped just a few short months back.
The trilogy is available as a bundle for £33.50, or you can purchase the games individually if preferred.
Return to the Zone: What’s Been Enhanced?
This isn’t just a simple port; GSC Game World has delved deep to modernise these legendary titles:
- Across all platforms, expect a significant Visual Overhaul. This includes enhanced lighting featuring godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination for a more immersive and oppressive atmosphere.
- Textures have been upscaled, and 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments boast greater detail. Advanced shaders bring new life to water and wetness effects, paired with upgraded skyboxes for a more dynamic and haunting world.
- Storytelling is enhanced with 4K pre-rendered cinematics, and combat benefits from an improved weapon FOV for better visibility.
For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players, the enhancements go further. Multiple graphics modes are available:
- Xbox Series X, PS5, PS5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), and an Ultra Performance mode (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
- Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), and Performance (1080p/60 FPS). Console players also gain Keyboard & Mouse Support for a tailored experience. Perhaps most excitingly, Mod.io integration arrives, allowing players to create and share mods across PC and consoles – a huge boon for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community!
- PC players also see benefits, including full Steam Deck Optimization, Steam Workshop integration for the vast library of existing mods, Cloud Saves, and comprehensive Gamepad Support.
The Unforgettable S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Experience
For those new to the Zone, this trilogy offers a unique blend of open-world survival, FPS combat, and dark science fiction. You’ll investigate the Zone’s origins, take on the roles of legendary stalkers, and forge paths with different outcomes based on your actions.
Test your gumption navigating radioactive debris and reality-bending anomalies, engage in intense gunfights, and search for answers in sinister catacombs filled with starved mutants.
And be sure to traverse vast locations saturated with an oppressive Eastern European atmosphere, many referenced from the real-life Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Perhaps you have recently played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl? If so, diving into these feels a no-brainer.
Free Upgrades
GSC Game World is rewarding its loyal fanbase. Players who already 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.
Similarly, on PC, owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will get the Enhanced Editions of those titles for free. As a bonus, new buyers of the Enhanced Editions on PC will also receive the original classic versions.
Our Previous Forays into the Zone: A Look Back
We have braved the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone before, reviewing the Xbox Series X|S releases of the trilogy in 2024:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl received a 4/5 score, where we said, “For fans of the Metro and Fallout series, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl is very much in the same vein. But it also isn’t for the faint of heart…“
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky earned a 3.5/5, noted as “an expansion rather than a full prequel, but it is one that fans will enjoy nonetheless.“
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Prypiat was our favourite, scoring a 4/5. We concluded, “S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Prypiat is the best game in the Legends of the Zone Trilogy, and really feels like a true STALKER experience. The atmosphere is excellent, delivering a desolate and dangerous environment.“
With these new enhancements, the experience is set to be even more immersive.
Key Enhancements to Brave
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition brings significant visual upgrades across all platforms, including enhanced lighting, upscaled textures, and 4K cinematics.
Console players benefit from multiple performance modes (up to 120 FPS), keyboard & mouse support, and groundbreaking cross-platform mod support via Mod.io. PC players get Steam Deck optimisation and Workshop integration.
The Zone Awaits Your Return (or First Visit)
Whether you’re a seasoned Stalker or a rookie looking to experience these legendary titles for the first time, the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition offers the most complete and modern way to explore Chornobyl’s haunting mysteries.
With free upgrades for many existing owners and the exciting addition of console mod support, there’s never been a better time to answer the Zone’s call. It’s available today in Enhanced form via the likes of the Xbox Store.
Watch the new trailer too…
Finally!