A new special enhanced edition of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy is coming, complete with Steam Deck compatibility
The rumors have been swirling, and now it’s official: GSC Game World is bringing us back to the hauntingly beautiful and relentlessly dangerous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition, launching on May 20, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Yes, you read that right – all three classic titles, Shadow of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Prypiat, are getting a significant facelift and are heading to consoles!
For those of us who’ve braved the anomalies and faced down bloodsuckers in the past, this is fantastic news. But for newcomers curious about the legendary series that blends gritty survival, intense FPS action, and a truly unique atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. gets a visual overhaul
This isn’t just a simple port. GSC Game World is clearly putting in the work to bring these beloved games to modern standards. Prepare your eyes for:
- A Stunning Visual Upgrade: Think enhanced lighting with atmospheric godrays, realistic screen space reflections, and immersive global illumination. Textures are getting a bump in resolution, and character models, weapons, and the environments themselves will boast more detail. Even the water and wetness effects are being revamped, alongside upgraded skyboxes to make the Zone feel even more dynamic. And for those crucial story moments? Expect crisper 4K pre-rendered cinematics. Finally, a wider weapon FOV should give us a better edge in those tense firefights.
- Console Players, Rejoice! Tailored for Your Hardware: It’s fantastic to see the level of optimization planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. We’re talking multiple graphics modes, including options for native and upscaled 4K at various frame rates, all the way up to a blistering 120 FPS at 2K on the top-tier consoles! Even Xbox Series S owners get some love with optimized modes. Plus, for those who prefer a more PC-like experience, keyboard and mouse support is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S!
- Mod Support is GO! This is huge news for the longevity of the trilogy. Through Mod.io integration, players on both PC and consoles will be able to create and share mods. Imagine the possibilities!
Let’s take a look:
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy is Steam Deck Verified!
Of course, our PC stalkers are also being treated well:
- Steam Deck Verified: Take the Zone on the go! Full Steam Deck compatibility means you can experience the horrors and wonders of Chornobyl wherever you are.
- Steam Workshop Integration: A familiar and robust platform for accessing a massive library of community-created mods.
- Seamless Progression: Cloud saves ensure your hard-earned progress is backed up across your devices.
- Controller Support: If you prefer a gamepad on your PC, you’re covered.
GSC Game World is showing some serious love to their loyal fanbase. If you already own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X/S or PS5, you’ll receive the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games for free! Similarly, PC owners of the original titles will get the Enhanced Editions gratis, and new buyers of the Enhanced Editions will also get the original versions included. That’s a fantastic way to say thank you!
How much is the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy Enhanced Edition?
The trilogy bundle will be available for $39.99 USD, or you can grab individual titles for $19.99 USD. GSC Game World is aiming for consistent and fair pricing across all platforms, though some regional variations might occur. You can keep an eye on things on the Official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. website
It’s also important to remember the ongoing situation in Ukraine. GSC Game World, based in Kyiv, continues to be dedicated to supporting their homeland and encourages those who can to visit the official charity fund of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: United24.
May 20, 2025, can’t come soon enough! This enhanced collection promises to be the definitive way to experience the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer. The upgraded visuals, console optimizations, and the exciting addition of mod support across platforms make this a must-have.
What are you most excited about in this Enhanced Edition? Let us know in the comments below!
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