S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition brings back the first three games with graphical improvements and modernizations.
Stalker 2 has already been released and is set to receive a new patch soon, but now developer GSC Game World is giving fans a reason to return to its predecessors. The just announced Stalker Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition
(yes, that’s the official title) is a remaster of the first three Stalker games, namely Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat.
What’s in it?
The term “remaster” can mean many things, as demonstrated by the re-release of Oblivion, which looks almost like a new game. However, the Enhanced Edition of Stalker seems to be a little more modest. There are graphical improvements, but it’s more about making the games compatible with modern PCs and consoles. First images show no major differences from the originals:
However, the announcement also includes a comprehensive list of new features and improvements that will be included in the Enhanced Edition:
Graphics
- Lighting and reflections: God rays, screen-space reflections, and global illumination will create atmospheric lighting.
- Textures and models: Upscaled textures and more detailed models for NPCs, weapons, and environment objects
- Shaders and effects: Improved rendering of water and wetness and a revamped skybox.
- Cutscenes and FOV: Cutscenes are now in 4K, and weapon FOV has been improved.
PC
- Steam Deck verification
- Steam Workshop integration
- Gamepad support for PC
Consoles
- New quality modes: Native 4K mode, Balance mode, 60 FPS mode, and Ultra Performance mode for 120 FPS.
- Additional quality modes with graphics presets for Xbox
- Keyboard and mouse support
- Mod integration via Mod.io
Players won’t have to wait much longer for the remaster. The Enhanced Edition will be released on May 20, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
If you want to play Stalker 2 again in the meantime, our review linked above will tell you what has improved since its release. We also summarize the new features announced in the roadmap in our news section.
