GSC Game World has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series with the announcement of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. This highly anticipated next-gen upgrade is set to launch on May 20, bringing the beloved trilogy to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S with a host of improvements.

The Enhanced Edition includes revamped versions of the original trilogy: Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009). Each game in the trilogy will receive significant enhancements, including upgraded visuals, optimizations tailored for next-gen consoles, and expanded mod support to enhance your gaming experience.

For console players on Xbox Series X and S or PS5, if you already own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy, you'll receive the Enhanced Editions of the games at no additional cost. PC gamers are in for a treat as well; those who own the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will get the Enhanced Editions for free, and buyers of the Enhanced Editions will receive the original versions included. The trilogy bundle is priced at $39.99, while individual titles are available for $19.99 each.

It's important to note that cross-platform saves are not supported, meaning your progress will be tied to the specific platform you're playing on.

On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players can enjoy multiple frame-rate options for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition. You'll have standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, and for those with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) capable displays, there are also options targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS.

The console versions feature various graphical and performance modes, including Quality, Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance modes. Here's how they break down:

• Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
• Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).

Both the Balanced and Ultra Performance modes are exclusive to displays that support VRR technology.

The visual upgrades across all platforms are impressive, featuring:

• Enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination for a more immersive atmosphere.
• Upscaled textures and detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments.
• Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, paired with upgraded skyboxes for a more dynamic world.
• 4K pre-rendered cinematics for dramatic storytelling and improved weapon FOV for better combat visibility.

Console-specific enhancements include:

• Keyboard & Mouse Support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience.
• Mod.io Integration, allowing you to create and share mods across PC and consoles via mod.io (https://mod.io/).

For PC gamers, the Enhanced Edition offers additional features:

• Steam Deck Optimized, allowing you to play the trilogy on the go with full Steam Deck compatibility.
• Steam Workshop Integration, giving you access to a vast library of user-generated mods.
• Cloud Saves for seamless progress backup across devices.
• Gamepad Support, ensuring full controller compatibility for a console-like experience on PC.

GSC Game World, the Kyiv, Ukraine-based developer, is behind the successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, released last year. For more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has impacted the studio amid the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, you can read further here.