In a delightful turn of events, GSC Game World has unveiled plans to breathe new life into the classic Stalker series. The studio, known for its immersive storytelling and atmospheric gameplay, has announced that the original Stalker titles—Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat—will receive a “next-gen patch” on consoles in 2025. This news, shared via an encyclical on X, affectionately dubbed “The Everything App,” has sparked excitement among fans of the franchise.
Exciting Updates for PC Gamers
While console gamers may be the initial focus, GSC has acknowledged the fervent requests from the PC community, stating, “We know you’ve asked us to update the PC versions of the original Stalker games, and we also plan to do that.” This promise, albeit light on specifics, hints at the potential for enhancements that could elevate the gaming experience.
Speculation abounds regarding what these updates might entail. Many anticipate that the improvements will mirror those of the console ports, possibly introducing:
- Higher-resolution cutscenes
- Enhanced visuals and performance
- Controller support
While the idea of controller support may raise eyebrows among long-time Stalker enthusiasts, the allure of playing on a larger screen or a Steam Deck is hard to resist for many gamers. Additionally, the prospect of achievements on Steam could either be a trivial addition for some or a compelling incentive for completionists.
However, GSC’s announcement remains somewhat enigmatic, leaving fans eager for more details. In contrast, the studio has been more forthcoming about its plans for Stalker 2, promising to unveil a content roadmap at the beginning of 2025. This roadmap is expected to shed light on the two additional expansions and future DLC mentioned in the game’s season pass.
As the Stalker community awaits further updates, many are particularly interested in the ongoing improvements to Stalker 2, especially following the recent 1.1 patch that addressed the game’s A-Life system. With GSC’s commitment to refining the gameplay experience, fans are hopeful that more substantial updates are on the horizon.
