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S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat cover
Developers
GSC Game World
Publishers
bitComposer Games
Deep Silver
Engines
X-Ray Engine
Release dates
Windows October 2, 2009
Reception
Metacritic 80
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, Shooter
Art styles Realistic
Themes Eastern Europe, Post-apocalyptic
Series S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat on HowLongToBeat
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat on IGDB
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat on MobyGames
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat on Wikipedia
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl 2007
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky 2008
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat 2009
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha (Unofficial) 2014
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl 2023

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action and shooter game in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.

Multiple users report micro freezes happening even on the most modern computers. The OpenXRay engine can be used for improving compatibility with modern systems, as well as running the game on Linux.

General information

Official Forum
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Can be played on Linux natively thanks to the open-source OpenXRay engine, see OpenXRay.
Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SecuROM 7 DRM.
Polish and Russian copies use StarForce 5 DRM.
All security measures are removed by the multi-patch.
GOG.com key
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GamersGate
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
CD key
Serial key for multiplayer shown in the game's library entry.
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
CD key
Some CD keys can be redeemed on GOG.com[1][2]
Windows

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Use replacement files

Apply the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat intro skip.

Patches

The Multi-Patch replaces the GameSpy master servers and optionally forces Vsync. The GOG.com and Steam versions are already patched, however the Steam version of the game still has broken Vsync implementation.

OpenXRay

OpenXRay is an open-source version of the game's engine. It includes native support for Linux as well as OpenGL, possibly fixing bugs and improving compatibility with modern systems.[3] It also adds a number of additional settings, such as an FOV slider, a language toggle between English and Russian, an option to use FXAA, and a configurable gamepad input setup.[4]
Call of Pripyat support is complete, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky support is in beta.

Modified LuaJIT library

Users have reported increased performance, especially in script-heavy mods.
Use replacement files[citation needed]
  1. Download the modified library.
  2. Extract the content of LuaJIT_EXPERIMENTAL_latest.rar\release\bin to <path-to-game>\bin.

Notes

It is recommended to backup the conflicting files before replacement.

Utilities

Increase User Memory for use on 32-bit operating systems[5]
  1. Open command prompt with Administrator rights.
  2. Enter bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVA 3072 at the prompt and press Enter.
  3. Close the prompt and restart the computer.

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %PUBLIC%\Public Documents\S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Call of Pripyat\
GOG.com %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Stalker-COP\
Steam <path-to-game>\_appdata_\
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/41700/pfx/[Note 1]
CD key, language and GameSpy ID are stored in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\GSC Game World\STALKER-COP

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %PUBLIC%\Public Documents\S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Call of Pripyat\savedgames\
GOG.com %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Stalker-COP\savedgames\
Steam <path-to-game>\_appdata_\savedgames\
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/41700/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game general video settings.
In-game general video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Scope View becomes stretched and bugged. See
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
Hor+
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
80° (55° Vertical) - See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use windowed mode and -no_dialog_header command line argument.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Up to 16 samples.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Up to 4x MSAA.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
In-game Vsync option is broken. Use the Multi-Patch to fix it.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
No frame rate or refresh rate cap.[6]
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Field of view (FOV)

Use OpenXRay
  1. Download OpenXray
  2. Download archive that you want
  3. Rename original bin folder to some other name. (for example, bin_backup)
  4. Extract the archive to game root folder (not the bin folder)
  5. Launch the game using the original launcher Stalker-COP.exe
  6. In the game, go to the options menu then select the game tab, change the FOV slider to your desired value (ranging from 55 to 115)
If you have problems with OpenAL, install it using the included oalinst.exe
Changing FOV[citation needed]
  1. Download FOV switcher.
  2. Copy it to the installation folder.
  3. Back up the original xrgame.dll.
  4. Run fov_switch.cmd.
  5. Use the mouse wheel to scroll through all available variants.
  6. In the opened window enter the number from 1 to 52 depending on your game version and chosen FOV.
  7. To enable the external cam in singleplayer mode (by using the F6-F8 keys), enter these commands in the in-game console:
bind cam_1 kF6
bind cam_2 kF7
bind cam_3 kF8
Manually patch xrGame.dll[7]
  1. Multiply your desired FOV by 2, eg. 45 degrees x 2 = 90.
  2. Convert the value to hexadecimal, eg. 90 = 5A.
  3. Open <path-to-game>\bin\xrGame.dll in a hex editor app (e.g. HxD).
  4. Search for the hex string "42 F0 A7 C6 3D", which should be found at address 635C47 if the game is unmodified.
  5. Change the value preceding it to the desired value, eg. "5A 42 F0 A7 C6 3D"

Input

In-game control settings.
In-game control settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
can not rebind/unbind Mouse wheel, use Mousewheel Inverter and Qols
Mouse acceleration
No acceleration is applied.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
SFX and music.
Surround sound
Up to 7.0 output[8]
Subtitles
Non-conversation speech is not subtitled.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2.0. HRTF can be used without any audio card with some modification. See Use OpenAL Soft's HRTF
Royalty free audio

Use OpenAL Soft's HRTF

Replace OpenAL32.dll file
1. Go to the main OpenAL Soft page and download both Windows binary and the source code.
2. Unpack soft_oal.dll from bin\win32 directory in Windows binary archive, rename it to wrap_oal.dll and replace the existing one located in <path-to-game>\bin.
3. Create a folder called openal in %APPDATA and unpack the hrtf folder from the source code archive in there. Create a new text file in %APPDATA called alsoft.ini and add the following line:
[general]
hrtf=true
4.Save it and then run the game.
5. Go to the Options→Sound and change the Sound driver to OpenAL Soft and restart the game.
6. Open up the developer console using ~ and scroll up using the Page Up key, if the message says.
SOUND: OpenAL: Required device: OpenAL Soft. Created device: OpenAL Soft

Then the OpenAL Soft device is used and with it, HRTF mode as well.

Localizations

Game language for the GOG.com version is set with Settings.exe, located in the root folder of the game.
Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian.
Czech
Retail link #1 link #2 or Fan translation link #3
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation. Available to download.
Italian
Polish
Official polish voice-over translation and fan translation
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Serbian
Fan translation (latin and cyrillic). Available to download.
Spanish
Turkish
Fan translation. Available to download.
Ukrainian
Official translation patch from GSC, download. Already included in Steam version, and available as an extra on GOG.com. Some characters still speak Russian for the sake of realism.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
32 Versus
Online play
32 Versus
Use the Multi-Patch to replace the GameSpy master server.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP
To skip GameSpy login use Multiplayer, Via the LAN, Direct IP button.

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 3783, 6500, 6515, 6667, 13139, 27900, 28900, 29900, 29901
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
See Helix Mod: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat.
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.
Devices
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues fixed

"Unknown profile error (code: 4)"

GameSpy services have been shut down; use Multi-Patch for an official replacement.
If using the new master servers, ensure that the correct details are entered; previous GameSpy profiles have not been imported.[9]

Game crashes in DX10/11 mode

Uninstall Windows update KB2670838[citation needed]
  1. Go to Control Panel → Uninstall a program -> View installed updates.
  2. Search for KB2670838 and uninstall it.
  3. Restart the system.
Use OpenXray
  1. See #OpenXRay

Steam version does not launch on Windows 10/11, BugTrap reports error at 0023:00160311

Mandatory ASLR prevents game from running
  1. Open Windows Defender.
  2. In App & browser control, open Exploit protection settings.
  3. In Program settings, add an exception for xrEngine.exe.
  4. Disable "Force randomization for images (Mandatory ASLR)".

The game process runs but no actual game is launched

In the Task Manager one or multiple xrEngine.exe processes can be seen running, yet the game is not launching.
Parental Control check gets stuck and prevents the game from running
  1. Navigate to the <path-to-game>\Bin folder.
  2. Delete or rename the pctrlchk.dll file.

Stretched Scope texture in Widescreen

The Scope in a weapon is a 2D texture which as a result will get stretched the wider the resolution.
Install the Widescreen Scope Fix[10]
  1. Copy the code from the original forum post (archived) in a text file and save it as <path-to-game>\gamedata\configs\ui\scopes_16.xml (create these folders if not found).
  2. Go to <path-to-game> and open fsgame.ltx in a text editor.
  3. Change its content as shown.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c, 10, 10.1, 11 Bound to the lighting renderer.
OpenGL
See OpenXRay.
Shader Model support 1.x, 2, 3, 4, 5
Executable 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
See OpenXRay.
Linux
See OpenXRay.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Open Dynamics Engine
Audio OpenAL
Multiplayer GameSpy Discontinued; install the Multi-Patch to replace the master servers.

Modifications

Mod DB has an large list of mods available for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl

  • Call of Chernobyl is a free-play sandbox mod for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. : Call of Pripyat created by TeamEPIC. It features 32 explorable maps, reworked level design and level fixes, new original level, Trucks Cemetery, Full AI and A-Life overhaul, engine and script enhancements, Repeatable task system which bases itself on A-Life events, Customizable weather environments for every map as well as surges and psi-storms from AF3, Character creation which includes name, portrait and faction selection; Several optional modes such as Ironman mode, story mode and zombie survival mode, New achievements, rankings and reputation system, PDA leaderboard and enhanced PDA statistics, Companion system with keyboard issued commands, many optional side-features and community-made addons.
Use this mod to get appropriate reverb effects when using OpenAL Soft.

Anomaly

  • Anomaly is a standalone freeplay S.T.A.L.K.E.R. mod powered by an x64 version of OpenXRay. Built upon Last Day and Call of Chernobyl, the mod continues its way on expanding and adding new features while maintaining a high level of quality and replay value.

Dead Air

  • Dead Air is a full-scale freeplay S.T.A.L.K.E.R. modification based on Call of Chernobyl. It changes all aspects of the game, from graphics, audio, and special effects to various gameplay and AI features. The modification evolves from the ideas started in Call of Misery, a previous project from the mod's author. Major inspirations for Dead Air have been projects such as N.L.C. (New Level Changer), MISERY, Autumn Aurora, and OGSE. Dead Air prioritizes the development of the game platform's potential, gameplay complexity, and attention to detail, along with addressing both the quality and quantity of all content.

Atmosfear

  • AtmosFear 3 is a mod for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat that tweaks and expands the vanilla weather system to be more realistic and various.

Misery

  • Full concept modification of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat that touches every game aspect including textures, sfx, music, weapons, AI, items, weather difficulty and much more. Designed to make the game much more difficult.

Call of Pripyat Complete

  • ATTENTION: Not recommended for a first playthrough. Complete mod contains major bug fixes, A.I improvements, upgraded shaders, new higher resolution textures, sounds, music, weather and visual effects. It also provides several (optional) game breaking cheats, and has not been updated since March 2011. It is recommended that you seek out a smaller more up to date mods to fix or change whatever you seek.

COP Remake 2.1 / 2.0

  • Ultra HD textures. Prettier models for characters, monsters, weapons, hands and items. Enhanced weather, nature, structures, particles, shaders and post process effects. HQ sounds and interface. Version 2.0 can be more stable.

Sigerous Mod

  • Extends the vanilla storyline with additional quests, adds extra maps found in the Clear sky game. New items, weapons, outfits and artifacts. The versions here have had additional mods merged with them such as Atmosfear and Absolute Nature as well as any fixes, tweaks and translations required. In SGM you can join factions and take on faction specific tasks

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP SP2
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz
AMD Athlon XP 2200+
System memory (RAM) 768 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 6 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce FX 5900
ATI Radeon 9600 XT
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/41700/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (41700) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. GOG.com - Forum - Reclaim your games. DRM-Free! - last accessed on 2022-12-06
  2. Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-12-06
    Based on testing in 2022 this still works, but probably requires a CD key purchased from an older batch from around 2015 or earlier.
  3. OpenXRay/xray-16: Improved version of the X-Ray Engine, the game engine used in the world-famous S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game series by GSC Game World. - last accessed on 2020-08-06
  4. Imgur album comparing settings screens - last accessed on May 2023
  5. techpowerup.com - last accessed on May 2023
  6. New 120Hz Games Report - last accessed on May 2023
  7. Steam Community - last accessed on May 2023
  8. PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up - last accessed on May 2023
  9. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl - last accessed on May 2023
  10. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424115424/http://forum.epicstalker.com/viewtopic.php?t=785