Warnings
- GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).
Key points
- Installing ZRP on is greatly recommended as it eliminates most bugs without modifying the game's experience.
- Large modding community.[1][2]
General information
- Official website
- The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Wiki
- Steam Users' Forums
- Steam Community Discussions
- Official forums
Availability
Template:Availability Table
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
Patches
- The latest patch is version 1.0006.
- Some mods only work with 1.0004. Steam automatically installs patch 1.0006. Below are instructions how to downgrade to 1.0004.
Modifications
The STALKER series has garnered a dedicated following which includes a very active modding community, most of which is based in Russia. Translations are available for most of the popular mods. The best way to determine which type of mod you will enjoy is by first trying the vanilla game out (with ZRP for bugfixes). Below are some basic recommendations.
Below is a list of popular mods:
- Zone Reclamation Project is a bug fix mod that tries to keep the game as vanilla as possible. Heavily recommended on a first playthrough.
- Float32 adds many new features while increasing performance. It changes nothing about gameplay or looks (except high-quality effects) and is widely considered a must. It is also included in many large overhaul mods for SoC, so research first before trying to merge it with other mods.
- Shaders MAX - is a mod that improves both looks and performance of the game. It includes Float32 as a component, along with other various shader mods. Be wary when trying to combine with other mods which may already contain their own shader improvements.
- Complete Mod 2012 is one of the most popular but also controversial mods. It contains major bug fixes, A.I improvements, upgraded shaders, new higher resolution textures, sounds, music, weather and visual effects but also a large amount of important changes to the gameplay core that may spoil the STALKER experience for some. A list of changes can be found on its MODDB page.
Game data
Template:Game Location Table
- You can modify the save game location by editing fsgame.ltx in gamedata.
Video settings
Advanced video settings (Vsync and 60Hz frequency not visible)
Template:Video settings
Input settings
Template:Input settings
Audio settings
Template:Audio settings
Other information
- TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game. It can be found here.
Optimal settings
An easy way to improve visuals and reduce random stuttering is to lower Vision- and Lighting distance, plus Object-Quality bar to around 50%. Again quality difference is minimal, but fps improves. Reducing the Grass Density a point or two also may help stuttering outdoors.
Remove head bob
Enable FPS counter
Shorter load times
System requirements
Windows |
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
2000, XP | |
Processor (CPU) |
| |
System memory (RAM) |
| |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
10 GB | |
Video card (GPU) |
nVidia GeForce 5700 ATi Radeon 9600 128 MB of VRAM
| nVidia GeForce 7900 ATi Radeon X1850 256 MB of VRAM |
References