Warnings
- GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).
Key points
- Installing ZRP is greatly recommended as it eliminates most bugs without modifying the game's experience.
- Use the Multi-Patch to replace the GameSpy master server. The Steam version is already patched.
- Large, dedicated modding community.[1]
- Retail CD-keys are now redeemable on GOG.com or Steam using the reclaim page.
General information
- Official website
- The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Wiki
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
- Official forums
- TweakGuides guide
Availability
- StarForce DRM for this game does not work on modern versions of Windows (see above for affected versions).
Essential improvements
Patches
v1.0005
This is the latest official patch for the game. It is best suited for Single Player.
Download patch
v1.0006
Although this is an official patch, it was recalled by the developers due to the extra bugs it caused. It should only be used to gain the optimal multiplayer experience from the game (most servers use v1.0006). Do NOT install this patch otherwise.
Download patch
v1.0004
Some mods only work with v1.0004. Only use this patch if those mods have no updated version that work with newer versions of the game.
Download patch
Unofficial v1.0008 Patch
Download patch
Downgrading from v.1006
A guide on how to downgrade a copy of the game to v.10005 or v1.0004 can be found in the GOG.com Community Discussions.
Skip intro videos
Start game with -nointro parameter[citation needed]
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Xetrill's Modified LuaJIT library
- Users have reported increased performance, especially with script-heavy mods.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
- CD key, language and GameSpy ID are stored in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\GSC Game World\STALKER-SHOC
Save game data location
- You can modify the save game data location by editing
fsgame.ltx
in gamedata.
Video settings
Advanced video settings (Vsync and 60 Hz frequency not visible)
Template:Video settings
Install FOV Switcher[citation needed]
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- Download FOV Switcher and extract it.
- Copy the appropriate exe file to the
BIN folder inside of the installation folder and launch it.
Notes
- It's highly recommended not to play online with the FOV hack installed.
- To restore the settings to default, use the patcher again.
- Clipping issues are more noticeable.[6]
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Input settings
Template:Input settings
Audio settings
Template:Audio settings
Use OpenAL Soft's HRTF
Replace OpenAL32.dll file
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- Go to the main OpenAL Soft page and download both Windows binary and the source code.
- Unpack
soft_oal.dll from bin/win32 directory in Windows binary archive, rename it to OpenAL32.dll and replace the existing one located in bin folder of the game.
- 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
- Save it and then run the game.
- Go to the Options→Sound and change the Sound driver to OpenAL Soft and restart the game.
- 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.
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Localizations
Language |
UI |
Audio |
Sub |
Notes |
English |
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Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian. |
French |
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German |
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Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian. |
Italian |
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Polish |
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Russian |
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Spanish |
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Turkish |
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Ukrainian |
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Fan translation, download. |
Network
- Multiplayer servers can optionally use BattlEye anti-cheat protection.
Multiplayer types
Connection types
Ports
Protocol |
Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
TCP |
3783, 6515, 6667, 13139, 27900, 28900, 29900, 29901 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
VR support
Issues fixed
"Unable to connect to master server" error
- The GameSpy master server has been shut down; use the Multi-Patch.
Other information
API
Technical specs |
Supported |
Notes |
Direct3D |
8, 9 |
Bound to the lighting renderer. Running the game in DirectX 9 mode is only possible with dynamic lighting enabled. |
Shader Model support |
1.x, 2, 3 |
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Executable |
32-bit |
64-bit |
Notes |
Windows |
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Middleware
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Middleware |
Notes |
Physics |
Open Dynamics Engine |
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Audio |
OpenAL |
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Multiplayer |
GameSpy |
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Optimal settings
- Lowering vision distance, lightning distance, and object quality to 50% improves the performance with little to no loss in graphical fidelity.
- Reducing grass density may help reduce stuttering.
Remove head bob
Modify User.LTX [citation needed]
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- Go to the configuration file(s) location.
- Open
User.LTX with a text editor.
- Change
cam_inert to 0 .
- Save the file and launch the game.
Notes
- It can also be changed while in game using the console
cam_inert X where X stand as a value, which you might want to translate into 0.1
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Change sway/bob values[citation needed]
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- Go to
<path-to-game>\gamedata\config\misc\
- Open
effectors.ltx with a text editor.
- At the top will be values for amount of sway/bob for walking, running and limping.
- Changing
run_amplitude to 0.0050 and walk_amplitude to 0.0040 works well.
- Save the file and launch the game.
Notes
- Default values:
run_amplitude = 0.0075
walk_amplitude = 0.005
limp_amplitude = 0.011
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Enable FPS counter
Use command console[citation needed]
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- Open the in-game console by pressing ~.
- Enter:
rs_stats 1
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Shorter load times
Start game with the -noprefetch parameter[citation needed]
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Glitchy shadows using widescreen resolutions
Modifications
- The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has garnered a dedicated following which includes a very active modding community, mostly in Russia, however translations are available for most of the popular mods. The best way to determine which type of mods you will enjoy is by first trying the vanilla game (with ZRP for bug fixes). Below are some basic recommendations.
Preparing the game for mods[citation needed]
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To use mods with S.T.A.L.K.E.R., you will first need to edit your fsgame.ltx - file found under the installation folder.
- Go to the installation folder.
- Open
fsgame.ltx with a text editor.
- Find line:
$game_data$ = false| true| $fs_root$| gamedata
- Change it to:
$game_data$ = true| true| $fs_root$| gamedata
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Notes
- If the mod comes with an executable, you may need to point it manually to the correct installation folder. If it comes as a file package, extract and copy the mod's contents into your gamedata folder.
- To patch your mod or to add new ones on top, overwrite and merge your installation's gamedata folder with the new one.
Using Smart Mod Manager[citation needed]
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Download the program at Codeplex. The program installs the mods from .zip or directly from the folder. It will warn you if there are issues with other mods combined; then you have to choose one of them.
- First select the game (S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl or S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky)
- Set up the right language, version and folder of the game
- Go to the game tab and install mods from .zip or folder.
- Enable/Disable mods also possible in the manager
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- Keeps the game as vanilla as possible.
- Fixes many bugs present in final version of game.
- Improved UI and controls.
- Revamps many game mechanics, including enemy AI and ballistics.
- Considered to be unforgiving in difficulty.
- May be incompatible with some other mods that alter shaders.
- Many improvements in visual quality.
- Can be combined with other mods to increase visual fidelity.
- Overhauls many game mechanics.
- Fixes many bugs present in the original game using an old version of ZRP.
- Many improvements in visual quality.
- Comes with a simple installer.
- Not compatible with newer versions of ZRP.
System requirements
Windows |
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Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
2000 SP4, XP SP2 | |
Processor (CPU) |
AMD Athlon XP 2200+ Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz |
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 |
System memory (RAM) |
512 MB |
1.5 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
10 GB | |
Video card (GPU) |
ATI Radeon 9600 Nvidia GeForce 5700 128 MB of VRAM DirectX 8 compatible
| ATI Radeon X1850 Nvidia GeForce 7900 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible |
Notes
- ↑ This version of StarForce DRM does not work on Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11.[2][3] For supported versions of Windows the StarForce driver may need to be updated manually using SFUPDATE.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 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>/4500/
in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (4500) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
References