This newly released Enhanced Edition of the classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl, launched on May 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), and Xbox Series X|S, is a remaster that updates the original's visuals and audio while retaining its core gameplay. Players once again venture into the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone as The Marked One, facing radiation, anomalies, and mutated creatures.

Core Gameplay and Setting

As The Marked One, you'll navigate the treacherous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a landscape defined by radiation and mysterious anomalies. The gameplay blends first-person shooter mechanics with role-playing elements, emphasizing exploration, resource scavenging, and combat. Moral choices and faction interactions shape the narrative, influencing the player's journey through the Zone. This edition enhances the experience with improved graphics, enhanced textures, and modernized audio, aiming for deeper immersion.

What's New in the Enhanced Edition?

This remaster focuses on visual and audio improvements, alongside some gameplay modernizations. Expect a refined user interface, enhanced weapon handling, and updated AI for enemies and NPCs. The goal is a more accessible and polished experience without compromising the original game's challenging nature. It's designed to be faithful to the original while providing a modern experience.

Story and Narrative

The storyline remains true to the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl. Players uncover the Zone's mysteries, encounter various factions, and confront the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. The Enhanced Edition does not introduce significant additions or removals to the original game's narrative content.

Technical and Gameplay Changes

The Enhanced Edition introduces several technical and gameplay refinements:

Technical Improvements

Visual Enhancements: Updated graphics and textures provide a more immersive visual experience.

Audio Modernization: Enhanced audio design contributes to the game's atmosphere.

Gameplay Changes

Refined User Interface: A more intuitive UI improves player accessibility.

Improved Weapon Handling: Enhanced weapon mechanics offer a more satisfying combat experience.

Updated AI: Modernized AI for enemies and NPCs provides a more challenging and dynamic gameplay environment.

Content Preservation

The Enhanced Edition preserves the core content of the original game, ensuring that the storyline and key gameplay elements remain intact. No significant content has been added or removed.