S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Developers | |
---|---|
GSC Game World | |
Publishers | |
THQ | |
Engines | |
X-Ray Engine | |
Release dates | |
Windows | March 20, 2007 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 82 |
IGDB | 80 |
Taxonomy | |
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. | |
---|---|
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 | 2024 |
Warnings
Key points
- Installing Zone Reclamation Project 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 redeemable on GOG.com or Steam using the reclaim page.
General information
- TweakGuides guide
- Official forums
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | TAGES DRM or SecuROM 7 DRM, depends on region. Russian copies use StarForce 4 DRM[Note 1]. All DRM methods are removed in later patches. |
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GOG.com | ||||
Steam | Some CD-keys listed in-game under Multiplayer can be redeemed on GOG.com.[4] |
- 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
This is the version that Steam and GOG come with.[5][6]
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
Downgrading from v.10006
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.
- 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, to fix this go opt in, in the most recent beta branch.
Skip intro videos
Start game with -nointro parameter[7]
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Xetrill's Modified LuaJIT library
- Users have reported increased performance, especially with script-heavy mods but it can crash some more complex mods like those in the NS/Soup family.
Use replacement files[citation needed] |
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Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
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Windows | %PUBLIC%\Documents\stalker-shoc\ |
GOG.com | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Stalker-SHOC\ |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/4500/pfx/[Note 2] |
- CD key, language and GameSpy ID are stored in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\GSC Game World\STALKER-SHOC
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %PUBLIC%\Documents\stalker-shoc\savedgames\ |
GOG.com | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Stalker-SHOC\savedgames\ |
Steam | <path-to-game>\_appdata_\savedgames\ |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/4500/pfx/[Note 2] |
- You can modify the save game data location by editing
fsgame.ltx
in gamedata.
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
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | Some HUD elements may be stretched. | ||
Multi-monitor | Some HUD elements may be stretched. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Gameplay is 21:9 but the HUD is 16:9 stretched.[9] | ||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | 90° (65° Vertical) - See Field of view (FOV) | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Use Borderless Gaming or similar software. Note: The game prevents use of hotkeys, and tries keeping its window on-top. |
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Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Up to 16 samples. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Slider applies an FXAA-like blur filter. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | In-game Vsync option is broken.[10] Use the Multi-Patch to fix it. | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | No frame rate or refresh rate cap.[11] | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Field of view (FOV)
Install FOV Switcher[citation needed] |
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Notes
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Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Disable through console with "cam_inert 0". | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
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Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | SFX and music only. | |
Surround sound | Up to 7.0 output[13] | |
Subtitles | fan made subtitles and cc (not compatible with ZRP) | |
Closed captions | fan made subtitles and cc (not compatible with ZRP) | |
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. |
Use OpenAL Soft's HRTF
Replace OpenAL32.dll file |
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|
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian. | |||
French | ||||
German | Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian. | |||
Hungarian | Fan translation. | |||
Italian | ||||
Japanese | Fan translation | |||
Polish | ||||
Russian | ||||
Serbian | Fan translation based on original Russian and Ukrainian versions; available in Cyrillic and Latin. | |||
Spanish | ||||
Turkish | Fan translation, download. | |||
Ukrainian | Official translation patch from GSC, download. Duty, the military, mercenaries and the Monolith still speak Russian. |
Network
- Multiplayer servers can optionally use BattlEye anti-cheat protection.
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 32 | |||
Online play | 32 | Use the Multi-Patch to replace the GameSpy master server. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
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
3D modes | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | See Helix Mod: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. |
Issues fixed
"Unable to connect to master server" error
- The GameSpy master server has been shut down; use the Multi-Patch.
Toggle aim down sights
Create AutoHotkey script |
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Notes
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Mouse Delay
set lighting to Stactic Lighting |
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Key bindings lost every game restart
Change savegame/config folder permision |
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STALKER-SHOC In Vista and above, in:
In XP and in CoP:
Just copy and paste these locations to Windows address bar and press enter. and RBM on folder>uncheck read only>apply for all>OK |
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 1.x, 2, 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Open Dynamics Engine | |
Audio | OpenAL | |
Multiplayer | GameSpy |
Optimal settings
- Lowering vision distance, lightning distance, and object quality to 50% improves the performance with little to no loss in graphical fidelity.[16]
- Reducing grass density may help reduce stuttering.[citation needed]
Disable head bob
Modify User.LTX [17]
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Notes
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Change sway/bob values |
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Notes
run_amplitude = 0.0075 walk_amplitude = 0.005 limp_amplitude = 0.011 |
Enable FPS counter
Use command console[citation needed] |
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Shorter load times
Start game with the -noprefetch parameter[citation needed] |
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Glitchy shadows using widescreen resolutions
Edit User.LTX[citation needed] |
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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 (commonly found in the GSC forums). 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.
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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.
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Zone Reclamation Project
- Keeps the game as vanilla as possible.
- Fixes many bugs present in final version of game.
- Improved UI and controls.
L.U.R.K
- Revamps many game mechanics, including enemy AI and ballistics.
- Considered to be unforgiving in difficulty.
Shaders Max
- 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.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R Complete
- 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.
STARTER PACK
- A compilation of mods including the Zone Reclamation Project, Old Weapons Renewal 3 for SoC, Photo Realistic Zone, Stalker Weather Overhaul, STALKER Shaders MAX 1.06, and FOV Switcher v17.
- Lot's of improvement in visual quality
- AKS74u world mode is not changed due to a bug. However, this can be fixed by renaming "wpn_ak74u.ogf" to "ak74u.ogf"
Autumn Aurora
- Overhauls the graphics, sound and gameplay.
- Built on the newest Zone Reclamation Project's core.
- Redesigned AtmosFear for ShoC to match the autumn style.
- Holds an official new Absolute Nature for ShoC.
Oblivion Lost
- Like Lost Alpha it focuses on getting closer to the old Oblivion Lost which was planned by GSC back in the days
- Total Freeplay, Improved A-Life, New Levels, Extended Main Storyline, Reality Enhancement and Graphics Improvement.
Priboi Story
- Total conversion mod with new storyline.
Old Good S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Evolution
- New locations and weapons. Intended to recreate a highly atmospheric Zone with highest possible quality, stability of the game, rich gameplay and loyalty to the canons of the Sci-Fi genre.
Legend Returns
- Set between the events of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. It includes a return to the atmosphere and general feeling of Shadow of Chernobyl, in addition to several new gameplay features, completely new questlines, a leveling system, and restored content from build versions of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
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 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/4500/
. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (4500) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Mods - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl Game - Mod DB
- ↑ Windows 8.1 support - StarForce Support
- ↑ Windows 10 support - StarForce Support
- ↑ Reclaim your games. DRM-Free!, page 4 - Forum - GOG.com
- ↑ GOG version
- ↑ Steam version
- ↑ Verified by User:Suicide machine on 2019-06-20)
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/stalker/comments/3p5r8q/how_do_i_install_the_modified_luajit_library/cw3fz1l
- ↑ https://imgur.com/a/q4NPl
- ↑ TweakGuides.com - STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl Tweak Guide - In-Game Settings (Pt.2)
- ↑ New 120Hz Games Report
- ↑ https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/gallery/image/1978-with-fov-mod/
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
- ↑ @∞D AUDIO Wiki Master#3423 on the 3D Game Audio Discord server - last accessed on 2019-06-19
- "1. that Shadow of Chernobyl toggle aim tweak requires AutoHotKey to be run as Administrator. It will not work without it"
- ↑ [1] - last accessed on 2021-06-13
- "1."
- ↑ STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2019
- ↑ http://www.metacognix.com/stlkrsoc/TroubleshootingFAQ.html#HeadBob