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][2]
- Retail CD-keys and some of the Steam keys are now redeemable on GOG.com 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
- Steam Users' Forums
- Official forums
- TweakGuides guide
Availability
Essential improvements
Patches
v1.0005
- This is the latest official patch for the game. It is best suited overall for Single Player as most multiplayer servers use v1.0006
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
- For a guide on how to downgrade a copy of the game from v1.0005 to v1.0004, see Downgrading to v1.0004
Unofficial v1.0008 Patch
Worldwide
Downgrading to v1.0004
Skip intro videos
Xetrill's Modified LuaJIT library
- Users has reported increased performance, especially in 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
Input settings
Template:Input settings
Audio settings
Template:Audio settings
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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Only available in Polish retail release. Not available digitally. |
Russian |
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Spanish |
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Turkish |
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Ukrainian |
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An official Ukrainian patch is available here, can be installed over the Russian version of the game only. |
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.
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 |
Running the game in DirectX 9 mode is only possible with dynamic lighting enabled. |
Executable |
32-bit |
64-bit |
Notes |
Windows |
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Middleware
|
Middleware |
Notes |
Physics |
Open Dynamics Engine |
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Audio |
OpenAL |
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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
Enable FPS counter
Shorter load times
Glitchy shadows using widescreen resolutions
Improves stability on systems with at least 3GB RAM by allowing the application to use more than 2GB RAM.
Modifications
- The STALKER 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.
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.
- 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 final version of game.
- Many improvements in visual quality.
- Comes with an easy to use installer.
System requirements
Windows |
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
2000 SP4, XP SP2 | |
Processor (CPU) |
AMD Athlon XP 2200+ Intel Pentium IV 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
References