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.
- Large modding community.[1][2]
- Use the Multi-Patch to replace the GameSpy master server.
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
Multi-Patch
The Multi-Patch replaces the GameSpy master servers and optionally forces Vsync. The Steam version is already patched.
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
v1.0006
- 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
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
v1.0008 (Unofficial)
Worldwide
Downgrading to v1.0004
Skip intro videos
Xetrill's Modified LuaJIT library
- Users has reported increased performance, especially in script-heavy mods.
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 2009 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. (note: contrary to what this mod's page would have you believe, the 2012 version of Complete has not been released. "2009" is the most recent version.)
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 60Hz 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 (e.g. jokes). |
French |
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German |
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Some unimportant non-conversation speech is Russian (e.g. jokes). |
Italian |
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Polish |
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Only available in Polish retail release. Not available digitally. |
Russian |
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Steam version only has Russian in Russian version. |
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
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
Shadow Glitch Fix
- Altering this setting can fix a shadow glitch that usually occurs at widescreen resolutions.
Other information
Improves stability on systems with at least 3GB RAM by allowing the application to use more than 2GB RAM.
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 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