S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Patches
Patch is currently at version 1.0005. It is heavily recommended to patch to the latest version.
Mods
To use mods with STALKER, you will first need to edit your fsgame.ltx -file found under the game's install dir. Open this file with a text editor like Notepad, and find the following line:
$game_data$ = false| true| $fs_root$| gamedata
Change the false to true, i.e.:
$game_data$ = true| true| $fs_root$| gamedata
After this you just copy the mod's gamedata-folder in your game's install dir. To patch your mod or to add new ones on top, keep "overwriting"/merging the folder
For a great guide on modding S.T.A.L.K.E.R. go here.
Float32
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s original shader code was and still is horrendous. Float32 adds many new features while increasing performance. It changes nothing about gameplay or looks (except high-quality effects, it doesn't change any models or textures) and is widely considered a must.
Shaders MAX
If you want to improve performance but also the look, the best mod is Shaders MAX, of which Float32 is a component, along with other various shader mods. Link below includes a more detailed "how to" for installation, a deeper knowledge on the components it includes and comparison screenshots Shaders MAX
Complete Mod 2012
It is also recommended to download the Complete Mod. It contains major bug fixes, A.I improvements, upgraded shaders, new higher resolution textures, sounds, music, weather and visual effects. Is important to also note, that despite the improvements it bring, which can still be done on your own with mods like Absolute Nature,Structures and Shaders Max, plus the already mentioned ZRP to fix bugs, there are also some important changes done to the gameplay core that for many "corrupt" the Stalker experience...
Changes like:
- All weapons having an increased accuracy of the 10-20%
- All damage lowered, making enemies bullet sponges
- Weight limit increased of 10kg going up to 70kg
- Stealth is now more viable, as NPC eye sight distance has been decreased along with the radius and distance from which can be heard sounds such as death cries, footsteps, grass, knife and others
- Repair kit, which allow you to repair weapons and armor
- The Bar trader like in others mods offer a repairing service
- A new Night Vision system that let you see in the darkness without noise effect and even without any source of light
- Scientist suits now provide a built-in antiradiation system
- Bandages auto-apply at 10% of health
- Allow looting from dead bodies, a feature present only in the sequels.
- You can bribe factions to leave you alone
Plus, loading times tend to be much much longer.
Zone Reclamation Project (1.7 XR2)
A bug fix mod that tries to keep the game as vanilla as possible, or not depending on how you set it up.
Where to buy
Tweaks
Removing Head Bob: Navigate to C:\User\Documents\stalker-shoc Open the User.LTX file. Change cam_inert to 0 (or more if you only want a slight head bob.) note that this is useful also for mods such as AMK to reduce the excessive "floaty" effect after getting hit
View FPS
You can see FPS-counter and other stats by typing in the console: rs_stats 1
Shorter Load Times
Use the line -noprefetch in the game location or Steam launch options. This will make the game loads some parts of the world while in game.
For a great guide on tweaking S.T.A.L.K.E.R., go here.
Performance Notes and Misc
The in-game Anti-Aliasing slider DOES NOT WORK in SoC. You have got to force AA on through GPU's control panel. Avoid anything above 2x for minimal performance hit.
In CS and CoP, if you use ENHANCED FULL DYNAMIC mode, set its three specific settings (SSAO, Sun Quality, Sun-shafts) to LOW. You won't notice quality difference, but your performance will skyrocket.
Another 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