The developers of Stalker have released a new version of their three original games on Steam, but the technical condition of the Enhanced Editions is causing trouble with fans.
What was given away? The developers of Stalker have released new “Enhanced” editions of their classics. The revised versions of “Shadow of Chernobyl”, “Clear Sky”, and “Call of Pripyat” promise improved graphics as well as new features and are marketed by the developers on Steam as “a must for a new generation”.
All owners of the original games received the new versions for free in their Steam libraries. Many fans did not hesitate and took a look at the revamped titles right away. However, fans quickly realized that the enhanced edition did not only bring improvements.
Here you can see the trailer for the enhanced edition:
New editions bring new problems
How are the new editions being received? The new editions of the acclaimed game series have not been well received by fans. On Steam, all three new versions currently have a rating of “Mixed.” In the reviews from fans, the reasons why Stalker is currently not scoring points with the new version are readily apparent.
User Matty writes on Steam: “I don’t know how this game was approved for release. There is no DLAA/DLSS […] the game looks worse than the original PC port. The image is so noisy and blurry that it’s hard to bear […]. There is an input lag here and there that is really annoying […]. I was looking forward to this release and was ready to earn all the achievements. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.”
Fan Grimtasy is also angry and writes on Steam: “Outrageously blurry graphics even at native 4k. The key combinations are completely off compared to the original game. Currently, the game doesn’t even recognize the side mouse buttons. Sloppy and amateurishly put together.”
Does everyone think the new edition is bad? No, there is quite a bit of positive feedback for the enhanced version as well. User FlauschiGER writes on Steam: “In 2025, I get a free and unexpected trip back to THE game of my late youth, with a few improvements and, above all, significantly more compatibility on modern systems. Considering what a hassle it can sometimes be to get the original running on Win11…
So far, I have nothing bad to report regarding the graphics, which many criticize here. After the first brief gameplay and clearing the ‘parking lot’ like in the good old days, it has really been an upgrade from the original for me so far.”
It is conceivable that the developers will fix the current technical problems with upcoming patches, allowing fans to look forward to a truly improved version. A similar situation occurred with the release of Stalker 2: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is released in terrible condition – but apparently, 100,000 Steam players don’t care
