Despite a slight delay due to technical issues, GSC Game World has finally released the massive 1.3 update for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The developers have made significant improvements to gameplay, the open world, and technical aspects, making the shooter more dynamic and enhancing immersion in the Zone. The new version includes over 1,200 changes, fixes, and improvements related to AI/A-Life, balance, story progression, performance, locations, sound—essentially all key aspects of the game.
The patch size exceeds 40 GB on Steam, nearly half of the game’s total size. This highlights the scale of the work done, as changes have affected everything from AI behavior to sound design.
Key Changes and Additions
AI and Combat
- Improved movement animations for mutants in combat.
- Fixed bugs where mutants would not attack NPCs in safe zones.
- NPCs now react better to footsteps.
- Mutant behavior in ambush scenarios has been improved.
Balance Tweaks
- Artifacts have been rebalanced (adjusted effects and interactions with anomalies).
- NPC encounters in the open world are now less frequent.
- Armor resistance to anomalies has been adjusted: combat armor is now less resistant, while scientific suits offer better protection.
- Explosive objects deal increased damage.
- Unique weapons now have better durability.
Bug Fixes and Technical Improvements
- Over 100 critical crashes and bugs fixed.
- Lighting, textures, and NPC animations optimized.
- Inventory and UI performance improved (memory leaks while navigating menus fixed).
- Save system bugs that affected quest completion have been resolved.
- HUD transparency issue after closing inventory fixed.
- Sound environment enhanced: new obstacles affecting mutant sounds and additional music tracks added.
Quests and Open World
- Fixed issues that caused quests to become stuck or impossible to complete.
- Improved logic for unique NPC and enemy spawns in different parts of the Zone.
- Fixed animation and interaction issues in story missions.
Technical Updates
- Physics, animations, and visual effects for anomalies improved.
- New visual anomalies and animals added to the game world.
- Fake light sources at night enhanced (NPCs are now better illuminated by flashlights).
- New music tracks added.
- New death screens introduced.
New music:
Several new death screens:
As developers continue to enhance the game’s stability and mechanics, GSC Game World is already working on the first major expansion, which, according to the studio, will surprise players and bring fresh changes to the Zone. The upcoming DLC is expected to introduce new storylines, gameplay mechanics, and anomalies.
