GSC Game World has released Patch 1.1 for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, delivering a massive update with over 1,800 fixes and improvements across gameplay, performance, and stability.
The patch aims to refine the overall experience, addressing critical mission issues, enhancing AI behavior, balancing gameplay, and optimizing performance for both PC and Xbox platforms. Here’s a closer look at what’s included:
A-Life Improvements
The game’s signature A-Life system, which dynamically simulates the world, has received its first iteration of fixes and enhancements:
- More frequent NPC encounters across the Zone.
- Expanded NPC visibility range for players, improving immersion.
- Offline mode enhancements, allowing NPCs to continue their goals outside the player’s view.
- Improved NPC navigation, reducing instances of pathfinding issues and stuck characters.
- Diverse NPC groups, with varied factions and group sizes for a richer roaming experience.
- Fixes for NPC behaviors, such as proper communication needs and contextual actions.
AI Improvements
AI adjustments make combat and exploration more dynamic and realistic:
- Reduced phantom spawns for Pseudodogs and improved cooldown mechanics.
- Fixed mutant and NPC animation glitches, including stretched limbs and idle behaviors.
- Enhanced combat behaviors, such as cover usage and group dynamics in large battles.
- Resolved issues where NPCs clipped through objects or teleported during pathfinding.
- Adjusted mutant interactions, such as Poltergeists and Burers dealing consistent damage.
Balance Adjustments
Gameplay balance has been fine-tuned for a more rewarding and challenging experience:
- Increased mission rewards and artifact values, including a price boost for the “Goldfish” artifact.
- Fixed infinite money exploits and refined NPC loot and resource distribution.
- Increased Gauss rifle damage and added cooldown tweaks for Snorks.
- Adjusted rewards and difficulty scaling for specific missions and encounters.
Crash Fixes, Performance, and Optimization
The patch also delivers significant stability and optimization improvements:
- Addressed gamepad input issues, improving controller response and camera movement.
- Fixed performance drops in highly populated areas and specific NVIDIA RTX 3000-series issues with FSR frame generation.
- Improved visual rendering with DLSS and reduced instances of object popping in specific locations.
- Resolved multiple crashes, including EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors and fatal crashes during key missions.
This major patch lays a solid foundation for continued post-launch support. The improvements to A-Life, AI, and overall performance showcase GSC Game World’s commitment to enhancing the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 experience for players.
With more fixes and updates on the horizon, fans of the series can expect an even better adventure in the haunting and unpredictable Zone.
