Fans of the cult classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series are in for a treat next week, as three remastered versions of the iconic games are set to launch—and many players won’t have to pay a dime to experience them.
A Return to the Zone
GSC Game World has announced that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat will all receive full remasters, featuring enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and updated sound design. The remasters aim to stay true to the originals while giving modern players a smoother, more visually stunning trip into the radioactive wastelands of the Zone.
Free for PlayStation Plus and Existing Owners
In a surprising move, GSC has confirmed that the remasters will be free for two key groups:
PlayStation Plus subscribers – All three games will be available as part of the May 2025 PlayStation Plus Game Catalog.
Existing PC owners – Anyone who already owns the original games on Steam or GOG will receive the remastered versions as a free upgrade.
For those who don’t fall into either category, the remasters will be sold separately or as a bundled trilogy at a discounted price.
PlayStation Plus May 2025 Game Catalog Lineup Revealed
What’s New in the Remasters?
The upgrades aren’t just a simple resolution bump. According to the developers, the remasters include:
- 4K textures and ray-traced lighting for a more immersive atmosphere.
- Refined gunplay and AI behavior, making combat more dynamic.
- Quality-of-life improvements, such as faster load times and modernized UI.
- DualSense support on PS5, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Experience
Longtime fans will be pleased to hear that the remasters preserve the eerie, open-ended survival horror elements that made the originals so beloved. Meanwhile, newcomers will get a chance to experience the series in its best form yet—just in time for the eventual release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which is still slated for late 2025.
For more details on the remasters, including system requirements and pre-order bonuses, check out the official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. FAQ.
Are you excited to revisit the Zone? Let us know in the comments!
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