With the PS5 release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, developer GSC Game World has revealed quite a few details about the upcoming console release. In an interview with WCCFTech, communications director Zakhar Bocharov and technical director Ievgen Kulyk have confirmed that the PS5 Pro version of the open-world shooter targets graphical settings similar to the PC version’s High preset.
While noting that optimising a game for consoles is an entirely different beast than doing so for PC, Bocharov noted that the PS5 Pro version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl isn’t quite 100 percent the same as the PC version’s High settings. Rather, the console release is “leaning towards” the preset.
“Console optimization is a bit more complex and specific than just porting over PC presets,” said Bocharov. “It’s hard to answer the question 100% precisely, but the PS5 Pro version is definitely leaning towards PC High settings. I think comparison videos between platforms are just a matter of time, so you’ll be able to form your own opinion.”
Kulyk also provided more comprehensive details about the kind of resolution and performance targets that the studio is aiming for across the PS5 and PS5 Pro versions of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. He noted that the base PS5 runs the title at 2K / 60 FPS in performance mode, while quality mode aims for 4K / 30 FPS. The PS5 Pro, on the other hand, targets 4K / 60 FPS in performance mode, and 4K / 30 FPS with a higher level of detail in the quality mode. “We don’t use PSSR — only UE5-integrated TSR,” he explained.
Elsewhere in the interview, Bocharov also reflected on the full year since the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PC and Xbox Series X/S, and how the title has seen quite a bit of success as well as post-launch support in the form of seven major updates and a host of smaller ones focused on new content and performance improvements. He also noted that the studio plans to keep working on the title for the time being.
“We’ll strive to be as objective as possible,” said Bocharov of GSC Game World’s take on the success of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. “One million copies sold in under three days and several million players through Game Pass on PC and Xbox can undoubtedly be considered successful figures. Over the year, the game received 7 major updates — and far more smaller ones — which not only improved performance but also added new content.
“The game is now significantly different from what it was at launch. Updates are a complex matter. In the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., they could probably go on forever, much like the pursuit of perfection. Nevertheless, they will continue forward on.”
Earlier today, the studio had also taken to social media to thank Xbox for all the support it had provided for the studio during the title’s first year out. In the post, the developers also noted that, while the game might be coming down from Game Pass, the relationship between GSC Game World and Xbox will remain strong.
For more details about the PS5 release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, check out our review. Also check out our graphics analysis between the PS5, PC and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game.
