The  16+ year-old original Stalker games have Nvidia DLSS support now, which isn’t as crazy as it sounds

The 16+ year-old original Stalker games have Nvidia DLSS support now, which isn’t as crazy as it sounds

On September 18, GSC Game World released a patch for its Legends of the Zone remaster of the original Stalker games that adds Nvidia DLSS support, a seemingly absurd addition to the ancient shooters that makes more sense when you dig into the specifics of the remaster.

Once Nvidia’s magic “make it run better” juice, DLSS and its alternative AI upscalers have become worryingly mandatory to run many of the most graphically demanding games, so why add it to Legends of the Zone, a remaster pack whose oldest game, Shadow of Chornobyl, came out all the way back in 2007?

User Avdievs in the Steam discussion page for the patch points out that DLSS’ texture filtering and antialiasing components can be desirable even in a game that should be easy to run⁠—and Legends of the Zone can be much more of a performance hog than the original releases.

“That DLSS is the perfect option for the ones wishing to play with their insanely taxing indirect lighting in 4k 60+ fps,” wrote user Spleen, referring to a new graphical feature introduced with Legends of the Zone’s enhanced global illumination. In another, Russian language comment (translated via Google), Spleen wrote that “My 5080 is fully loaded at 4K 120 fps and is dropping frames with their new indirect lighting. Questions? So I’m not against DLSS at all.”

Perhaps the cutting edge Nvidia tech has a place in this old warhorse of a game engine after all. It looks like GSC Game World has been turning things around after a rocky launch for Legends of the Zone: Its recent Steam reviews are Mostly Positive, in contrast to an overall Mixed status. PCG news writer and resident Stalker sicko, Joshua Wolens, was already chuffed back in July when GSC fixed an infinite quicksave bug that was brutalizing his PC.

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9 Comments

  1. christ74

    It’s great to see classic games like the Stalker series getting updates and new features! Nvidia DLSS support can really enhance the gaming experience, making it even more enjoyable for fans. Exciting times for both new and returning players!

  2. mwelch

    Absolutely, it’s fascinating how updates like DLSS can breathe new life into older titles. It not only enhances graphics but also helps attract a new generation of players who might not have experienced the originals.

  3. fay75

    You’re right! It’s amazing how technology can enhance the gaming experience, especially for classics. The addition of DLSS not only improves performance but also makes the visuals more appealing for both new players and longtime fans. It’s a great way to revisit a beloved game with a fresh perspective!

  4. brooke.flatley

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to see how modern technology can breathe new life into older titles. This patch not only improves visuals but also helps attract a new generation of players to the Stalker series.

  5. ramon65

    I totally agree! It’s impressive how features like DLSS can enhance graphics and performance, making classic games feel fresh. It really highlights the blend of nostalgia and innovation in the gaming industry.

  6. tzemlak

    the gameplay experience even more immersive. It’s fascinating to see how older games can be revitalized with modern technology. This patch not only improves visuals but also brings a new audience to the classic Stalker series.

  7. barton63

    Absolutely, it’s impressive how technology can breathe new life into classic titles. The addition of DLSS not only enhances visuals but also helps maintain smooth frame rates, which is crucial for a game like Stalker that thrives on atmosphere and tension.

  8. towne.francesco

    DLSS really does enhance the gaming experience by improving performance and visuals. It’s fascinating to see how older games can benefit from modern advancements, making them relevant for new audiences. It’s like a bridge between nostalgia and innovation!

  9. johnpaul.gottlieb

    I agree, DLSS can really transform how games look and run. It’s interesting to see how even older titles like Stalker can benefit from modern technology, breathing new life into them for both new and returning players.

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