As the gaming world eagerly awaits the release of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a shadow of doubt has been cast over Xbox Series S users. Recent revelations from GSC Game World’s lead producer, Slava Lukyanenka, suggest that the game may launch without a highly coveted 60fps mode on the more budget-friendly Xbox console. This news comes shortly after confirmation that the Xbox Series X version will support 60fps, leaving Series S users potentially at a disadvantage.

The Rocky Road to STALKER 2’s Release

STALKER 2 has certainly not had an easy development journey. The highly anticipated survival horror game has been in the works for years, with delays and challenges that would have sunk a less tenacious team. But GSC Game World has persisted, and now the game is set to finally see the light of day on November 20 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

The excitement surrounding STALKER 2 is palpable, especially given its status as a direct sequel to 2009’s critically acclaimed Call of Prypiat. As a day-one launch on Xbox Game Pass, many players are eagerly counting down the days. To get fans even more hyped, the developers also released the STALKER: Legends of the Zone trilogy earlier this year, porting the original games to modern consoles like PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

Series S Performance Concerns: What’s the Impact?

Despite the buzz, recent developments have cast a shadow over the experience for Xbox Series S users. During a recent Gamescom interview, Lukyanenka revealed that the Series S build of STALKER 2 was averaging a disappointing 25fps. This news sparked concern among fans, given that smooth gameplay is crucial for an immersive experience in a survival horror game.

In response to the outcry, Lukyanenka took to Twitter to clarify his comments, stating that the Series S version was actually averaging closer to 35fps. He further assured fans that the team is working hard to optimize the game to hit “at least” 30fps at launch. However, this update did little to quell the disappointment among those hoping for a 60fps performance mode on the Series S.

For a game as graphically intensive as STALKER 2, built on Unreal Engine 5, these performance limitations on the Series S might not come as a complete surprise. Yet, it underscores the challenges of developing for a console that, while powerful for its price point, does have its limitations compared to its beefier sibling, the Xbox Series X.

PC Gamers and Xbox Series X Owners in the Clear

On the flip side, those playing on a high-end PC or the Xbox Series X are likely to enjoy the game in all its glory, with the coveted 60fps mode providing a smooth and immersive experience. For PC gamers in particular, the opportunity to push the game’s settings to the max is enticing. And with Nvidia and MSI launching a STALKER-themed 4070 Ti Super graphics card, dedicated fans have the perfect excuse to upgrade their rigs ahead of the game’s release.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag for Xbox Series S Users

As STALKER 2 inches closer to its release date, it’s clear that Xbox Series S users may need to temper their expectations. While GSC Game World is working hard to ensure the game runs smoothly on all platforms, the absence of a 60fps mode on Series S might leave some players feeling shortchanged. Nonetheless, with the game’s rich lore, atmospheric setting, and intense gameplay, STALKER 2 is still poised to be a standout release in 2024.

For now, it’s a waiting game to see just how well the final product will perform across different platforms. In the meantime, Series S users may want to consider their options—whether it’s upgrading to a Series X, fine-tuning their expectations, or simply enjoying the ride, albeit at a lower framerate.

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