The first big update for STALKER 2—Patch 1.0.1—is out now, fixing over 650 bugs and issues on PC and Xbox. This patch makes AI behavior better, improves performance, and balances combat, missions, and gear. Players will notice better NPC behavior, smoother mission progress, and improved audio sync. Some key changes include tweaking the damage from enemies like Bloodsuckers and NPCs, reducing item weight, and adjusting mission rewards to make the game more engaging.
They’ve also fixed crashes, HUD issues, and graphical glitches, along with making cutscenes, open-world interactions, and voiceovers smoother. The update lowers gear repair costs and boosts artifact values, making resource management easier. GSC Game World promises ongoing updates to keep refining the game based on player feedback.
STALKER 2 Update 1.0.1 Complete Patch Notes:
AI Fixes:
- Resolved issues causing NPC groups to get stuck or die near shelters during emissions.
- Enhanced pathfinding for mission-critical NPCs to prevent idle behavior and progression blockers.
- Fixed bugs causing NPCs to assume an A-pose or float after death.
- Improved AI tracking of targets in cover to prevent wasted shots.
- Optimized NPC and mutant behavior to reduce memory usage and improve performance during extended sessions.
Optimization and Performance:
- Fixed invisible NPCs and mutants appearing in the player’s field of view while scoping.
- Resolved visual rendering issues with fire effects at specific camera angles.
- Addressed over 100 crashes, including memory leaks and EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors.
Audio and Sound:
- Corrected combat music that persisted after battles ended.
- Fixed seven additional minor audio bugs.
Balance Adjustments:
- Reduced costs for weapon and armor repairs.
- Increased artifact sell values and mission rewards by 2-3 times.
- Adjusted mutant damage and player weapon durability on Rookie difficulty.
- Introduced a silencer attachment for PTM and rebalanced Hercules consumable effects.
Combat Changes:
- Reduced damage and health regeneration rates for enemies like Bloodsuckers, Controllers, and Boars.
- Increased melee weapon range for smoother close-quarters combat.
Game Settings and Interactables:
- Adjusted shader compilation text for better readability.
- Resolved bugs with destructible objects, inner doors, and blocked mission areas.
Missions and Open-World:
- Fixed numerous mission progression blockers, including issues with NPC behavior, item spawns, and objective markers.
- Improved fast travel routes and corrected hostile NPC tactics in arena missions.
Visual and Technical Fixes:
- Restored missing facial animations and voice lines for specific missions.
- Corrected texture flickering and movement bugs in key areas.
- Fixed flashlight and compass marker inconsistencies.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl offers a gritty open-world survival experience with atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay. Set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, players navigate dangerous landscapes filled with mutants, anomalies, and hostile factions while uncovering a deep narrative.
