Stalker 2 on the PlayStation 5 is close to perfection

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I’ve really enjoyed playing Stalker 2, but it’s hard to ignore the problems it had at launch. Considering the game was developed in Ukraine during an ongoing invasion, many of us were just hoping the developers at GSC Game World were safe and able to finish the game as they intended.

Stalker 2 has improved significantly since its initial release, thanks to several updates, including the recent PlayStation launch and 1.7 patch. While our reviewer, Sam Chandler, found a lot to enjoy even with the initial bugs (you can read his full review here), this article focuses on how the game feels specifically on the PlayStation 5, especially for those who have already spent considerable time playing the PC version.

The game runs much better now! Compared to when I first played on PC, where the frame rate was often choppy and sometimes dropped below 30 FPS in cities, the latest update (patch 1.7) on my PlayStation 5 Pro provides a remarkably smooth experience.

I believe the PlayStation 5’s Performance Mode delivers on its promise. While there’s occasional slowdown, the game consistently runs at around 60 frames per second. This is likely due to the carefully optimized settings for consoles, though good performance isn’t always a given these days. Overall, the PlayStation 5 handles almost everything S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 throws at it, except in very detailed areas.

The PlayStation 5 Pro will offer more realistic graphics thanks to improvements in areas like shadows, lighting, reflections, fog, and clouds. You can expect sharper details and a more immersive visual experience.

As a fan, I’ve noticed the biggest improvements are definitely in the shadows and fog – they really stand out. The other visual tweaks are nice, but honestly, they’re pretty subtle when you’re actually playing the game. You can really see the difference if you crank up the graphics to ‘Quality’ mode, but I wasn’t thrilled about the drop in frame rate. If you’re a stickler for how a game looks, then ‘Quality’ is the way to go – it’s seriously beautiful. Just be aware you’ll be playing at around 30 frames per second if you choose that setting.

I was particularly impressed with how GSC Game World used the controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. I generally prefer playing first-person shooters on a PC, as I haven’t consistently played on consoles since Battlefield 3 on the PlayStation 3, and my aiming skills aren’t very good anymore.

Overall, Stalker 2 is a really fun game, especially if you appreciate a slower, more thoughtful experience compared to fast-paced shooters. Even if you don’t usually play shooter games, you’ll likely enjoy it if you’re interested in its world and story. One of the best parts is how the controller’s adaptive triggers make you feel the tension building – you can actually feel the pressure as you prepare to fire, and I think they’re the standout feature on current consoles.

The same attention to detail applies to Stalker 2’s weapons; each one feels unique, making your choice about which to use based on more than just its appearance or power. The developers have really utilized the PlayStation’s features, including the controller’s speakers for immersive communication and ambient sounds, and light bars to display character and environmental information.

These features are designed to make the game’s intense atmosphere even more believable. You’ll feel subtle vibrations through haptic feedback, hear startlingly realistic radio static during tense moments, and experience truly immersive 3D audio. To get the most out of the sound design, especially the 3D audio, headphones are highly recommended, as speakers won’t deliver the same effect.

One of the biggest improvements in the 1.7 update for Stalker 2 has been to its A-life system, which wasn’t very satisfying when the game first came out. Players were hoping for a more immersive and lively game world, and this update aims to deliver that.

A-life controls the behavior of characters and AI in the game, influencing things like faction warfare, territory control, and how enemies fight and react to the player. At launch, a major problem was that gunfights felt unbalanced – cover wasn’t effective, and enemies could easily hit you even through obstacles. Now, lines of sight are important, NPCs roam the map and appear in unpredictable locations, and enemy groups can encounter and battle each other independently of the player. While there’s still room for improvement, A-life is significantly more polished than it used to be.

With Christmas and the holidays near, and many people looking for new games to play over the New Year, the PlayStation 5 version of Stalker 2 is gaining attention as a top choice.

So far, this is the smoothest and most fun I’ve had playing Stalker 2. The new features really pull you into the game, and I definitely recommend checking it out.

This impressions piece is based on a Stalker 2 PlayStation code that the publisher provided.

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2025-12-18 19:58