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[adamsapple]

​

A video that delivers excellent news on all counts. STALKER 2's console exclusivity period is over, meaning that the game is now available for PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro owners too. However, there's much more to the story: patch 1.7 has arrived for all systems, drastically increasing performance across the board. It's a transformative experience compared to prior updates and vastly improved over launch.

00:00 Introduction
01:23 Launch performance and patch 1.7 PC performance
05:27 Patch 1.7 Series X/S performance
08:21 PS5
09:29 PS5 Pro
13:49 Analysis and conclusion

 

[GladiusFrog]

I need to play this game, it looks great.

 

[adamsapple]

- "Notable improvements" seen on existing releases.
- At launch the struggled with both GPU and CPU performance.
- 4070S on average sees 26% improvement in CPU performance on high settings. Also sees improvement in frame times with less stuttering.

- A UE5.4 upgrade that further improves CPU performance and adds newer UE5 graphics features is targeted for either later this year or next. The game currently does not use things like nanite on foliage as it was made on an older UE5 branch (5.1)

With latest 1.7 update:

- Series X runs 60fps 99% of the time with some drops to mid 50's in hub areas with NPCs in the Performance mode.
- 30fps Quality mode now runs at a flat 100% locked on both Series S and X

PS5/Pro:

- PS5 seems similar to Series X with similar final output resolve
- Both Quality and Performance modes run higher DRS on Series X
- One tested example shows 1440p on SX vs 1152p on PS5
- Performance is also a touch better on SX, example of hub area shows more wobble on PS5

- PS5 Pro shows visual differences with enhanced GI, improved shadows and fog etc.
- Though in DF's testing most of these 'upgrades' are pretty small and both look 'pretty similar' with impact not really seen in side by side.
- Resolutions are similar to base PS5.
- Quality mode looks very similar on both with the smae 4K-ish final output.
- Performance mode looks sharper on Pro which may be because of improved up-scaling (they mention the game is not using PSSR, but TSR instead).
- Performance mode is mostly 60fps with wobble seen in the same hub area, though Pro wobbles less than SX or PS5
- Quality mode is locked flat and solid to 30fps

 

[SuperC]

Better resolution and framerate on the Series X. DF didn't see any noticeable improvement in the visual settings for the PS5 Pro but it does run at a slightly higher resolution and they didnt use PSSR

 

[Skifi28]

I want to thank all the beta testers and I mean it unironically. I would not pay full price for that early access version in all but name we got a year ago, but somebody had to support the studio. This might just now be one of the better UE5 games out there when it comes to a combination of visuals, image quality and performance. The most impressive thing is how much better the console version runs in CPU limited situations vs the 3600, it's like a world of difference for what is supposedly similar CPUs. It's the reason I kept saying in all those PS5 pro threds back then that people should not target console level CPUs when building a PC to save a few bucks as it's not apples to apples and they'll have issues down the line consoles might not.

 

[squidilix]

trash port

 

[FalconPunch]

Better resolution and framerate on the Series X. DF didn't see any noticeable improvement in the visual settings for the PS5 Pro but it does run at a slightly higher resolution and they didnt use PSSR

Go watch the video again, particularly start from 11:11. PS5 pro has the best framerate according to DF. Other than that, the game is fairly poor.

 

[adamsapple]

trash post

Agreed.

This might just now be one of the better UE5 games out there when it comes to a combination of visuals, image quality and performance. The most impressive thing is how much better the console version runs in CPU limited situations vs the 3600, it's like a world of difference for what is supposedly similar CPUs. It's the reason I kept saying in all those PS5 pro threds back then that people should not target console level CPUs when building a PC to save a few bucks as it's not apples to apples and they'll have issues down the line consoles might not.

Outside of Fortnite, this is now probably one of the very rare UE5 open world/zone games that seems to run a pretty solid 60 on consoles. I have no regerts supporting GSC, even in the 30fps mode, the game is unlike many.

 

[Skifi28]

Agreed.



Outside of Fortnite, this is now probably one of the very rare UE5 open world/zone games that seems to run a pretty solid 60 on consoles. I have no regerts supporting GSC, even in the 30fps mode, the game is unlike many.

On the one hand I'd also like to support the studio with how much they went through, but I wanted to wait and experience the game in its full glory with good performance, working systems and fewer bugs. I do not regret waiting at all.

 

[adamsapple]

On the one hand I'd also like to support the studio with how much they went through, but I wanted to wait and experience the game in its full glory with good performance, working systems and fewer bugs. I do not regret waiting at all.

That's fair, and now the game is in the state arguably it should have launched in an ideal case where it was being developed without their friggin offices being bombed in real life.

 

[Skifi28]

That's fair, and now the game is in the state arguably it should have launched in an ideal case where it was being developed without their friggin offices being bombed in real life.

I watched the making of documentary and it was fucking brutal. The worse part was how some of them felt guilt for "running away" from fucking war. Nothing more I can say other than running straight to buy the game now and support them.

 

[Karim]

Better resolution and framerate on the Series X. DF didn't see any noticeable improvement in the visual settings for the PS5 Pro but it does run at a slightly higher resolution and they didnt use PSSR

I don't know if this guy make unfair montages on his videos but:
looking here IQ seem quite better but also the GI ehancement is not exactly subtle as Oliver said, at least for who care about such details. . But I know also this chanel is by an avid ps5 pro fanboy so I hope don't be so stupidly dishonest playing with childish tricks

 

[Markio128]

What's the general consensus on this game here? I'm tempted to pick it up, but it's difficult to gauge how good the game is from reviews because it seems most of them were completed prior to the new patch.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

Seems like a pretty standard port which is fine. Would have liked more from the Pro but at least it has the full suite of PS specific features (gyro, Spatial Audio, etc). I noticed the performance bump mentioned on PC when I redownloaded it last night.

Speaking of PC though. I thought DualSense was supposed to be included in the latest PC patch but the game still didn't recognize the controller at all whether wired/wireless which is annoying as I was thinking about buying the PS5 version just to go through on controller/comfy couch.

I watched the making of documentary and it was fucking brutal. The worse part was how some of them felt guilt for "running away" from fucking war. Nothing more I can say other than running straight to buy the game now and support them.

Agreed. I'd say if you are at all interested in the game just buy it.

 

[Mister Wolf]

Amazing game. If you love the thrill of scavenging in dangerous territory then you should definitely purchase this. This and Metro Exodus are right next to each other. I love them both. Exodus has the better story, but Stalker has the better scavenging and exploration.

 

[Arsic]

Game has ran flawlessly on pro for me in my 5 hours so far.

Really enjoying it but I totally forgot why the PC version is better - the weight mod.

Omg due you're always over weight in this game throwing away stuff you want to sell. With no fast travel back to town on a whim to sell either. Shit sucks so bad.

 

[Darsxx82]

The improvement in performance and optimization since launch is truly remarkable. It's now a game with outstanding and adequate performance.

The game has seen many patches on the Xbox Series X, but it's "ironic" that the one that truly makes a difference arrives when it leaves Game Pass. This is certainly no coincidence, and it seems they wanted to keep this ace up their sleeve to entice those who tried it on Game Pass but were disappointed with the performance to buy it.

Regarding console comparisons... well, the trend continues, and the Xbox Series X continue

 

[SKYF@ll]

The PS5 Pro uses the same TSR internal resolution as the PS5 for 4K upscaling, and the image quality is quite good.
The vegetation settings also seem a little high when compared side by side.

 

[Mr Moose]

I know it feels like that with Pro's output sometimes but they're 4 years apart in terms of specs.

What does this even mean? They are all the same gen.

 

[adamsapple]

What does this even mean? They are all the same gen.

That SX's direct analog is PS5, not Pro.

 

[Mr Moose]

That SX's direct analog is PS5, not Pro.

Series X is their Pro console I know what you mean but they are all the same gen. The CPU/GPU and shite.

 

[SuperC]

Go watch the video again, particularly start from 11:11. PS5 pro has the best framerate according to DF. Other than that, the game is fairly poor.

I am talking about the Series X compared to the regular PS5

 

[adamsapple]

The PS5 Pro uses the same TSR internal resolution as the PS5 for 4K upscaling, and the image quality is quite good.
The vegetation settings also seem a little high when compared side by side.

The SX seems to slot somewhere in the middle, closer to PS5 in that equation than Pro.

Left SX - Right PS5

 

[Negotiator101]

I want to thank all the beta testers and I mean it unironically. I would not pay full price for that early access version in all but name we got a year ago, but somebody had to support the studio. This might just now be one of the better UE5 games out there when it comes to a combination of visuals, image quality and performance. The most impressive thing is how much better the console version runs in CPU limited situations vs the 3600, it's like a world of difference for what is supposedly similar CPUs. It's the reason I kept saying in all those PS5 pro threds back then that people should not target console level CPUs when building a PC to save a few bucks as it's not apples to apples and they'll have issues down the line consoles might not.

So you're thanking Xbox because they supported the team more than anyone.

"We've said this many times, but we are genuinely grateful to the Xbox team for all the collaboration, incredible showcases, heartfelt care, and amazing professionalism. Your hand of support could always be felt, even in the darkest moments. Together, we gave players an unforgettable experience. We are sincerely proud of what we've achieved together. This road without you would have been, at the very least, completely different."

 

[Gonzito]

I am using the Ultra Plus on pc which pushes the graphics even further and removes the ghosting and artefacts that the game has by default and it looks absolutely stunning. The game has overcast weather most of the time which makes it look photorealistic

They have made a great job to be honest and it's now really polished. I played a couple of hours and didn't find any issues. All working well as intended

I hate not having enough time to jump in because I would like to make a full playthrough

 

[Duchess]

Is this game good? I mean, what sets it apart from the crowd?

 

[Gonzito]

Is this game good? I mean, what sets it apart from the crowd?

Absolutely

I would say the immersion, exploration and the world. Its stunning, provocative and very unique. There is nothing out there like Stalker. Its a vibe

 

[MAX PAYMENT]

Did they ever fix the dynamic AI issues? That was the big controversy when it released. The AI just didnt do at all what was advertised or behaved at all like previous games.

 

[Zathalus]

Oh look, it is perfectly possible to do an open world UE5 game that both looks and performs good. On 5.1 no less. The engine isn't perfect by any means but it helps when developers are given time to polish.

 

[Karim]

The improvement in performance and optimization since launch is truly remarkable. It's now a game with outstanding and adequate performance.

The game has seen many patches on the Xbox Series X, but it's "ironic" that the one that truly makes a difference arrives when it leaves Game Pass. This is certainly no coincidence, and it seems they wanted to keep this ace up their sleeve to entice those who tried it on Game Pass but were disappointed with the performance to buy it.

Regarding console comparisons... well, the trend continues, and the Xbox Series X continue

Jesus man it's 2-3 fps of difference in the most demanding scene

I remind people like you expected 4k native on Series X and 1600p on base ps5 as a standard difference on multiplat when they were announced and now after all there are still people who has the courage to sell such meaningless difference as relevent every single time.

 

[Darsxx82]

Jesus man it's 2-3 fps of difference in the most demanding scene

And also 1440p VS 1152p .... But as always my friend, we know is nothing relevant to say in a tech thread for you

 

[Karim]

And also 1440p VS 1152p .... But as always my friend, we know is nothing relevant to say in a tech thread for you

In one scene

And with DRS and TSR...have some dignity. I haven't said it's not relevant talk about it but celebrate every time such differences is really childish and lean just to console warring, especially if we look all the chats at the start of the generation.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Xbox once again showing its strength. Shame it didn't do it at the start of the generation.

Maybe MS will learn a harsh lesson here and make sure they have their tools ready in time for the consoles launch, not 3 to 4 years after.

 

[Karim]

Xbox once again showing its strength. Shame it didn't do it at the start of the generation.

Maybe MS will learn a harsh lesson here and make sure they have their tools ready in time for the consoles launch, not 3 to 4 years after.

We already seen such difference even at the start of the generation.

 

[Lorianus]

1.7 version in the video on pc is running on high but with dlss set to ultra performance, game is rendering in 720p at that point and still cant hold 60 fps, game optimization is dead.

 

[Darsxx82]

In one scene

LOL, it's not a single scene. It's a 1:1 screenshot to give you an idea of the margins or differences in figures and numbers because at first glance, they already noticed a some better IQ on the XSX...

But hey!

 

[Karim]

LOL, it's not a single scene. It's a 1:1 screenshot to give you an idea of the margins or differences in figures and numbers because at first glance, they already noticed a some better IQ on the XSX...

But hey!

DF said they find such resolution difference in one scene and for the most they are close or the same resolution furthermore it's not even easy to spot because TSR, TAA, DRS and so on but hey continue your stupid warring. I don't know why people like you continue to sell such stuff as something of revelatory or new, it's really irrational.

 

[Gonzito]

Did they ever fix the dynamic AI issues? That was the big controversy when it released. The AI just didnt do at all what was advertised or behaved at all like previous games.

Yes

The world is very much alive now with Stalkers and bandits roaming around and fighting each other as well as creatures and monsters.

I was playing the game yesterday and compared to the release version it was night and day difference.

 

[Darsxx82]

DF said they find such resolution difference in one scene and for the most they are close or the same resolution furthermore it's not even easy to spot but hey continue your stupid warring.

They dont say nothing like this. They also say that with TSR is more easy count the resolution VS other games (why they show SH f footage)...

So, the funny thing is that you talk about "stupid warring" when you're the main character in every DF thread or similar...

I think that after 1000s DF threads and comparisons you still haven't figured out what's being discussed on it... or do you simply not like the results and react like this ?

Bye

 

[Karim]

They dont say nothing like this. They also say that with TSR is more easy count the resolution...So, the funny thing is that you talk about war when you're the main character in every DF thread or similar...

I think that after 1000s DF threads and comparisons you still haven't figured out what's being discussed on it... or do you simply not like the results and react like this ?

Bye

You are really hopeless. From the video and Oliver speaks seems a like per like version but you continue to sell such differences as the second coming of Christ as always. Jesus grow up. And you blame me of warring because I calling you out with this tiring attitude

 

[Darsxx82]

You are really hopeless

It's clear you don't use a mirror

 

[Karim]

It's clear you don't use a mirror

If only I have the time and the will to post all your previous conversations about such stuff, a MS PR is more moderate than you, hope you are paid at least

 

[Panajev2001a]

​

A video that delivers excellent news on all counts. STALKER 2's console exclusivity period is over, meaning that the game is now available for PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro owners too. However, there's much more to the story: patch 1.7 has arrived for all systems, drastically increasing performance across the board. It's a transformative experience compared to prior updates and vastly improved over launch.

00:00 Introduction
01:23 Launch performance and patch 1.7 PC performance
05:27 Patch 1.7 Series X/S performance
08:21 PS5
09:29 PS5 Pro
13:49 Analysis and conclusion

Nice to see that thanks lap to shitty videos prioritising still camera IQ over moving camera IQ a first person shooter has the classical TSR screen smear when the player moves and rotates the camera around on PS5 Pro. I seriously do not understand what is wrong with people on the PSSR issue, sure it is not perfect and may require fine tuning from devs but as players we prioritise motion no? We should care about IQ being sharper and stable in motion right?

 

[Darsxx82]

If only I have the time and the will to post all your previous conversations about such stuff, a MS PR is more moderate than you

First, I already know the results aren't what you'd like, hence your typical childish reactions...

Second, you're the one who's in every DF thread or similar, playing the main character and warring with everyone who points out aspects that clearly make you feel bad.

Third, you're the one who shows up in every similar thread just to tell us about your animosity towards DF and its staff, who, according to you, are all Xbox fans and anti-PS, and claiming they're not a reliable source...

In fact, your first contribution to this thread was to question the results reported by DF based on a link to a video from some random YouTuber who doesn't know what he's talking about and even had to re-upload the video several times because he kept getting the XSX footage wrong

Fourth, you're the one who quoted a very innocent comment ("XSX"). Your reaction to it says a lot about your sensitivity

Anyway, maybe it's the rest of us who have lost hope that you'll ever use a mirror and see the flaws in yourself that you only see in others

And now, have a good day, bye

 

[Karim]

Nice to see that thanks lap to shitty videos prioritising still camera IQ over moving camera IQ a first person shooter has the classical TSR screen smear when the player moves and rotates the camera around on PS5 Pro. I seriously do not understand what is wrong with people on the PSSR issue, sure it is not perfect and may require fine tuning from devs but as players we prioritise motion no? We should care about IQ being sharper and stable in motion right?

Well I guess sometimes the tolerance of PSSR issues can be subjective, anyway such artifacts where quite common in the ps4 era but seems people pay less attention at the time where today many are more insufferable for such things.
We have also to say UE5 not work particularly well with PSSR; the only game with UE5 and decent PSSR uses it's MGSDelta but it's still far away to be perfect. Hope they will find a solution first or later but I guess the problem it's Lumen. It's not exactly "true" raytracing, it has a sort of delay in the lighting coverage, it's almost more deferred than real time (though we are talking of ms) if I have understood correctly how work and with reconstruction it's a fucking hell to handle without cause annoying artifacts as we seen with PSSR. TSR is designed to work around it so it's the easier solution. Ubisoft for example have found a way to handle the raytracing noise with the PSSR but it's a bigger studio, most of the software house who uses UE5 have scarce resources to invest in general, imagine for a proper use of the PSSR.

 

[PeteBull]

Is this game good? I mean, what sets it apart from the crowd?

Its fps, but with major horror/survival and extraction elements, open world, non lineral story are its pros.
As of flaws, especially at launch u could name tons of bugs and dodgy performance even on high end rigs, not to mention consoles, even now some ppl would still clasify it as "eurojank", its made by ukrainian devstudio after all xD
Here some big chunk(beginning) of ps5pr0 gameplay, if u watch random few minutes u will realise what this game is about right away:

 

[Panajev2001a]

UE5 not work particularly well with PSSR; the only game with UE5 and decent PSSR uses it's MGSDelta but it's still far away to be perfect. Hope they will find a solution first or later but I guess the problem it's Lumen. It's not exactly "true" raytracing, it has a sort of delay in the lighting coverage, it's almost more deferred than real time (though we are talking of ms) if I have understood correctly how work and with reconstruction it's a fucking hell to handle without cause annoying artifacts as we seen with PSSR. TSR is designed to work around it so it's the easier solution. Ubisoft for example have found a way to handle the raytracing noise with the PSSR but it's a bigger studio, most of the software house who uses UE5 have scarce resources to invest in general, imagine for a proper use of the PSSR.

I get that, you are repeating verbatim what they said in the video, the point is the outcome. Even in the cases it does not work too well, save for some issues pre-patch for Alan Wake 2, I think PSSR comes out on top when you balance positives and negatives.

UE5 on consoles already has lots of temporal artefacts due to the way the engine works and adding what is the typical TSR smear to camera motion is way way worse than the issues PSSR brings.

An FPS should prioritise moving camera motion clarity over static camera IQ.

 

[Lootlord]

Does this game not use Nanite? There is so much pop in in the distance, buldings, trees, shadows etc..

 

[Karim]

I get that, you are repeating verbatim what they said in the video, the point is the outcome. Even in the cases it does not work too well, save for some issues pre-patch for Alan Wake 2, I think PSSR comes out on top when you balance positives and negatives.

UE5 on consoles already has lots of temporal artefacts due to the way the engine works and adding what is the typical TSR smear to camera motion is way way worse than the issues PSSR brings.

An FPS should prioritise moving camera motion clarity over static camera IQ.

I have played both MGS and Mafia to give an example. The problem of the PSSR it's in still so it's quite easy to notice more often the noise. And I have to admit in Mafia I noticed quite less IQ issues where with the combination of UE5 and PSSR sometimes are really easy to spot, especially with the vegetation. But again in the ps4 era such stuff was quite common so I think it's normal someone can tolerate it where other can't. IMO for now TSR seems suited better for UE5 than PSSR if I can say, even in motion though is less clear exhibit less artifacts when used properly.

 

[ZehDon]

Is this game good? I mean, what sets it apart from the crowd?

STALKER 2 does atmosphere better than virtually any other game. It's oppressive and unrelenting, a soup of isolation, danger, and decay. You feel as if you're walking through the remnants of a dead world, where people are fighting tooth and nail over the scraps of what's left. Take your time, savour the details, and you'll come away with an understanding of why STALKER got a sequel 18 years later.

Does this game not use Nanite? There is so much pop in in the distance, buldings, trees, shadows etc..

Nanite in the UE5 version STALKER 2 uses only works for static geometry, which is usually just the landmasses. When they finish upgrading the game to the latest UE5 version next year, they'll implement nanite foliage and proper VSM, which will address the pop-in on foliage and shadows.