The highly anticipated Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has received another update, version 1.0.3, addressing various issues players encountered since its launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Developer GSC Game World has been actively working to improve the game’s stability and performance, and this patch focuses on fixing crashes, bugs related to main and side missions, and control adjustments based on player feedback.
This update isn’t a major overhaul but provides significant improvements to the overall gameplay experience. It builds upon previous patches and demonstrates GSC Game World’s commitment to refining Stalker 2. Let’s delve into the specific changes implemented in this update.
Key Improvements in Update 1.0.3
Update 1.0.3 tackles several critical areas of Stalker 2, enhancing stability, refining controls, and fixing progression-blocking bugs. The patch notes highlight the following key areas of improvement:
Crash Fixes and Memory Optimization
Several crash issues causing ACCESS_VIOLATION_ERROR and LowLevelFatalError have been resolved. These fixes should improve game stability and reduce frustrating interruptions during gameplay.
Control Adjustments for Keyboard and Mouse
Responding to player feedback, GSC Game World has made significant adjustments to keyboard and mouse controls to reduce input lag. Mouse Smoothing and Mouse Acceleration are now disabled by default. Furthermore, default values for mouse sensitivity have been updated to provide a more predictable and consistent experience:
- Camera sensitivity: 25%
- Aim sensitivity: 15%
Mission Bug Fixes
A number of bugs impacting both main and side missions have been addressed. These fixes ensure smoother progression through the game’s narrative and prevent players from getting stuck or encountering unexpected issues. Some notable fixes include:
- Monolithians no longer chase players outside the X-5 lab during the “In Search of Past Glory” mission.
- Prevented the untimely demise of NPCs Hamster and Ricochet during the “On the Edge” mission.
- Ensured the Bayun cat doesn’t despawn before players can loot its collar in the “In the Name of Science” mission.
- Resolved the potential for players to lock themselves in during the “Dangerous Liaisons” mission.
- Fixed Roosevelt becoming hostile prematurely in the “King of the Hill” mission.
- Prevented Sava from despawning unexpectedly during the “A Heavy Burden” mission.
- Addressed the issue of NPCs despawning after completing the “Legends of the Zone” mission.
Additional Improvements
Beyond the core focus areas, Update 1.0.3 includes fixes for AI behavior, balance adjustments, and save functionality:
- Fixed an issue with mutant bodies stretching unnaturally after being shot with automatic weapons.
- Prevented NPCs from blocking doorways during the “Back to the Slag Heap” mission.
- Ensured Sidorovich sells all intended ammo types.
- Resolved issues with missing player saves after a hard reboot of the PC or Xbox.
Conclusion
Update 1.0.3 represents a continued effort by GSC Game World to enhance the Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl experience. By addressing crashes, mission bugs, and control issues, this patch makes significant strides towards delivering a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience. Players are encouraged to download the update and continue exploring the Zone.