Xbox Game Pass offers a compelling advantage over PlayStation Plus with its frequent day-one game releases. This week saw the highly anticipated arrival of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a title sure to entice many subscribers. However, potential players should be wary of performance and technical problems plaguing the game’s launch.
While the game boasts a respectable Metacritic score of 78 and impressive initial sales figures, these don’t tell the whole story. Discussions on the Xbox Game Pass subreddit highlight significant performance issues, urging players to exercise caution. Although future updates are expected to address these problems, those eager to experience Stalker 2 through Game Pass might be better off waiting a few weeks for improvements.
One Reddit user warned, “Fans are praising the game’s potential, but its current state is rough. I can’t recommend it in good faith. Stalker 2 needs more time.” Similar sentiments are echoed on other platforms, with players acknowledging the game’s promise while cautioning against its current technical shortcomings. One Steam user stated, “I can’t in good faith blindly recommend a game just because I’m a fan. Stalker 2 needs more time.”
The performance issues, though reportedly less severe on Xbox consoles than on PC, are still noticeable, particularly on the Xbox Series S. While some Xbox users report minimal problems, others describe significant performance hiccups, including frame drops and stuttering. This inconsistency further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of these technical issues.
The tweet above, showcasing Series S gameplay, visually demonstrates the performance issues. The choppy frame rate and stuttering significantly detract from the overall experience, reinforcing the recommendation to delay playing until patches are released. While the long-awaited release of Stalker 2 is exciting for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, it’s crucial to be aware of these launch issues before diving in. Patience may be rewarded with a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the near future.
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