Stalker Legends of the Zone receives Nvidia DLSS support in 2025


The iconic game Stalker and its original installments, which are now over 16 years old, have received a significant update: a new patch released on September 18 by GSC Game World introduces support for Nvidia DLSS in the remaster Legends of the Zone. While the idea of adding cutting-edge technology to such old titles may seem surprising, this decision makes sense when examining the features of the remaster more closely.
Why Nvidia DLSS in an Old Game?
Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) has revolutionized video game performance, becoming an indispensable tool for running many of the most graphically demanding titles. Legends of the Zone, a package that includes the older game, Shadow of Chernobyl, released in 2007, doesn’t seem to be the typical candidate for this advanced technology. However, the remaster has introduced graphical elements that demand more resources.
User Avdievs, on the Steam forum dedicated to the update, indicated that the texture filtering and anti-aliasing components offered by DLSS are highly desirable, even for a game that should be easy to run. It is noted that Legends of the Zone may consume more resources than the original versions, which justifies the incorporation of this technology.
Graphical Enhancements and Performance
Some of the new graphical features, such as improved global illumination, have led players to consider DLSS as a viable option. A user known as Spleen mentioned in the forums that "DLSS is the perfect choice for those who want to play with their demanding indirect lighting in 4K at over 60 fps." In another comment in Russian, which was translated, Spleen stated that his 5080 graphics card was fully loaded reaching 120 fps in 4K but experiencing frame drops due to the new indirect lighting. This suggests that even players equipped with cutting-edge hardware can benefit from this technology.
A Promising Development
After a somewhat rocky launch for Legends of the Zone, GSC Game World seems to have taken steps to improve the player experience. Recent reviews on Steam have shifted to "Mostly Positive," unlike the overall state which was "Mixed." Joshua Wolens, a journalist for PCG and a well-known Stalker enthusiast, expressed his satisfaction in July when the studio fixed a bug that caused issues with quick saves, indicating an effective response from the developers.
Conclusion
The implementation of Nvidia DLSS in Stalker Legends of the Zone is an example of how modern technology can revitalize classic titles, enhancing their performance and making them more accessible for new generations of players. As developers continue to explore new ways to modernize the gaming experience, this update may just be the beginning of a series of innovations in the Stalker universe.
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