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We ventured into the exclusion zone in Stalker 2 and tested both graphics mode on Xbox Series X.
Following a very difficult development (we can recommend watching this doc for more on that, content warning for images of war) Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl was finally released for PC and Xbox Series X|S and it’s also available since day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (PC and Console) and PC Game Pass. In this piece we’re only going as far as visiting the first settlement Zalissia, so no worries for any spoilers.
Download the performance mode screenshot | Download the quality mode screenshot
While performance mode targets 60 frames-per-second (fps), GSC Game World aims to deliver 30 fps in quality mode. The experts at Digital Foundry counted the resolution ranges in which each mode runs – 864p to 1,152p for performance mode and 1440p for quality mode. Both images get upscaled to 4K via Temporal Super Resolution (TSR).
Download the performance mode screenshot | Download the quality mode screenshot
While the image looks a little softer and lacks environmental detail in performance mode, ray-tracing doesn’t seem to be affected and that would mean it’s supported in both graphics modes on Xbox Series X. On a standard television set it’s unlikely to spot a lot of differences right away with the exception of reduced vegetation. In addition to the graphics mode, we can also – in theory – determine the quality of the motion blur in four levels on Xbox Series X, though we were unable to select any option other than “low” because the game kept resetting our selection.
Download the performance mode screenshot | Download the quality mode screenshot
A stable 30 fps can be maintained in quality mode in Zalissia’s bar scene which is included in the embedded video, while performance mode struggles and outputs on average 45 to 55 fps. This behaviour continues while exploring the open world and in combat. Performance mode just can’t maintain a steady 60 fps.
Download the performance mode screenshot | Download the quality mode screenshot
Stalker 2 seems to make use of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on Xbox Series X, as performance mode runs even worse when VRR isn’t available and the shooter’s framerate constantly dips. Therefore we highly recommend playing Stalker 2 with a VRR-enabled set.
Until GSC Game World fixed stability in performance mode, we suggest you make use of quality mode on Xbox Series X. The game looks and runs better in it, albeit it misses the smoothness of 60 fps, especially in combat. If you want a steady 60 fps, you may need to play on PC, even though the game’s performance isn’t great there as well. We’ll take a look at that version at another point in time and wish you luck in looting the zone, beware of all of the invisible anomalies and enemies, as well as the highly dangerous stalkers with their near perfect aim.
Xbox provided us with access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
