Stalker 2 Patch Adds A-Life Updates and 1,700 Fixes

Stalker 2’s latest patch, 1.2, has arrived on Steam, packing a staggering 1,700 fixes, which are too many to list in full. Described by GSC Game World as "a massive one," this update touches nearly every part of the game, including tweaks to balance, locations, quests, and fixes for crashes. The A-life systems, a signature feature of the Stalker series, have also been refined.

One of the standout changes is the overhaul of NPC AI. NPCs can now loot corpses more effectively, picking up the best weapons and armor, even from fallen Stalkers allied with other factions. NPC shooting has been reworked to make it less predictable, with adjustments like "randomization of accurate shots" in bullet sprays and reduced wall penetration from certain ammo types. Stealth has been fine-tuned, making NPCs slightly less perceptive. Mutants also see improvements in behavior, including ensuring those capable of jumping will do so.

While there are countless changes to AI and systems, the central storyline also benefits from this patch. Though the specifics aren’t listed here to avoid spoilers, it's worth noting that the patch addresses over 300 issues related to quest failures and NPC reactions during primary missions.

Stalker 2 has also received several technical improvements, including better flashlight shadows, more consistent NPC relationship dynamics, and smoother transitions from cutscenes to gameplay. NPC animations are also enhanced, such as parkour from a crouched position and choreographed deaths when NPCs interact with anomalies.

Among the more amusing fixes are "fixed grenade disappearing when throwing it at one's feet" and "fixed an issue where shooting at mutant limbs could stretch them." The patch also solved a more unusual problem: "fixed a problem that made it difficult for rats to move in narrow places," which adds a bit of charm to the game's bug-fixing efforts.

However, if you're hoping to read the full list of changes, you’re out of luck. The Steam update only provides the highlights, and to dive deeper, you’ll need to head over to the Stalker 2 website for the complete changelog.