S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to support ray tracing on Xbox Series X

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 made its debut at the Xbox Games Showcase event this month, emerging from an over decade-long series hiatus, tied to Xbox Series X as a console launch exclusive. The cult shooter resurfaces through a next-gen lens, branching into consoles for the first time, with a moody two-minute reveal trailer. And with the developer starting to talk project scope, we also understand its early ambitions on Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series X version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is among the few committed to console ray-tracing support, according to a newly published Microsoft listing. The next-generation Xbox packs a GPU delivering hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which GSC Game World looks to leverage in its open world.

The studio behind S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, GSC Game World, describes its next venture as a “unique blend of FPS, immersive sim, and horror,” touting a sizeable open world and a branching storyline, with headroom for multiple endings. The project features the same Chernobyl setup in the aftermath of the 1986 nuclear accident, host to mutants and various hazards, as a result.

It’s still early for the next S.T.A.L.K.E.R. entry, but we understand its in-engine debut trailer serves as a target for visuals on Xbox Series X. The game leverages Unreal Engine, with motion capture and photogrammetry, to deliver its visual advancements. The title will also target 4K resolution on Xbox Series X, according to the Xbox listing.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is yet to receive a launch date, but targets Xbox Series X, with a simultaneous PC release. The title will also join the Xbox Game Pass subscription service on launch day, joining the over 100 titles on Xbox and PC.