Summary
STALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogyis now available on theNintendo Switch. This release promises to strengthen the selection of immersive RPG-FPS hybrids onNintendo’s hit console.
Developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, theSTALKERseries presently spans a trio of titles released for PC over a three-year period ending in 2009. These games amassed a cult following due to their immersive worlds and compelling gameplay loops combining first-person shooter mechanics with exploration, horror elements, and a gear-driven progression system appealing to RPG fans. A re-release of theSTALKERtrilogy subtitledLegends of the Zonewas shadow-droppedfor the latest two Xbox and PlayStation console generations in March 2024. GSC later confirmed that this bundle would also make its way to the Switch.
The company made good on that promise on October 31, when theSwitch version ofSTALKER: Legends of the Zonelanded on the eShop. As was the case with the Xbox and PlayStation releases, these ports can be procured in two ways. One, they are available for purchase separately, priced at $19.99 each. Alternatively, all three games can bebought together for $39.99, effectively offering 33% in savings. The PlayStation and Xbox versions ofSTALKER: Legends of the Zonehave been discounted thrice since March 2024, dropping as low as $27.99. It’s hence possible that the trilogy will see frequent discounts on the eShop as well.
STALKER Trilogy Is Best Tackled in Order of Release
Switch gamers interested in playing theSTALKERtrilogywould do best to tackle the games in the order of their release. While their stories do work as standalone experiences, there’s still a lot of narrative depth and context that those playing the games out of order are bound to miss. Furthermore,Clear Skyimproved onShadow of Chernobyl’s mechanics, much likeCall of PripyatrefinedClear Sky’s gameplay, so tackling these titles out of order might make the older ones feel a lot clunkier in comparison.
STALKER 2 Is Just Around the Corner
The Switch port ofSTALKER: Legends of the Zonearrives mere weeks ahead of the much-anticipated fourth entry in the franchise. Following four delays,STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylis at last scheduled for release on November 20. The long-awaited title will be available on the Xbox Series X/S and PC. It has also long been confirmed as a day-one Xbox Game Pass release. The console versions of the original trilogy didn’t take any development resources fromSTALKER 2, as they were handled by the Polish porting specialists at Mataboo rather than GSC.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Developed by GSC Game World, STALKER is a series of open-world genre hybrids combining elements of first-person shooters, immersive sims, and survival horror games.
