Okay, Stalkers, listen up, the Zone has gone way up on the interest scale-unless that is debatable. Update 1.6 for Heart of Chornobyl has just been rolled out. A big thank you from the official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. account were bestowed upon players for holding on through the tumultuous development, with instructions to head straight to an external link to get the full scoop on the update due to the amount of detailed information provided.
So, what’s in this Baby? According to GSC Game World, it is an important update, so usually, one expects new content, full-on QoL improvements, and a truckload of fixes addressing whatever distasteful event was kept alive by player fury. The Tweet says not to waste any time but jump right in, though, as always, the real story never makes it up but falls into the comment section, with all sorts of wonderful comments being shared amid excitement and abomination.
Some are soaking themselves in hardcore excitement already. Quelisie Cosplay just couldn’t contend with his two life-giving words: “so good!!” and proceeded to express how excited he was to jump back in. That is the reaction expected, right? But scrolling just a bit, oh boy! The harsh reality of the new updates starts to set in. Looks like Update 1.6 might be stirring some… issues, notably in the modding community.
I mean, there is a whole bunch of players like Trenches2022 that started complaining of crashing after a few minutes of play, the immediate suspect, Mods. Then Alan Broughton got in with the antidote, implicating a certain flashlight mod, “It’s the flashlight mod that’s the problem uninstall it worked for me.” That’s pretty much the classic PC gaming dilemma. You get an update and all your mods suddenly clash with it. It’s like the Zone is rejecting your unauthorized equipment.
Then there are some mod issues, and then there are players also worrying about the bugs in the main game. User ChiiFGC indicated a pretty major one that interfered with the controller: “Btw new update break ADS for controller. It’s stuck at 30 with no way to change it.” That is an absolute nightmare if anyone’s playing with a gamepad. And then Alan Broughton comes charging in again, pissed off about another bug-crappy subtitles: “You still haven’t fixed the subtitles staying on screen even though I have them turned off in the options menu how the fuck can you miss that fucking useless 🤬.” Well, he doesn’t sound thrilled. His frustration can be felt practically through the screen.
Among the many bug reports, some pertinent questions about the new content arise. User Merlin_DayZ queries, “Do I need to start a new game to find the NVG? Thanks for the update!” implying there is new gear to acquire, such as Night Vision Goggles. That’s always welcomed in the dark, creepy corners of the Zone. Another player, kajimada, wonders, “Does Offset Aiming support all weapons??” so it appears the update also introduces some new aiming options, which is neat for adapting gameplay.
There is also some interesting feedback about the game’s atmosphere. User HrShipwreck shared his opinion about English voice acting: “technically perfect but in my opinion -soulless.” The slight Ukrainian accent from English actors might mend that. That is definitely a little more nuanced perspective one doesn’t stumble upon every day.
And how could a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. conversation close without asking about what’s next. User Jurgen_Thor14 is already looking forward: “When will be multiplayer or Co-Op Story?,” while bam speculates they probably won’t get one until after the release of the first DLC. Meanwhile, corvinus_lucian, speaking Ukrainian, has requested a post-ending game mode that would allow for free exploration after completing the story-a feature adored by many open-world fans.
So, what is the very last verdict on Update 1.6? One step forward, maybe two sideways. The developers are all-in on supporting the game, bringing new features, and fixing bugs. But just like any complex game, new bugs come with new code introduced. And it always kills the mods. Vanilla-style players will definitely consider this to be a nice shining update accompanied by some new toys. For the rest of us, it means hang tight until modders update theirs. That’s the circle of life in the gaming Zone. Get out there, Stalkers, but maybe consider checking that mod list before you head off. And watch that ADS sensitivity bug if you’re on a controller.
