Hi guys, here is the new update for my S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Ultimate Realistic mod! You can find these Install instructions with pictures in separate folder in the zip file.
Huge thanks for your long-time support, love you!
UR 2.23 changes:
Optimized Engine.ini
RenoDX SDR preset changes
Less blurry Reshade preset
UR 2.22 changes:
Improved reflections in Engine.ini
RenoDX SDR preset changes
Reshade SDR preset changes (mostly camera shake)
UR 2.21 changes:
RenoDX SDR preset changes
Reshade SDR preset changes
Engine.ini changes for Free Look mod
UR 2.20 changes:
Engine.ini changes
More cinematic reshade presets
RenoDX presets adjusted for Dynamic Weather Overhaul mod
Game version is 1.8.1.1
Mods used from Nexusmods (Make sure to use the latest version for the latest patch):
ACE's Real Flashlight
Authentic HK 416
Backpacks
BloodFX
Bloodsucker Glowing Eyes
Dynamic Weather Overhaul
Dust Cloud Removal
Enemy Weapon Attachments
Enhanced Combat VFX
Fake Free Aim (no need for separate download, implemented it in my reshade preset)
Forest Rebirth
Free Look
Gestures
Grass Pack
Hide Low Radiation Effect
Improved Puddles (not sure if it causes constant wet look)
Ledge Grabbing and Balanced Stamina
Modernized AK74
More Realistic Forest
More Sandy Ground
OXA Expanded Armory
Remove Crouch Vignette
Reticles
Realistic Attachment Skins
Real Chornobyl Zone
Shay's Visual Combat Rework
Simple BP ModLoader
Sota Faster Reload ADS Equip
Unlimited saves
Weapon Reposition Project
Zone Unchained
INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS
Check my videos posted on Patreon for easier install.
ATTENTION:
If your games crashes delete this file: "ReshadeEffectShaderToggler.addon64"
My Engine.ini is not compatible with other performance or visual mods, engine.inis or pak files.
Its pretty heavy on performance so if you have a less powerful PC consider not using it.
Im using DLSS 4.5 which you can download from here (along with frame gen and other nvidia stuff):
https://www.techpowerup.com/download/drivers/
(Optional) Download and put the latest Nvidia dll files into the corresponding folders (check video guide).
I don't use Ray Reconstruction anymore because of big fps drop for almost unnoticeable gains.
Put the Engine.ini into /AppData/Local/Stalker2/Saved/Config/Windows folder or...
If you have Engine.ini file already copy-paste mine content into yours.
To open /Appdata/Local folder, type %localappdata% into your Windows search bar.
RESHADE SETUP
My mod contains 4 reshade presets and two RenoDX presets.
You must adjust the renoDX presets manually: HDR if you play with HDR and SDR if without it.
I also attached a picture about my in-game HDR settings.
ATTENTION: Im using the Dynamic Weather Overhaul mod and the presets will be adjusted along this mod in the future.
RenoDX 2.23 SDR preset using DWO:
(you can adjust the brightness with the Exposure slider to your liking)
RenoDX HDR preset using DWO:
In-game HDR settings:
Reshade Presets:
Every reshade preset uses an immersive moving aim shader with zoom, sharpening and subtle camera shake as you can see on the attached pictures. These can be disruptive for many people. You can freely customize the presets and turn off shaders as you like.
UR_Stalker_2.23: SDR preset with base color correcting shaders + noise blur for minimal dof effect. Doesn't need depth buffer. (check picture: depth_buffer_off)
UR_Stalker_2.23_DOF: SDR preset with base color correcting shaders + cinematic DOF for realistic dof effect. Need depth buffer and tick one depth draw line. (check picture: dof_depth_settings)
UR_Stalker_2.20_HDR: HDR preset with base color correcting shaders + noise blur for minimal dof effect (hotkey: PageDown). Doesn't need depth buffer. (check picture: depth_buffer_off)
UR_Stalker_2.20_HDR_DOF: HDR preset with base color correcting shaders + cinematic DOF for realistic dof effect (hotkey: PageDown). Need depth buffer and tick one depth draw line. (check picture: dof_depth_settings)
Reshade Installation:
If you plan on playing with the DOF presets, you can use Frame Generation but make sure Depth Detection is enabled and you must choose one depth draw line. With the newest version of Reshade the depth buffer looks ok and works fine without Frame Gen. (check picture: dof_depth_settings)
If you choose to play with the lighter noise blur presets (RECOMMENDED) you can turn off Depth Detection so you can get more fps. (check picture: depth_buffer_off) You have to restart the game for this.
I binded the "PageDown" hotkey for both Cinematic DOF and Noise Blur to quickly turn them off in-game in case of need.
RenoDX is necessary for the full visual experience which requires the Add-ons version of Reshade. I made two separate RenoDX presets for SDR and HDR.
Download the add-on version of the latest ReShade from here: "https://reshade.me" The game may crash with older versions.
Install ALL the shaders by clicking twice on the "Check/Uncheck all" button.
Do NOT install any add-ons from the setup, finish the install.
Copy the contents of the "reshade_renoDX files" folder into your main folder where your ".exe" is located. (Stalker2/Binaries/Win64)
It should look like this: "Stalker2-Win64-Shipping.exe", "reshade-shaders" folder, "UR_Stalker_2.1.ini", "renodx-stalker2.addon64"...
IMPORTANT: IF YOU EXPERIENCE CRASH AFTER INSTALLING RESHADE AND COPYING THE FILES, DELETE THE FOLLOWING FILE: "ReshadeEffectShaderToggler.addon64"
Launch the game and press "Home" to bring up the Reshade interface, you can Skip Tutorial.
Choose the preset in the upper bar on the interface then press "Select".
Manually configure the RenoDX presets in the RenoDX window according to the pictures: I use Preset #1 for SDR, and Preset #2 for HDR.
I recommend binding a toggle key to quickly turn on/off the preset. You can set this in the Settings tab.
Check the attached pictures and the video guide on how your reshade should look like.
!!! If you play with HDR, don't forget to turn on Preset2 every time you launch the game, it loads preset1 by default. OR if you only play in HDR set Preset1 your HDR preset.
MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS SELECT THE LATEST UPDATED PRESET!
Feel free to ask any question on Patreon, will try my best to answer them ASAP.