# Stalker 2: The Initial Major Update Delivers Over 650 Enhancements
The much-anticipated launch of *Stalker 2* has arrived with both excitement and curiosity, as players immerse themselves in its post-apocalyptic landscape rife with mutants, anomalies, and perilous missions. Nevertheless, the game’s debut has faced some technical challenges, with players noting various bugs and performance issues. In response to these matters, the developers have unveiled the first significant update, **Patch 1.0.1**, which aims to rectify hundreds of problems while also implementing balance changes for an improved gameplay experience.
Here’s all the essential information regarding this extensive update.
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## **Patch 1.0.1: A 14GB Revamp**
The inaugural patch, approximately **14GB** in size, is now live on Steam and is anticipated to be available to Xbox and Game Pass users shortly. This update marks a substantial advancement in stabilizing the game and enhancing its playability. With over **650 fixes and enhancements**, the patch tackles a broad array of issues, from critical bugs to subtle quality-of-life improvements.
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## **Primary Highlights of the Patch**
### **Bug Fixes**
There is a strong focus on correcting the technical difficulties that have affected players since the game’s launch. Some of the major fixes include:
– **Crash Resolutions**: More than 100 crash triggers have been identified and resolved, encompassing memory leaks and EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors.
– **Quest Interruptions**: Many mission blockers have been remedied, permitting smoother advancement through the primary storyline and side missions.
– **NPC Actions**: Problems with NPCs becoming immobilized, not reaching mission goals, or acting unpredictably have been rectified.
– **Physics and Animations**: Deceased NPCs will no longer float away or remain in awkward T-poses, and movable objects will operate as designed.
– **Visual Anomalies**: Flickering textures, absent quest markers, and various graphical inconsistencies have been adjusted.
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### **Balance Modifications**
Along with resolving bugs, the patch incorporates several balance modifications intended to enhance the gameplay experience. These consist of:
– **Economic Adjustments**: Players will now receive greater rewards from quests and artifact sales, while the repair costs for weapons and armor have been decreased.
– **Durability Changes**: Armor degradation has been slowed, and the durability of starter-level equipment has been enhanced.
– **Combat Modifications**: Mutants have had their toughness and damage output minimized on lower difficulty settings, making combat easier for novice players.
– **Weight Modifications**: Quest items now have a reduced weight, and the Hercules consumable no longer hampers movement speed, enabling players to carry additional items without drawbacks.
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### **AI and Optimization Improvements**
The game’s AI framework, referred to as A-Life, has also garnered significant updates in this patch. Key enhancements include:
– **NPC Behavior**: Resolved issues causing NPCs to become stuck during emissions or neglect to interact with the player, impeding mission progress.
– **Combat AI**: Enemies now properly recognize when the player is behind cover, eliminating blind shooting.
– **Performance Optimizations**: Enhancements have been implemented to lower memory consumption and boost performance in areas with high NPC activity.
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### **Additional Fixes and Features**
The patch additionally addresses a plethora of other concerns across various facets of the game:
– **Audio and Sound**: Rectified issues with battle music persisting after combat and absent sound effects for specific abilities.
– **Cutscenes**: Restored missing animations and visual components in cutscenes.
– **Weapons and Gear**: Corrected inconsistencies regarding weapon upgrades, pricing, and durability impacts.
– **Open World**: Amended fast travel concerns, NPC interactions, and artifact appearances in multiple locations.
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## **Comprehensive Patch Notes**
The patch notes are thorough, encompassing an extensive range of fixes and enhancements. Here are some noteworthy categories:
### **AI Bug Corrections**
– Addressed instances of NPCs dying near shelters during emissions.
– Resolved issues with NPCs failing to arrive at mission destinations.
– Added missing sound effects for Burer’s Telekinesis skill.
### **Optimization Corrections**
– Fixed occurrences of invisible NPCs and mutants showing up within the player’s view.
– Rectified fire visual effects that were not rendering correctly at specific angles.
### **Combat Balance**
– Decreased the health and damage for several mutant types, including Bloodsuckers, Controllers, and Boars.
– Extended the melee range for weapons and knives.
### **Missions and Quests**
– Resolved blockers in missions such as “A Needle in a Haystack,” “Answers Come at a Price,” and “Just Like Old Times.”
– Amended missing dialogue options and misaligned mission markers.
### **Open World Experience**
– Fixed distorted or absent limbs on humanoid corpses.
– Adjusted fast travel routes and NPC