# Stalker 2 Update 1.3: Significant Fixes and Enhancements for an Enhanced Experience
After a lengthy wait, **Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl** has at last received its eagerly awaited **Update 1.3**, incorporating over **1,200 modifications and corrections** to the game. This update targets several major concerns players have encountered since the launch, such as **combat mechanics, balance, and quest glitches**.
## Key Fixes and Enhancements
### **1. Combat Upgrades and Intelligent Mutants**
One of the most noteworthy revisions in Update 1.3 is the advancement of **mutant AI and combat systems**. Mutants now respond more actively to their environment, rendering encounters more engaging and demanding.
– **Enhanced Mutant Movement**: Mutants now display more natural movements during combat, contributing to a more fluid fight experience.
– **Advanced Sound Sensitivity**: NPCs and mutants show a sharper response to player footsteps.
– **Refined Ambush Tactics**: Mutants now utilize cover more adeptly and launch attacks more reliably.
– **Heightened Danger in Safe Areas**: Mutants will now assault NPCs even within a safe zone, introducing an additional level of unpredictability.
### **2. Balance Modifications**
The update also introduces **significant balancing adjustments** for artifacts, armor, and anomalies.
– **Artifact Changes**: Some artifacts now feature altered effects. For instance, *Weird Water* diminishes radiation protection, while *Weird Nut* decelerates healing but quickens bleeding cessation.
– **Armor Adjustments**: Combat armor now offers reduced resistance to anomalies, while scientific suits provide improved defense against environmental threats.
– **Anomaly Revisions**: The impacts of certain anomalies have been subtly adjusted to enhance gameplay balance.
– **Weapon Longevity**: Unique weapons acquired from missions now boast enhanced durability.
### **3. Stability and Bug Corrections**
One of the most significant criticisms of Stalker 2 was the **high incidence of quest-breaking bugs and system crashes**. Update 1.3 seeks to resolve these challenges:
– **Over 400 Quest Bugs Resolved**: Many previously obstructed missions are now completable.
– **Crash Resolutions**: Nearly **100 crashes and critical failures** have been addressed, including those linked to NPC zombification.
– **UI and Performance Enhancements**: The transparent interface issue following inventory access has been corrected, and memory leaks have been resolved.
– **Sprint Button Resolution**: A bug that prevented sprinting after erratic movement has been fixed.
### **4. New Additions and Visual Enhancements**
Alongside fixes, the update presents **new content and visual upgrades**:
– **New Death Animations**: Varied animations based on the player’s method of demise.
– **Lighting and Shadows Enhancements**: Improved shadows from flashlights and enhanced lighting effects.
– **Additional Music Tracks**: More background music for specific regions.
– **Enhanced Controls**: Players can now customize the keybindings for melee attacks.
## **What’s Coming for Stalker 2?**
While Update 1.3 delivers substantial enhancements, **the developers intend to roll out further updates** in the future. The game’s technical issues resulted in a **15-point reduction** in its original rating, but a re-evaluation is anticipated following the third major update.
For the moment, **Steam players can download Update 1.3**, whereas **Game Pass users will need to be a bit more patient**.
With these improvements, **Stalker 2 is gradually progressing towards the immersive experience that fans have been longing for**. Stay tuned for more updates as the developers persist in refining the game. 🚀