S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl test on ASUS ROG Ally and ASUS ROG Ally X

We have tested the release version S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl with low and medium graphics parameters, using FSR upscales и frame generation on portable consoles ASUS ROG Ally и ASUS ROG Ally X. Also, during the tests we conducted, we assessed the performance and quality of the graphic display of the game itself.

ASUS ROG Ally is an exceptionally beautifully balanced gaming device that promises high performance in the most demanding games.

ASUS ROG Ally Powered by a powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, making it capable of handling the latest games without slowdown. The RDNA 3 graphics engine delivers excellent graphics and supports AMD upscaling technologies such as FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), allowing gamers to enjoy high-quality images and smooth gameplay.

Resolution 1920x1080 The 7-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers crisp, clear images in games, delivering stunning visual emotion in the most dynamic games.

Featuring 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 4GB PCIe Gen512 storage, ROG Ally ready to run the most demanding games and quickly access data. The Zero Gravity cooling system allows you to maintain high performance even in the most loaded games, while minimizing heat generation and noise.

ASUS ROG Ally - this is not just a portable device; It is the art of performance that will bring you unforgettable gaming moments anywhere and anytime.

A detailed review of the device is available here.

ASUS ROG Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor Extreme with 8 cores and 16 threads, which allows you to run modern games with high performance and without delays. The RDNA 3 architecture is responsible for graphics, supporting AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) technologies. These features provide high-quality image scaling and smooth gaming.

The device display is a 7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 and a 120Hz refresh rate, which guarantees a clear and rich picture. Thanks to the high level of detail and brightness, players will be able to enjoy stunning visual effects even in the most dynamic scenes.

For fast data access and smooth game running ASUS ROG Ally X is equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, allowing you to store a large number of games and applications. The Zero Gravity cooling system prevents the device from overheating, maintaining comfortable temperatures even during long gaming sessions.

ASUS ROG Ally X is a combination of power and style that can deliver a unique gaming experience anywhere, anytime.

A detailed review of the device is available here.

This subsection of our review highlights the main graphical aspects of this game. Particular attention is paid to the version of the graphics engine used, the version of the API used, graphic settings and the quality of development of the main visual aspects.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl supports modern Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems using DirectX 12 and various upscaling technologies such as TSR, DLSS, FSR and XeSS, which allows you to achieve high-quality graphics and performance for both weaker PCs and powerful gaming systems.

System Requirements S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 10 x64 / Windows 11 x64
• Processor: Intel Core i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Video card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB / Intel Arc A750
• Disk space: 160 GB free space
• Extra charges: Graphics at low settings, 1080p resolution, target frame rate of 30 FPS. SSD recommended. Configuration tested using TSR and similar technologies.

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 x64 / Windows 11 x64
• Processor: Intel Core i7-11700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Memory: 32 GB RAM
• Video card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
• Disk space: 160 GB free space
• Extra charges: High graphics settings, 1440p resolution, target frame rate of 60 FPS. SSD recommended. Configuration tested with TSR, DLSS, FSR and XeSS.

 

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is being developed on the engine Unreal Engine 5, which became one of the main innovations for this game. The choice of this engine is due to its ability to create large-scale, detailed and atmospheric worlds that are ideal for conveying the unique atmosphere of the Exclusion Zone. Unreal Engine 5 offers developers a whole range of technologies that make the gaming process more realistic and immersive.

 

 

One of the main features Unreal Engine 5, used in STALKER 2, is the Nanite technology. This technology allows you to create complex geometric structures with a high level of detail. Thanks to this, every object in the game looks as if it exists in the real world. Destroyed buildings, old cars, dense vegetation and even small objects scattered around the territory are created with maximum accuracy. This allows players to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic Zone. The engine not only processes a huge number of details, but also does so without significant performance losses, which is especially important for such an ambitious project.

 

Lumen technology, also implemented in Unreal Engine 5, is responsible for global illumination and realistic light operation. In STALKER 2, this is noticeable in the change of time of day, dynamic weather effects and in the operation of light sources such as lanterns, fires or glare from radiation. Lumen allows lighting to change in real time, adapting to the player's actions. For example, when passing through abandoned tunnels, the light from the flashlight interacts with surfaces, creating deep shadows and emphasizing textures. This makes traveling through the Zone even more intense and atmospheric.

 

Engine Unreal Engine 5 also allows for complex animations and simulations. In STALKER 2, this is used to animate mutants, NPCs, and wildlife. Realistic enemy physics make each encounter unique, and the environment actively reacts to the player's actions. For example, you can see how the wind sways the grass and trees, and explosions destroy objects and leave traces on the surface. This level of interaction with the environment was made possible by the advanced simulation tools available in Unreal Engine 5.

Much attention in the development of STALKER 2 was paid to textures and models. Unreal Engine 5 uses a modern approach to texture processing using high-resolution streaming. This allows for stunning detailing of objects that look equally clear at different distances. Even when zooming in, the player will be able to see cracked paint on the walls, rust on the metal, or scuffs on the weapon. All these details add realism and enhance the immersion effect.

 

An important element of the engine Unreal Engine 5 is its ability to support large-scale open worlds. The zone in STALKER 2 is represented by huge territories that the player can freely explore. Each location is made with special attention to detail and has unique features. The engine provides seamless movement between zones without noticeable loading, which creates the effect of a holistic world. Players will be able to move through dense forests, abandoned settlements and dangerous radiation locations, maintaining the feeling of a single space.

Another advantage Unreal Engine 5 is his approach to audio design. STALKER 2 uses surround sound technology to create realistic audio landscapes. Every sound in the game, from the rustling of bushes to the distant howl of mutants, is transmitted with high accuracy and helps players navigate the space. Thanks to this, the Zone is felt not only visually, but also through sound, which increases the tension and makes the game even more exciting.

 

The engine also plays a key role in integrating advanced AI technologies. In STALKER 2, NPCs and mutants have improved behavior that adapts to the player's actions. This makes the gameplay more dynamic and unpredictable. Enemies can change tactics depending on the situation, and the world reacts to the player's choices, creating a sense of living space. Unreal Engine 5 provides the tools to create such complex systems, allowing developers to realize their vision.

Unreal Engine 5 also opens up new possibilities for working with modifications. The developers promise support for user content, which will be an important factor for fans of the series. The engine tools allow modders to create their own locations, scenarios and even separate campaigns, expanding the game's capabilities. This makes STALKER 2 not only a game, but also a platform for creativity.

 

Sultan chose Unreal Engine 5 as the main engine for STALKER 2 is due to its versatility and power. It provides developers with flexibility in creating high-quality content and allows them to implement the most ambitious ideas. Thanks to this engine, the game promises to be not only technically perfect, but also one of the most atmospheric in the history of the gaming industry. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl с Unreal Engine 5 — is not just a continuation of the legendary series. It is a new standard in creating open-world games that surprise with their scale, detail and depth of development. Players will be able to explore a world that feels alive, dangerous and inviting, and this effect is largely due to the power of the engine. Unreal Engine 5.

LOW QUALITY

MEDIUM QUALITY

LOW QUALITY

MEDIUM QUALITY

LOW QUALITY

MEDIUM QUALITY

LOW QUALITY

MEDIUM QUALITY

В S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl The differences between the minimum and medium graphics settings are noticeable in several ways:

1. Texture Resolution: At minimum settings, textures have a lower resolution, resulting in less crisp and detailed object surfaces. At medium settings, textures become sharper, improving the overall perception of environmental detail.

2. Lighting quality: Minimum settings use simplified lighting models, which can result in less realistic shadows and lighting effects. Medium settings offer more complex lighting, creating deeper and more realistic shadows and improved light reflection effects.

3. Render distance: At minimum settings, objects at far distances may appear with less detail or be completely missing, which can reduce the realism of the environment. Medium settings increase the draw distance, allowing you to see more detailed objects at greater distances.

4. Particle effects: Minimum settings may limit or disable some effects such as smoke, dust or atmospheric phenomena, making the environment less saturated. At medium settings, these effects are present to a greater extent, adding dynamism and realism to the gameplay.

5. Model quality: At minimum settings, character and object models may be less polygonal, resulting in more angular shapes. Medium settings increase the polygon count, making models smoother and more realistic.

Thus, the transition from minimum to medium graphics settings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl significantly improves the visual perception of the game, making it more immersive and realistic.

FSR NATIVE

FSR BALANCED

FSR NATIVE

FSR QUALITY

FSR BALANCED

FSR QUALITY

FSR NATIVE

FSR BALANCED

FSR NATIVE

FSR QUALITY

FSR BALANCED

FSR QUALITY

В S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology improves game performance by upscaling the image. There are several FSR modes, each of which balances image quality and performance:

1. FSR Native: In this mode, FSR is disabled and the game is rendered in native resolution without scaling. This provides the best image quality with maximum clarity and detail, but may require more system resources, which may reduce frame rates on less powerful devices.

2. FSR Quality: This mode renders the game at a slightly lower resolution than the original, then scales the image to the target resolution using FSR algorithms. Image quality remains high, with minimal loss of detail, while performance is improved compared to native rendering.

3. FSR Balanced: This mode renders the game at an even lower resolution than Quality mode, and then upscales it. This provides a noticeable performance boost, but may reduce image quality slightly, showing up as slight blurriness or loss of fine detail.

Thus, the choice between FSR Native, FSR Quality and FSR Balanced depends on the player's preferences and the capabilities of his system. FSR Quality offers the best balance between image quality and performance, while FSR Balanced is more focused on increasing the frame rate with some reduction in visual quality.

TEST PART

Test configuration
test stands	ASUS ROG Ally ASUS ROG Ally X Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD 1 TB- optimal solution for testing different configurations
Multimedia equipment	Monitor LG 32 4K
Software configuration
Operating system	Windows 11
Graphics driver	AMD Graphics Driver Version V32.0.11021.3002
Monitoring programs	MSI Afterburner

 

  Here is our test bench, in which the tests were carried out:

 

 
  Below is a video of the test segment:

 

 Our laptops were tested at different screen sizes 1280x720 и 1920x1080 with  with low and medium, graphics parameters graphics quality settings by default in the game with and without upscaling and frame generation. The tests were conducted in maximum performance modes, as the game is quite heavy:

Turbo mode (ASUS ROG Ally 25W) (ASUS ROG Ally X 30 W) :

Turbo mode is designed for maximum performance, especially in graphically intensive games and applications. In this mode, the console runs at maximum power, delivering high frame rates and improved graphics quality.

In the modeTurbo the game works for about 40 knead on ASUS ROG Ally and around 1,5 hours on ASUS ROG Ally X. On ASUS ROG Ally the game takes a very, very long time to load and often crashes due to lack of memory, in this case we loaded the location well on it to achieve acceptable results, so owners of the basic console need to have a lot of patience...

In this test we used low default graphics settings at 1280x720 resolution

At 1280x720 resolution and low quality settings ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X demonstrate different performance depending on the use of FSR and Frame Generation technology. With native settings, without using any enhancements, Ally shows 23 FPS on average, which makes the gaming process acceptable, but uncomfortable, since the minimum FPS drops below 25. In turn, Ally X shows a slightly better result - 25 FPS, which allows you to play with minimal restrictions.

Using FSR Quality on Ally increases performance to 28 FPS on average, making the game smoother, while the minimum FPS remains at 25, providing comfortable gameplay. In FSR Balanced mode, Ally reaches 33 FPS, which already significantly improves both stability and smoothness. For Ally X, these results are even better: FSR Quality allows you to reach 33 FPS, and FSR Balanced - 35 FPS, making the game as comfortable as possible.

The use of Frame Generation technology changes the situation significantly. Ally with FSR Balanced and Frame Generation reaches 64 FPS, and Ally X shows similar results. Even with FSR Quality and Frame Generation, Ally X produces 61 FPS, which significantly improves gameplay at low settings.

In this test we used average default graphics settings at 1280x720 resolution

 At medium quality settings at 1280x720, performance is expectedly reduced. Ally in native mode shows 21 FPS, which makes the game unplayable. Ally X offers 24 FPS, which is already close to the acceptable minimum, but comfortable gameplay is still unachievable.

FSR Quality on Ally increases the performance to 26 FPS, making the game acceptable, but not smooth. At the same time, Ally X on FSR Quality shows 30 FPS, which allows you to enjoy the game with greater stability. FSR Balanced increases Ally performance to 32 FPS, and Ally X shows a confident 35 FPS, which ensures comfortable gameplay.

The addition of Frame Generation again makes a decisive impact. Ally X with FSR Balanced and Frame Generation reaches 57 FPS, which is excellent smoothness. Even with FSR Quality and Frame Generation, Ally X shows 55 FPS, which significantly improves the gaming experience.

In this test we used low default graphics settings at resolution 1920x1080

At a higher resolution 1920x1080 With low settings, Ally without enhancement technologies shows only 16 FPS, which makes the game completely unplayable. Ally X gives a little better - 19 FPS, but this is still not enough for comfortable gameplay.

Using FSR Quality allows Ally to reach 18 FPS, while Ally X increases performance to 25 FPS, making gameplay acceptable. In FSR Balanced mode, Ally demonstrates 24 FPS, while Ally X reaches a comfortable 27 FPS, making this mode optimal for this configuration.

Frame Generation helps to achieve a significant increase. Ally X with FSR Balanced and Frame Generation gives 45 FPS, which makes the game smooth and comfortable. Even with FSR Quality and Frame Generation, Ally X shows 42 FPS, which remains at a high level.

In this test we used average default graphics settings at resolution 1920x1080

On medium graphics settings at resolution 1920x1080 Ally in native mode shows only 13 FPS, making the game completely unplayable. Ally X, although it gives a little higher - 17 FPS, also does not allow you to enjoy the process.

Using FSR Quality improves Ally's performance to 19 FPS, while Ally X reaches 23 FPS, bringing the game closer to acceptable values. Switching to FSR Balanced, Ally shows 21 FPS, while Ally X reaches 25 FPS, making gameplay acceptable, but still far from ideal.

Frame Generation is again a savior for this configuration. Ally X with FSR Balanced and Frame Generation reaches 43 FPS, which makes gameplay comfortable even at medium settings. With FSR Quality and Frame Generation, Ally X reaches 40 FPS, which also ensures smoothness and stability.