This mini-mod is designed for players who have only experienced the vanilla STALKER trilogy once and want to revisit these classic games with a touch of enhancement. It preserves the core gameplay and visuals while introducing subtle tweaks based on community bug patch fixes to improve immersion and replayability.
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Mini Repack - S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: SOC Edition
This is a personal project I'm working on to experiment with modding and learn the ropes. My goal is to preserve the core gameplay and visuals while introducing subtle tweaks to enhance immersion and replayability.
While this is a small project, I'm aiming to unify certain aspects of gameplay across the trilogy to create a more consistent experience. This includes features like closed-cycle suits lacking night vision (inspired by COP) for a more unified feel. Additionally, I'm borrowing replayability enhancements like realistic medkit and food usage from PartyBoat's Vanilla Twist mod to add a touch of freshness to the familiar gameplay.
Through this project, I've gained a newfound appreciation for certain vanilla features, like SOC/COP's sound/visibility HUD indicators and the radioactive zone PPE effect. It's important to note that many of the changes are easily reversible if you prefer the original experience. However, reverting them requires some modding knowledge, so please proceed with caution.
Installation: First-time Players.
1. Download and install the full release mini-repack v0.1. You can find the download link on the "Files" tab of this page.
2. Download and install the latest cumulative patch (currently v0.8). This patch updates the mini-repack from v0.1 to the latest version and includes all previous fixes and updates.
3. (Optional) If you want a different and more challenging approach to combat in a new playthrough, download and install the Alternative Ballistics Core addon on top of the latest cumulative patch.
4. (Optional) You can also install additional optional addons like Atlas (Spawn Menu) Mod on top of the latest cumulative patch or Alternative Ballistics Core, depending on your desired features.
Updating the Mod: Existing Players.
1. To update your existing mini-repack installation, simply delete the current version's files from your gamedata directory. Savegames are usually compatible with updates, so you can likely continue your playthrough without issues.
2. Important Note: If the new cumulative patch requires a new game, I will clearly specify this in the patch notes. In such cases, you may need to finish your current playthrough before updating.
3. Once you've deleted the old files, simply repeat the installation steps for first-time players (steps 2-4) to install the latest patch and any desired optional addons.
General Notes:
- Specific information about installation, setup, and tips can be found on the respective download page for each mini-repack and optional addon.
- Core gameplay mechanics like ballistics, damage systems, and AI remain faithful to the vanilla experience. Player attributes have been adjusted to align more closely with the values found in CS and COP. Item consumable properties are modified by the Medicine Mod.
- Due to time constraints and limited modding experience. An optional "Alternative Ballistics Core" addon is planned to potentially port these features directly from SRP in the future.
- Original graphics and visuals are preserved. While graphical/texture mods aren't currently included, Stalker Weather Overhaul (SWO) is being considered to potentially enhance visuals and performance through shaders.
- Limited compatibility: supports 16:9 aspect ratio monitors, resolutions up to 1920x1080, and English language (subtitles included).
- Fully Playtested: I've completed a full playthrough of the SOC mini-repack using the non-development v0.7 and the alternative ballistics v0.1, experiencing no crashes or bugs. This should ensure a stable and reliable experience for you as well.
The Inspiration:
This Vanilla+ Personal Mini Repack was created out of a desire to revisit the trilogy with a touch of consistency and some light replayability improvements. My aim is to stay close to the original experience while adding personal touches to enhance my enjoyment.
After playing SOC with ZRP for the first time in 2023, I was inspired to create my own mini-repack with English subtitles, and personal adjustments.
Drawing inspiration from others:
I admire PartyBoat's approach to replayability and have incorporated some of their ideas. However, I also have my own vision for certain aspects of the game. This project is an attempt to combine these influences while staying true to my own modding goals.
Remember, this is a work in progress. Feedback and comments are always welcome as the project evolves.
Changelog - Alternative Ballistics Core - SOC Edition
NewsThis article provides a detailed changelog for the optional addon.
Changelog - Vanilla+ Personal Mini Repack - SOC Edition
NewsThis article provides a detailed changelog for this mini-repack.
Files
Alternative Ballistics Core - v0.2 Addon - SOC Edition
Other 1 commentThis is the version 0.2 of this optional addon for the mini repack.
Mini Atlas Mod - Addon - SOC Edition
OtherThis addon is a compact version of Atlas (Spawn Menu) Mod v1.1 for use with this mini repack.
Vanilla+ Personal Mini Repack - v0.8 - Patch - SOC Edition
Patch 1 commentThis cumulative patch updates this mini repack to v0.8. The latest version always contains all previous patches.
Vanilla+ Personal Mini Repack - v0.1 - Initial Release - SOC Edition
Full VersionThis is the initial release of this vanilla+ personal mini repack.
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Just finished the main storyline of the SOC mini-repack with Alternative Ballistics. It's running smoothly, and I'm really enjoying the enhanced combat experience.
Considering some small additions for the future to further improve the early game experience (these might require a new game for the future update):
- NPC Mechanic at Cordon: Inspired by similar mechanics in CS and COP, this NPC could offer basic repairs for weapons and protective suits, making it easier to maintain your gear in the early stages of the game.
- Increased Medkit/Bandage Availability: Early in the game, medical supplies can be scarce. An increase in these items from traders would make the initial stages less frustrating for players.
Additionally, I'm planning to tweak Alternative Ballistics for better player balance. Stay tuned for updates.
In addition, I've also noticed that ZRP introduces some changes to text files that offer a slightly different interpretation compared to the original vanilla text. To ensure accuracy and maintain a vanilla-friendly experience, I'll be carefully reviewing these text files.
While core ZRP functionalities will be maintained, I'll be offering optional, adapted vanilla text files as a separate feature for those who prefer a completely vanilla experience in terms of in-game text. This way, users can choose between maintaining ZRP's altered text messages or opting for the original vanilla wording.
If you can't test your mod properly right now I'll gladly test it out and document what bugs to fix and suggestions to make on my current new playthrough with this mod installed!
Thanks so much for offering to test the mod. That's incredibly helpful. I believe I haven't introduced major new bugs beyond the fixed downed NPC issue in patch v0.3, as I haven't significantly modified vanilla or ZRP scripts.
I'm definitely open to suggestions, but keep in mind I'm currently finalizing the mod and major feature additions might not be possible. However, your feedback on minor tweaks is highly valuable.
Regarding alternative gameplay options, I'm considering an optional "Alternative Ballistics Core" addon inspired by Decane's work in SRP. This aligns better with my vision than a "Vanilla Twist Core" that might alter core mechanics like stamina and bleeding.
Please feel free to report any bugs you encounter during your playthrough.
It's also worth noting that some bugs might be from the vanilla game itself and haven't been fixed by ZRP. For example, there's a known CTD issue in the Army Warehouses under specific circumstances, even with just ZRP and the InGameCC mod installed. This seems to be an engine-related bug rather than a configuration or script issue.
This heads-up is just to manage expectations in case you encounter something similar.
one suggestion i want to make is please reduce the ammount of hunger gained from vodka, it doesn't cure enough radiation to justify making you stave to death from having 3 bottles
Thank you for the suggestion. In this mini-repack, I've kept the hunger effect from drinking vodka consistent with Call of Pripyat. While vanilla Shadow of Chernobyl doesn't trigger hunger with vodka, I aimed for a more unified experience across the games.
Understanding Your Preference: However, I completely understand if you find the current hunger level too high. If that's the case, I have two options for you:
1. Modified File: I can offer you a modified file that reduces the hunger effect from vodka by 50%. This might provide a better balance for your preferences. Drive.google.com.
2. Customization Guide: If you'd prefer more control, I can also provide a mini-tutorial explaining how to adjust this value yourself in the game files.
Just to add some context to my design choices, I view vodka as a temporary solution for low-level radiation poisoning. Relying solely on vodka for highly irradiated zones (like the Death Truck) isn't very effective. Anti-radiation pills are definitely better suited for those situations.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide a customizable experience. Please let me know if you'd like the modified file or the customization guide, and I'll be happy to help.