A free mod that expands S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl
Goldsphere: Completion Mod is a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl mod that is loosely based on the infamous Roadside Picnic book. The mod adds a layer to the overall Roadside Picnic-inspired story and gained prominence because it offered English and Russian translations.
The mod rebalances aspects similar to other mods like STALKER Gamma, but the big selling point is the new story, game mechanic changes, and associated areas. It is similar to STALKER Anomaly in how it adds new areas and related story beats that do not take away from the original game’s story.
A very difficult starting point
The start of the game is the most difficult because you have to escape using only what you find. You are unprepared, and the enemies are deadly if you try to run out of the gates. Success while playing this mod relies heavily on puzzle solving rather than brute forcing your way through.
New features and puzzles
The mod offers a new health system and several puzzles that are difficult, but you can find tips in-game to help you solve them. Anomalies can walk around like NPCs, and the story takes several unusual turns that fit some of the themes of the Roadside Picnic book.
A viable alternative to Gamma
The more popular Gamma mod has more content, but Goldsphere is a very good isolated experience on its own. Some people may not like the ghostly enemies that you have to fight with a knife, but changing up the game in this manner is good for variety.
Exceptionally well translated
This mod now exists in Russian and English, and it took the translators three years to complete the project. In that time, the mod was also bug-hunted to perfection and has been honed to create a better, smoother, and more efficient experience for modern players. This Stalker mod isn't the janky mess it used to be.
