Update []: Tech experts Digital Foundry have now dumped their initial Crimson Desert findings. Remember, no console code was made available prior to launch, so this is very early stuff.
Effectively, when it comes to the base PS5, it doesn’t recommend Performance Mode at all.
It points out that within the first hour or so of play, frame rates fluctuate anywhere from the high 30s up to 60, but it’s rarely ever stable. Furthermore, the game renders at 1080p with no upscaling.
Quality and Balanced Modes perform better on the base PS5, as their frame rates are more stable at 30fps or 40fps respectively. In addition, they introduce FSR 3 upscaling to clean up the lower resolution presentation.
If you want 60fps on console, then it seems PS5 Pro is the way to go. This uses the new PSSR 2 upscaler to massively improve image quality, while retaining a 60fps target.
There’s a little more information in Digital Foundry’s article about how the game interacts with the PS5’s 120Hz toggle, and that may be worth reading through as, depending on what type of TV you’re using, it may be affecting the quality of your game’s visuals.
All in all, this is still early analysis, but the bottom line seems to be: use Balanced or Quality Mode on base PS5, and stick with Performance Mode on PS5 Pro.
Original Story: We’ve finally been able to test Crimson Desert on base PS5.
For those who haven’t been keeping tabs on this title, Pearl Abyss didn’t provide us with console review code prior to release. (We have since received codes for Sony’s system.)
While we’re working on a full hands on report based on the PS5 Pro version, we’ve also captured the opening 25 minutes of base PS5 footage for you to see.
We’re using Performance Mode, and have all of the latest patches and updates installed.
According to our Video Producer Aaron Bayne, the game looks “rough” and “fuzzy” on Sony’s standard console, and the “screen tearing is horrid”.
We asked Aaron to send us some more thoughts, and here’s what he told us:
“There's no two ways about it, Crimson Desert just does not feel ready on base PS5 at launch. Booting up on base PS5, you're immediately hit with fuzzy visuals, choppy frame rates, and unbearable screen tearing.
It’s clear that there is a good looking game in there somewhere, but it's like looking at a pretty picture with the wrong prescription on your glasses.
After just 30 minutes with the game, I had to turn it off. I can't say anything about the content of the game, but personally I just can't play a game this unpolished.”
Despite the strong thoughts there, it’s worth stressing this doesn’t appear to be a Cyberpunk 2077 situation: the game does play adequately enough, and if you can look past the low resolution visuals and iffy frame rate, you’re getting largely the same experience as on PS5 Pro or a high-powered PC.
You’re free to check out the footage embedded above and make up your own mind.
What do you think of Crimson Desert on base PS5 so far? Is it meeting your expectations? Are you happy with how it looks and plays? Let us know below.