When Sony Santa Monica rolled out the new 06.00 update for God of War Ragnarok, it came packed with five noteworthy upgrades, but the most exciting feature for many has to be the enhancements tailored for the PS5 Pro. Among these, the PS5 Pro Enhanced Mode stands out, allowing the game’s Favor Quality setting to seamlessly hit 60 fps. Plus, they’ve introduced a High Frame Rate Mode, which can push the frame rates up to an impressive 120 fps, provided your setup includes a display that supports VRR. Gamers who often indulge in high-refresh-rate screens will certainly appreciate this leap.
The updates didn’t just stop there. Sony integrated the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling option, boosting image sharpness beyond what was possible with the old Temporal Anti-Aliasing method. This particular improvement, which essentially doubles the frame rate and enriches visual quality, significantly uplifts the experience of playing God of War Ragnarok. It’s a move other studios should certainly take note of when considering enhancements for the PS5 Pro.
Gaming hardware is always evolving, and the PS5 Pro is no exception. It’s crafted to meet the rising demand for better performance on 4K displays, high refresh rate monitors, and setups equipped with variable refresh rates. While the base PS5 already sets a high bar by delivering stunning 4K visuals and maintaining up to 60 fps in many games, the PS5 Pro raises the stakes with its more powerful GPU, improved memory bandwidth, and superior thermal design. This step-up is crucial as console gaming increasingly strives to catch up to, or even outpace, what’s possible on PCs.
Console gamers have often found themselves choosing between “Performance Mode” for smoother frame rates and “Quality Mode” for enhanced visuals. However, the PS5 Pro changes the game by offering both without significant sacrifices. Studios should now aim to double frame rates as a staple for Pro-optimized titles. By doing so, developers, much like Santa Monica Studio with their work on God of War Ragnarok, provide a template for others aiming to achieve these ambitious standards.
In the realm of multiplayer gaming, console players often face challenges with lower frame rates. It’s well known that higher frame rates lead to less input lag, meaning your actions are recorded more swiftly. This makes a world of difference in games like shooters, where every moment counts—a split-second delay could be the difference between victory and defeat. PC players, accustomed to gaming at 120 fps or higher, often have a competitive edge. Some titles try to balance this with aim-assist features for console gamers, yet these sometimes lead to unbalanced matchups or just don’t match up. While Ragnarok doesn’t suffer from this, it’s a point worth considering for developers who want to enhance console performance using the PS5 Pro’s capabilities. Xbox’s FPS Boost has taken similar steps, and it seems inevitable that others will follow suit.
Playing God of War Ragnarok at 120 fps offers an experience unlike any other. The combat sequences become lively, with Kratos moving and attacking with newfound fluidity. An average player might not pin down the reason, but they’d definitely notice how the game feels remarkably smoother. Switching closer between 60 and 120 fps options highlights just how noticeable the difference can be.
Everything from precise timing in dodges and parries to navigating the lush, detailed environments of the Nine Realms becomes more immersive. To get the full benefit, though, you’ll need a VRR-capable display with a high refresh rate. That means fully appreciating what the PS5 Pro can do hinges on having the right gear.
This naturally brings up an essential consideration: As Sony and other leaders in the gaming industry push for more titles offering 120 fps, they must also emphasize the importance of investing in suitable displays. Informing players about the merits of these advanced hardware upgrades ensures they can truly enjoy the full experience offered.
