The release of the God of War Ragnarok v. 06.00 update introduced five key updates, with PS5 Pro enhancements taking center stage. The update added the PS5 Pro Enhanced Mode, allowing the Favor Quality setting to run at 60 fps. High Frame Rate Mode was also introduced, which unlocked frame rates up to 120 fps for players with VRR-capable displays. That’s an experience that may resonate more with those who regularly play on high-hz screens.
Additionally, the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling option was implemented, which improved image sharpness compared to Temporal Anti-Aliasing. Now while there were multiple more updates, this particular update that allows gamers to experience God of War Ragnarok at double the frame rate and in better imagery elevates the game in a huge way and it should be a key takeaway from any studio looking to take inspiration for PS5 Pro updates.
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God of War Ragnarok Releases New PS5 Update for November 2024
Sony Santa Monica releases a new God of War Ragnarok update for PS5, introducing several fixes and implementing a long-awaited change.
How PS5 Pro’s Hardware Should Help Set a New Standard
The PS5 Pro is designed to cater to a growing demand for enhanced gaming performance as 4K displays, high refresh rate monitors, and VRR-capable setups become more mainstream. While the base PS5 already excels at delivering 4K visuals and up to 60 fps in most games, the PS5 Pro’s increased GPU power, improved memory bandwidth, and better thermal design allow developers to push these boundaries further. This is particularly important as gamers increasingly expect their console experience to rival or even surpass what is achievable on PC.
Console players have long been accustomed to choosing between “Performance Mode” for higher frame rates and “Quality Mode” for better visuals. The PS5 Pro introduces the possibility of erasing this trade-off and offers both without much compromise. Developers should aim to offer doubled frame rates as a standard feature for games optimized for the Pro. Santa Monica Studio is showing that it’s possible to achieve these standards with the right optimizations, and the studio’s work on God of War Ragnarok serves as a blueprint for others to follow.
Multiplayer Games Cross-Platform Console Players Often Suffer From Low-FPS Issue
Higher frame rates reduce input latency, meaning actions are registered faster. For example, in a shooter, aiming, firing, or reacting to an enemy is noticeably quicker at 120 fps compared to 30 or 60 fps. Console players, limited to 60 fps or less in some titles, often find themselves at a disadvantage against PC players who often play at 120 fps or higher. In cross-platform games, even a split-second delay can determine the outcome of encounters. PC players running at higher fps can react faster and more accurately, giving them an edge in combat.
This is why games like Apex Legends offer aim-assist for those on consoles but that can oftentimes either turn into unbalanced matchmaking or still fall short. While this isn’t necessarily a problem in a title like God of War Ragnarok, devs who have to tinker with existing gameplay on some games because of low response times on the console should think about utilizing this hardware for good. While FPS Boost is another system-level feature that has helped make this possible on Xbox, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the consoles follow.
Experiencing God of War Ragnarok in 120 FPS Is the Way To Go
At 120 fps, every aspect of God of War Ragnarok feels elevated. Combat is more fluid, with Kratos’ movements and attacks appearing seamless. For an average player, the difference might not even be noticeable standalone — they’ll just feel that the game somehow feels better to play. However, it’s when the console player experiences both FPS options (60 and 120) side-by-side that the difference will be noticeable.
The faster response time, for instance, enhances precision, and that makes it easier to time dodges, parries, and attacks in the heat of boss battles. Exploring the richly detailed environments of the Nine Realms also feels more immersive, as the higher frame rate makes camera movements smoother and transitions more natural. That said, the experience does depend on having the right hardware. A VRR-capable display with a high refresh rate is essential to fully enjoy what the PS5 Pro has to offer.
This also raises a critical point: as Sony and other developers push for more
games with 120 fps
modes, it’s crucial to educate players on the value of investing in compatible displays.
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty