Elden Ring: PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S Tech Review - The Best Ways to Play on Next-Gen Consoles

DigitalFoundry: "Everything you need to know about getting the best performance out of Elden Ring. Updated to patch 1.02 we'd hoped to see a boost to frame-rates over the network test - though in reality it remains a sub-60fps experience on PS5, Series X and S, regardless of mode."

[Orchard]

The best ways to play (for performance mode) are apparently:
- PS4 version on a PS5
- XSX with a VRR capable display

I've said it before and I'll say it again - we need that VRR update on PS5 ASAP.

It should've been second in line after the expandable storage support. I shouldn't have to play a last-gen version on my $500 next-gen console just to avoid frame stutters.

[alb1899]

PS5 needs VRR and 1440p monitor support

[Storm23]

2021 Sony TV’s just got the VRR update…so hoping PS5 VRR update will soon follow. But the fact it isn’t in the newest beta is not encouraging…

[Eidolon]

XB1X supports it. Sony is skimping. >:(. I can definitely see the stutters on Elden Ring PS5 with LG OLED C7 55" . But that's to say I don't have VRR, I need a reason to upgrade.

[GamingSinceForever]

No they need to optimize the game. If HFW can run a smooth 60fps with those graphics this game shouldn’t have any issues.

[alb1899]

So, the PS5 doesn't need VRR?
Wouldn't it run better right now?

[Army_of_Darkness]

I agree, consoles shouldn't need to rely on an expensive new 4ktv in order for a game to run "smooth" that will make everyone's experience vary from great to worse...

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

You shouldn't have to buy an expensive TV on top of the €500 you paid for your console just to avoid frame stutters either. What percentage of Series X|S players do you really think have VRR-enabled TVs? Adoption of VRR TVs is still quite low, and they are typically on the higher end (expensive).

VRR is not a factor for the vast majority of people, so the options you get on PS5 are better (a superior native version, or a locked 60fps on the PS4 Pro version) although they're still not acceptable.

Neither console should actually have these issues, nor the PC version. The PS4 Pro version shows that 60fps on PS5 shows that 60fps on both next gen consoles is easily achievable. The load times on PS5 shouldn't be 3 times faster either, btw. Not touching this game until FromSoft fixes it.

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

*the PS4 Pro version running on PS5 shows that 60fps on both next gen consoles is easily achievable (with the right targets).

Generally poor optimization aside, it shows that FromSoft actively made the decision to target resolutions that will cause huge framerate drops, and they prefer it this way. Their priorities are ... strange.

[porkChop]

I do agree with you. These issues shouldn't be happening with these new systems. I don't think VRR should be used as a crutch, but I do like when the option is there for cases like this.

[OB1Biker]

‘You shouldn't have to buy an expensive TV on top of the €500 you paid for your console just to avoid frame stutters either. ‘

This 1000%
DF need stop pushing accessory high tech spending and focus on the consoles themselves.
Next they will say if you buy an expensive controller it avoids latency on a console which makes it ‘the best’.

[ScootaKuH]

But in this case the game is poorly optimised. Sure VRR would be good but not everyone can take advantage of that because not everyone has a compatible TV. That's not to excuse the lack of VRR on PS5 but the lack of it also can't be used as an excuse for poor optimisation.

[TL24SS]

Facts, when the hell is Sony going to release the VRR update as promised last year? SMH

[sparky77]

Wow XSX with VRR is the best place to play overall even though the PS5 has a slight FPS advantage.

VRR is a real game changer LG C1 is the best investment for this gen.

[thesoftware730]

Indeed! I got it on sale from Amazon before Xmas.

Amazing set for real!

[S2Killinit]

The real game changer is the dualsense. Does this game support dualsense? Because if it does, then the slight graphical or frame difference is not really a “game changer” in any way shape or form.

[victorMaje]

Basic dualsense support. It’s not like demon’s souls remake.
Personally I think there are many places where it would’ve made so much (dual :) )sense to have it only to find it’s not there.
Although it feels like a missed opportunity it’s still a great game.

[porkChop]

From what I've read the game doesn't support adaptive triggers, and the haptic feedback/vibration is hardly used at all. So in the case of Elden Ring the DualSense isn't really doing anything.

[ScootaKuH]

Dualsense support in Elden Ring is barebones to say the least. No trigger support and aside from weak vibration, the haptic support is non existent which is a real shame. I know it was by a different developer but Demon's Souls remake makes far better use of DualSense

[wolfpackfan10]

True

[Babadook7]

PS5 with the win at 60fps, good response time and great load times. SX gets the consolation prize because if you shell out for a brand new TV the variable frame rate is tolerable at 1800p. Not great though with FPS in the 30s interfering with VRR.

[SeTTriP]

I have a lg c1 and it shouldn't be need to play the game and I'm not buying it.

Side note, I remember when DF preached fps over resolution.now that the xbox is lacking it the other way around lmfao.

[Eidolon]

Definitely thinking upgrading from my LG OLED C7, only have a PS5 right now(VRR not an option), but definitely will get an XBSX at some point, but just bought a 3060ti recently....
My OLED still has a good life ahead, I just don't think normies can take care of an OLED, so I feel bad just handing it over to family without checking up on it XD. 4 years is long enough for an upgrade, it's just that TV's don't retain value like consoles and are not as easy to trade.

[Lexreborn2]

I’ll never buy another LG tv. I bought 4 of them over the last 6 years and if it isn’t the same problems such as the remote receiver busting, it’s their app support being discontinued. And the last one 2 I had developed a awkward blue tint that looked horrible.

Not a product I trust anymore

[jznrpg]

Plays great on PS5 for a souls game . I mostly play on quality mode and it’s good . I don’t need extra frames as the game isn’t nearly as hard as Sekiro and It feels fine . I’m not dying because of it so I go with quality .

[Muigi]

I dont get why developers don’t just go with 1440p in their performance modes, it scales better with a 4k screen anyway.

[Silly gameAr]

I seriously don't believe ANY site that gave this game a 10, but crapped on Sekiro. This shit is disgusting.

[TheKingKratos]

This game is no where near 10

The GamePlay is the same as all the older souls games but it is open world now... The graphics is not that great and on top of that is riddled with tons of issues

Yet it is a 10/10 ??
I agree Sekiro deserved better

[Deathdeliverer]

It’s strange to me that the PS5 performs better, loads a LOT faster, and has a higher framerate but Series X is the best place to play if you have VRR? PS5 out performed in each metric but VRR, which has nothing to do with the system, programming, capabilities or nothing, makes the Xbox the preferred version? What?

[Bladesfist]

It's because VRR makes it harder to tell when framerate isn't locked to 30 or 60 and this game drops on both. PC Gamers have been using VRR for many years now to avoid having to stay at a locked 120 or 240 or nowadays even 300hz refresh rate.

[Vithar]

Sad really, loving the game though

[ironmonkey]

Another win for ps5, again. Let the vrr tv excuse begin.

[Binarycode]

It's not the game that is unoptimized.

The Engine is Unoptimized and hasn't been fixed.

They really need help with Frametime issues. It's a sweet looking game in many places. I'm enjoying it.

What I do find strange.

I tested this game on a standard hdd, rx470 and i7-2600.

At 1080p max settings. It gets 60fps in all cave systems.

Outside it's 35-45

That is an old system and it's fully playable. With 3rd party software can lock to 30 if needed.

For a PS5/SX.

They should have no problem reaching 60fps. If they don't update the engine, they would need to drop to 1440p and upscale.

Very odd. It's a shame the game has issues. It's great.