Crimson Desert PS5 Pro patch sharpens image quality, but PSSR limits performance

The Crimson Desert PS5 Pro version features better lighting and reflections compared to base consoles. However, one performance preset didn’t meet expectations for visual fidelity. A new update introduces PSSR to quality mode, enhancing detail levels.

A strategic PSSR implementation

PC and Xbox gamers also saw the 1.02.00 patch arrive on April 4th. Although the developers addressed a wide range of issues, the flagship PlayStation system benefited most. Pearl Abyss added an “Upgraded PSSR Sharpen feature” to all three performance modes. Exclusive to quality mode, the new “Upgraded PSSR Native AA” has an obvious impact on image quality.

Prior to the tweaks, Crimson Desert PS5 Pro reviews noted some surprising results. Quality mode renders the wonder of Pywel at 4K and 30 fps without upscaling. The performance alternative doubles the frame rate while upscaling from 1080p to 4K. Strangely, Digital Foundry observed that this option actually displayed crisper landscapes.

The tech site now reports that the open-world game “pushes a pin-sharp image, compared to the launch build.” Unlike many titles, Crimson Desert uses the upgraded PSSR mainly for anti-aliasing (AA). With fewer rough edges on objects, grass and trees appear more well-defined.

Even in balanced mode, upscaling from 1440p, the patch has eliminated some softness. Sharing a series of screenshots, the difference before and after the update is substantial. Redditors also agree that quality mode comes closer to matching the experience on a capable gaming PC.

Crimson Desert frame rates post-patch

Yet, players could find that this AA implementation results in an oversharpened, unnatural look. Also, Digital Foundry detected some slight frame rate drops. 30 fps gameplay can already seem sluggish on modern panels, and now readings may drop in the 25 fps range. In this PS5 Pro enhanced game, with the GPU stressed, PSSR does result in some degraded performance.

Unfortunately, following the PS5 price increases, the Pro model has become less affordable. The good news  is that a previous Crimson Desert PS5 patch revamped graphics on the cheaper, albeit still more expensive, console. Performance mode was the biggest winner, thanks to FSR reducing the criticized blurriness.