Crimson Desert PS5 patch improves performance massively, boosted by FSR upscaling

On the Crimson Desert release date, many console gamers complained about blurriness. In particular, the PS5 performance mode with higher frame rates produced lackluster visuals. However, PlayStation fans are reporting a noticeable improvement after the latest update.

Upscaling to the rescue again

In the 1.01.00 patch, Pearl Abyss added a fixed 4K toggle to performance mode. This setting forces the game to display graphics at 4K, even on lower resolution TVs and monitors. The arrival of FSR upscaling is likely most responsible for the gains being applauded on Reddit.

Before the update, players often selected balanced or quality settings to boost image clarity. Unfortunately, these options fell well short of the 60fps target of the performance alternative. Now, the base Crimson Desert PS5 version achieves a better compromise between resolution and frame rate.

A Reddit thread started by RealT-Virus highlighted how gamers are reacting to the changes. The poster calls the enhancements “incredible”, while 68WhiskeyAR is “blown away how smooth and consistent a went in just one single update.” Multiple commentators who prefer smoother action say that performance mode now looks much sharper.

Not everyone is as thrilled with the tweaks Pearl Abyss has made. The Crimson Desert PS5 performance mode is now a more attractive choice, but it comes with some drawbacks. With 4K output enabled, frame rates may drop to around 40fps, resembling the balanced preset. Yet, despite the limitations of FSR, most players are happy with the result.

Crimson Desert is gaining support

The substantial 1.01.00 patch introduced numerous other fixes, including shorter load times on multiple platforms. Developers had already addressed the critical map-crash bug that had plagued PlayStation consoles. With these efforts, the open-world game has also gained momentum on PCs, setting a new high for peak Steam player count.

Prior to its release date, Pearl Abyss seemingly hid Crimson Desert PS5 footage. As it turns out, the game shipped in less than an ideal state. Still, even without the PSSR upscaling available on the PS5 Pro, the base system now offers more comparable visuals.