Crimson Desert shines in PS5 Pro performance review, as latest enhanced game for console

With concerns that Crimson Desert could stress less powerful consoles, the PS5 Pro has become an appealing option. According to Digital Foundry, the flagship PlayStation system is up to the challenge. Even lacking the latest PSSR, the performance review hails the open-world environments as stunning. Ray tracing and incredibly high levels of detail add life to a game already teeming with activity.

Crimson Desert finally showcased on a console

Ahead of the March 19th Crimson Desert release date, critics questioned why Pearl Abyss had focused heavily on the PC version. Digital Foundry only posted their impressions of their time on the PS5 Pro, with the site featuring other consoles soon. Still, it appears the game may be well-optimized across multiple platforms.

On Sony’s highest-end hardware, gamers can choose between Performance, Balanced, and Quality modes. Ray tracing is available across all three, making lighting effects more convincing.

Performance mode upscales from 1080p to 4K, aiming for 60 fps. The site found that the PS5 Pro Enhanced game generally meets this target, with stuttering rare. On the other hand, large battles and scenes with many NPCs can send frame rates below 40 fps. Digital Foundry suspects that CPU limitations are a factor.

Balanced mode has a native resolution of 1440p, compromising with 40 fps visuals. Meanwhile, at 30 fps, Quality mode displays Crimson Desert in all its glory. Frame rates were consistent with both, though controls became less responsive.

A few rough edges in the Crimson Desert

If the upgraded PSSR arrives on the Crimson Desert release date, Performance mode could become the ideal choice. Image quality should improve, but as seen with Resident Evil Requiem, some visual artifacts may persist. The analysis shows how the denoiser produces flickering, particularly on the edges of jagged objects.

Enabling VRR in Performance and Balanced modes introduces other limitations. When frame rates fall below the minimum VRR range, screen tearing results. Digital Foundry blames the lack of low frame-rate compensation (LFC) for the issue.

Even noting some shortcomings, the Crimson Desert PS5 Pro performance review has only amplified hype levels. Matching the conclusion of another leaked review, John Linneman calls it one of the “most impressive open world experiences” to date. Separating itself from the competition, even distant objects look sharp. The physics engine also doesn’t disappoint, with foliage reacting to the slightest breeze.