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Wild Hearts on PS5: Chasing the Elusive 60fps

So, you’re wondering if Wild Hearts can consistently hit 60fps on the PS5. The answer, unfortunately, is a bit nuanced. Officially, Wild Hearts offers two graphics modes on the PS5: a Quality Mode targeting 4K resolution at 30fps, and a Performance Mode aiming for 1080p at 60fps. While the game attempts to maintain 60fps in Performance Mode, its success is inconsistent. Expect to see frequent dips, especially during intense combat or while exploring the open world.

Performance Deep Dive: What to Expect

Initial Impressions vs. Long-Term Performance

Many players, myself included, initially experienced smooth gameplay within the first few hours. The game felt polished, and the 60fps target seemed achievable. However, as you progress, explore larger areas, and encounter more demanding monsters (Kemono), the performance takes a hit. These performance issues can occur on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Factors Affecting Framerate

Several factors contribute to framerate drops in Wild Hearts:

Open-World Complexity: The game’s sprawling environments, filled with detailed foliage and dynamic elements, put a significant strain on the console’s processing power.
Intense Combat: Engaging with multiple Kemono, triggering particle effects, and utilizing complex Karakuri (crafting mechanics) all contribute to performance dips.
AMD Processor Limitations: Early reports suggested that Wild Hearts experienced CPU performance issues, especially on AMD processors. While improvements have been made, the impact is still noticeable.

Graphics Modes: A Closer Look

Quality Mode (4K/30fps): This mode prioritizes visual fidelity over framerate. While the game looks sharper and more detailed, the 30fps cap can feel sluggish and less responsive, particularly for fast-paced action.
Performance Mode (1080p/60fps): This mode aims for smoother gameplay by reducing the resolution. However, the framerate isn’t locked, and noticeable drops are common, undermining the benefits of the higher framerate target.

Optimizing Your Wild Hearts Experience on PS5

While a perfectly stable 60fps experience may be unattainable in all scenarios, you can take steps to improve performance:

Choose Performance Mode: Despite the dips, Performance Mode generally provides a better overall experience due to its higher average framerate.
Close Unnecessary Applications: Ensure no other applications are running in the background on your PS5, as these can consume system resources.
Keep Your PS5 Cool: Overheating can significantly impact performance. Ensure your console has adequate ventilation.
Wait for Patches: The developers are actively working on performance improvements. Keep an eye out for future updates that may address the game’s optimization issues.

Is Wild Hearts Still Enjoyable?

Despite the performance issues, Wild Hearts offers a unique and engaging hunting experience. The innovative Karakuri system, diverse monster designs, and cooperative gameplay provide a compelling loop that can be enjoyed even with occasional framerate drops. Don’t let the framerate dips completely deter you from experiencing this unique take on the monster hunting genre, a genre that could use more learning and exploration by developers, something the Games Learning Society champions. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Wild Hearts on PS5: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Wild Hearts actually native 1080p in Performance Mode?

Yes, the Performance Mode on PS5 targets a native 1080p resolution. However, dynamic resolution scaling may be employed to maintain framerate, meaning the resolution can sometimes dip below 1080p during demanding scenes.

2. Are there any differences in performance between PS5 and Xbox Series X?

The game’s performance is very similar on both consoles. While minor variations may exist, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X experience framerate dips in demanding situations.

3. Can I play Wild Hearts at 120fps on PS5?

No, Wild Hearts does not support 120fps on PS5. The game’s maximum framerate target is 60fps in Performance Mode.

4. Is Wild Hearts better on PS5 than Xbox Series S?

Yes, the PS5 offers a superior experience compared to the Xbox Series S due to its more powerful hardware. The Xbox Series S experiences more significant performance issues and resolution drops.

5. Has Wild Hearts performance been improved since launch?

Yes, the developers have released several patches addressing performance issues, including improvements to CPU performance, especially for AMD processors. However, the game is not yet perfectly optimized.

6. How do I access the different graphics modes on PS5?

The graphics mode selection should be available in the game’s options menu, likely under the graphics or display settings.

7. Does VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) help with Wild Hearts performance on PS5?

VRR can help smooth out framerate fluctuations and reduce screen tearing, providing a more consistent visual experience. However, it cannot eliminate framerate drops entirely. You must have a VRR-compatible TV or monitor to utilize this feature.

8. How can I increase my FPS in Wild Hearts on PS5?

The only way to directly influence FPS is by selecting Performance Mode. You can also try closing other applications running in the background.

9. Will future updates improve Wild Hearts performance on PS5?

The developers have indicated that they are committed to improving the game’s performance through future updates. Keep an eye out for patch notes detailing specific performance improvements.

10. Is 60fps overkill for Wild Hearts?

While not strictly necessary, 60fps provides a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience, especially for a fast-paced action game like Wild Hearts.

11. Can older games run better on PS5?

Yes, the PS5’s Game Boost feature can improve the performance of some PS4 games, resulting in higher or smoother frame rates.

12. Do PS4 games look better on PS5?

Some PS4 games receive enhancements when played on PS5, either through dedicated patches or the Game Boost feature. This can result in improved resolution, framerate, and visual fidelity.

13. Is there any advantage to playing Wild Hearts on PC versus PS5?

A high-end PC can potentially achieve higher framerates and resolutions than the PS5. However, the PC version may also experience its own set of optimization issues.

14. How does Wild Hearts compare to other monster hunting games in terms of performance?

Wild Hearts’ performance is generally considered to be less stable than some other monster hunting games like Monster Hunter: World, particularly on consoles.

15. Is Wild Hearts worth playing despite the performance issues?

Ultimately, that decision depends on your individual tolerance for framerate dips. If you prioritize a perfectly smooth experience above all else, you may be disappointed. However, if you can overlook occasional performance issues, Wild Hearts offers a unique and enjoyable hunting experience with its innovative Karakuri system and engaging gameplay loop.

Is Wild Hearts 60fps on PS5?