Is Red Dead Redemption 2 Better on PS5 Than PS4? A Comprehensive Showdown
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is a resounding yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is indeed better on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) than on the PlayStation 4 (PS4), albeit with some important caveats. While Rockstar hasn’t released a dedicated “next-gen” upgrade, the PS5 leverages its superior hardware to offer a noticeably improved experience over both the base PS4 and even the PS4 Pro.
Diving Deep: Visual Fidelity, Performance, and the PS5 Advantage
The primary advantage of playing RDR2 on the PS5 comes down to performance. While both consoles are locked at 30 frames per second (FPS), the PS5 achieves this target far more consistently than its predecessor. On the PS4 and PS4 Pro, dips below 30 FPS are common, especially in densely populated areas like Saint Denis or during intense action sequences. These frame rate drops can lead to a less smooth and responsive gameplay experience. The PS5, on the other hand, maintains a rock-solid 30 FPS, providing a much more stable and enjoyable adventure through the Wild West.
Furthermore, the PS5 benefits from faster loading times. Anyone who’s spent countless hours traversing the expansive world of RDR2 knows the pain of lengthy loading screens. The PS5’s significantly faster solid-state drive (SSD) reduces these load times dramatically, allowing you to get back into the action much quicker. This alone is a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Regarding visual fidelity, the PS5 essentially runs the PS4 Pro version of RDR2 through backwards compatibility. This means you’re getting the same 4K resolution (1920x2160p), though some claim it is a checkerboarded or upscaled 4K. Digital Foundry has pointed out that the PS4 Pro version, which is used for the PS5 version, does have better shadows in comparison and a slightly different gamma presentation. Despite some minor visual tweaks, it looks much the same between the two consoles. While a dedicated PS5 patch could unlock further enhancements like improved textures, draw distances, and graphical effects, the current backwards compatibility mode still offers a visually appealing experience. It’s important to note that you won’t find the same level of graphical detail as on a high-end PC.
The Longing for a Native PS5 Upgrade
The elephant in the room is the absence of a native PS5 upgrade for RDR2. Rumors circulated about a possible PS5/Xbox Series X/S version that would unlock 60 FPS, improve textures, and potentially add ray tracing. However, these rumors were ultimately debunked, leaving fans disappointed. The lack of a dedicated upgrade is a missed opportunity, as the PS5’s hardware is more than capable of delivering a truly stunning RDR2 experience.
However, the good news is that a recent update for the PS5 allows some users to get a 60FPS experience. While it is technically the PS4 Pro version, with the update many are reporting a stable and smooth gameplay.
The Verdict
Even without a native upgrade, RDR2 on PS5 offers a superior experience compared to the PS4. The consistent 30 FPS, drastically reduced loading times, and slightly enhanced visuals make it the definitive console version of the game. While the absence of a 60 FPS mode and other potential graphical improvements is disappointing, the PS5 still provides the best way to experience this open-world masterpiece on a console. This makes it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking the optimal console Red Dead Redemption 2 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5 compared to PS4:
1. Does Red Dead Redemption 2 run at 60 FPS on PS5?
- As of now, Red Dead Redemption 2 does not natively run at 60 FPS on PS5 without the recent update. It runs in backwards compatibility. It is locked at 30 FPS. However, with the PS5’s increased processing power and graphical capabilities, it maintains this framerate more consistently than the PS4, providing a smoother experience.
2. What resolution does Red Dead Redemption 2 run at on PS5?
- Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5 through backwards compatibility runs at the same resolution as the PS4 Pro version: 1920x2160p (4K).
3. Will Red Dead Redemption 2 ever get a PS5 upgrade?
- Rockstar Games reportedly had plans for a PS5 and Xbox Series X/S upgrade, but these plans have been shelved. As of now, there are no official plans for a native PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2.
4. Is the PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2 visually better than the PS4 version?
- The PS5 version, running the PS4 Pro version, offers slightly better shadows and gamma, but the visual differences are subtle. The biggest improvement is the consistent frame rate and faster loading times.
5. Do I need to buy Red Dead Redemption 2 again for PS5?
- No. If you own Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4, either digitally or on disc, you can play it on your PS5 through backwards compatibility. If you have the disc version of the PS5, you can use the PS4 disc, and if you own the game digitally, it would work on either version of the PS5.
6. Is Red Dead Online better on PS5 than PS4?
- Yes. Red Dead Online benefits from the same improvements as the single-player campaign on PS5: more stable frame rates, faster loading times, and slightly enhanced visuals. The overall experience is smoother and more enjoyable on the PS5.
7. Does the PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2 support HDR?
- Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5, running the PS4 Pro version, supports HDR if your display is HDR-compatible.
8. How much faster are loading times on PS5 compared to PS4?
- Loading times on PS5 are significantly faster than on PS4. Load times are reduced from minutes to seconds, making fast travel and restarting after death much less frustrating.
9. Is the PS5 worth upgrading to from the PS4 just for Red Dead Redemption 2?
- While RDR2 is better on PS5, upgrading solely for one game might not be worth it. However, the PS5 offers numerous other advantages: better performance in other games, access to exclusive titles, and a more future-proof gaming experience. If you play a variety of games, the PS5 is a worthwhile upgrade.
10. Does the DualSense controller enhance the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience on PS5?
- Yes. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers can add a new layer of immersion to Red Dead Redemption 2. You’ll feel the rumble of your horse’s hooves and the tension of pulling back the hammer on your revolver, providing a more tactile and engaging experience.
11. Why hasn’t Rockstar released a dedicated PS5 version of Red Dead Redemption 2?
- The exact reasons are unknown, but factors like development costs, resource allocation, and the focus on other projects (like Grand Theft Auto VI) likely played a role in Rockstar’s decision not to create a dedicated PS5 version.
12. Is Red Dead Redemption worth playing on PS4 in 2024?
- Yes! Regardless of the feature-light port and general sparseness of the package, Red Dead Redemption still earns its place as one of the finest games ever made. Even if its follow-up improved upon everything, this was a joyful blast to the past, reminding me that all greatness starts somewhere.
13. What is ideal FPS for Red Dead Redemption?
- Red Dead Redemption 2 is a very demanding game. If your computer can manage to get at least a steady 60 FPS with all settings at their maximum, we recommend that you keep those settings.
14. Does the PS5 have an advantage over PS4?
- All ps5 players get to play in 60 fps, whilst ps4 players are stuck in 30.
15. How much stronger is the PS5 than the PS4?
- The PS5’s GPU is about 160% faster. That means if the PS4 Pro is capable of 30fps, then the PS5 would be capable of 78fps…. or 30fps at much higher detail settings.
The PS5 undoubtedly provides a superior Red Dead Redemption 2 experience compared to the PS4, thanks to its consistent performance, faster loading times, and subtle visual enhancements. While a native PS5 upgrade remains a dream, the backwards-compatible version is still the best way to experience this iconic game on consoles. If you want to delve deeper into the world of games and learning, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website.