God of War Ragnarok: A Norse Saga, Sharply Divided – PS4 vs. PS5
Yes, there is a significant difference between playing God of War Ragnarok on the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5. While the core gameplay experience remains largely the same – the compelling story, the visceral combat, and the intricate world design – the PS5 version offers a drastically enhanced visual and performance package that elevates the game to a new level. The PS4 version is still a worthwhile experience, but the PS5 version is the definitive way to experience the game.
Visual Fidelity: A Generational Leap
The most immediately noticeable difference between the two versions is the visual fidelity. The PS5 version boasts a much higher resolution, running at up to dynamic 4K, resulting in significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. Textures are crisper, character models are more intricate, and the overall level of environmental detail is dramatically improved.
On the PS4, the game runs at a lower resolution, making the world less detailed and sharp. While still impressive for the hardware, it pales in comparison to the PS5’s visual splendor. Even on the PS4 Pro, which offers some improvements over the base PS4, the visual gap is still considerable.
Furthermore, the PS5’s advanced lighting and shadow effects add depth and realism to the world. The PS5’s implementation of ray tracing, though limited, enhances reflections and ambient occlusion, further contributing to the graphical realism. The PS4 simply cannot replicate these advanced effects.
Performance: Smoothness vs. Stability
Performance is another key area where the PS5 shines. The PS5 version offers a variety of performance modes, including a 60fps performance mode that prioritizes frame rate over resolution. This results in a much smoother and more responsive gameplay experience, particularly noticeable during combat. There are even modes that target frame rates exceeding 60fps if you have a compatible display.
The PS4 version, on the other hand, is locked at 30fps. While perfectly playable, this lower frame rate can feel sluggish compared to the PS5’s silky smooth 60fps. The PS4 Pro offers a slightly improved experience, but it still falls short of the PS5’s consistent performance.
Loading Times: The SSD Advantage
One of the biggest quality-of-life improvements on the PS5 is the dramatically reduced loading times, thanks to its ultra-fast SSD. Loading screens that could take upwards of a minute on the PS4 are reduced to mere seconds on the PS5. This significantly reduces downtime and keeps you immersed in the game world. On the PS4, loading times are noticeably longer, which can break the immersion and become frustrating over time. The difference is so pronounced that it genuinely transforms the flow of the game.
Enhanced Features: Beyond the Visuals
The PS5 version also benefits from several enhanced features that are not available on the PS4, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller. These features provide a greater sense of immersion by adding tactile feedback to actions such as pulling back a bowstring or striking an enemy. While not essential, these features add an extra layer of polish and engagement to the gameplay experience.
Accessibility and Future Proofing
Investing in the PS5 version also means you’re future-proofing your experience. As technology continues to advance, developers will increasingly focus on taking advantage of the PS5’s capabilities, leaving the PS4 behind. While God of War Ragnarok is a cross-gen title, future games may not be, and the PS5 will provide the best possible experience for years to come. Understanding how different systems are used is a great way to approach learning about video game creation, a sentiment shared by the Games Learning Society.
The Verdict: Worth the Upgrade?
While the PS4 version of God of War Ragnarok is a perfectly acceptable way to experience the game, the PS5 version offers a substantially superior experience in terms of visuals, performance, loading times, and features. If you have the opportunity to play on the PS5, it is undoubtedly the definitive way to experience this epic Norse saga. However, those still on PS4 shouldn’t feel deterred from playing what is a great game regardless of platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is God of War Ragnarok worth playing on PS4 if I can’t get a PS5?
Absolutely! While the PS5 version offers significant enhancements, the PS4 version is still a fantastic game with a compelling story, engaging combat, and beautiful world design. You won’t be missing out on the core experience.
2. What are the specific resolution and frame rate differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions?
The PS4 version runs at a lower resolution, typically 1080p, and is locked at 30fps. The PS5 version offers a variety of modes, including a 60fps performance mode at a dynamic resolution and a resolution mode targeting dynamic 4K at 30fps. The PS5 has a better system to run all modes with much better results.
3. Does the PS4 Pro version offer any significant improvements over the base PS4 version?
Yes, the PS4 Pro version offers some improvements, including a slightly higher resolution and more stable frame rate compared to the base PS4. However, the difference is not as dramatic as the leap to the PS5.
4. How much faster are the loading times on the PS5 compared to the PS4?
Loading times on the PS5 are significantly faster, often by a factor of 3x-5x or more. Loading screens that take a minute or more on the PS4 are reduced to mere seconds on the PS5.
5. Does the PS4 version of God of War Ragnarok have a PS5 upgrade path?
Yes, you can upgrade the PS4 version to the digital PS5 version through the PlayStation Store for a fee.
6. Will my PS4 save data transfer to the PS5 version?
Yes, save data can be transferred from the PS4 version to the PS5 version, allowing you to continue your progress seamlessly.
7. Does the PS5 version take advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers?
Yes, the PS5 version utilizes the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive experience.
8. Is there a big difference in the graphical detail between the PS4 and PS5 versions?
Yes, there is a significant difference in graphical detail. The PS5 version features higher resolution textures, more detailed character models, improved lighting and shadows, and advanced effects like ray tracing.
9. Does the PS5 version offer different graphics modes, such as performance or resolution modes?
Yes, the PS5 version offers multiple graphics modes, allowing you to prioritize either frame rate (performance mode) or resolution (resolution mode).
10. Is God of War Ragnarok a cross-gen title, meaning it was designed for both PS4 and PS5?
Yes, God of War Ragnarok is a cross-gen title, designed to run on both the PS4 and PS5.
11. How much storage space does God of War Ragnarok require on the PS4 and PS5?
God of War Ragnarok requires roughly 106.9 GB of storage on PS4 and 84 GB on PS5.
12. Is God of War Ragnarok a sequel to the 2018 God of War game?
Yes, God of War Ragnarok is a direct sequel to the 2018 God of War, continuing the story of Kratos and Atreus in Norse mythology.
13. Will there be a God of War game that comes to Egypt?
While there are comics where Kratos does travel to Egypt, the game developers at Santa Monica Studio, have said Ragnarok is the end, and that God of War won’t be spun into another trilogy. That being said, there might be something that focuses on Atreus.
14. Is it true that God of War Ragnarok is bad?
Reviews have praised it and it “manages to outdo its predecessor in every way possible and despite some of its issues with its ending and a few plot points feeling rushed, it does not take anything away from the masterpiece this title is”.
15. Is it worth buying God of War on PS5 or waiting for another Playstation?
Buying God of War on the PS5 and experiencing its enhanced graphics, performance, and features is worth it. The next PlayStation is rumored to come out in 2026 so that would be a long wait if you want to enjoy God of War now.