Call of Duty: Vanguard – PS4 vs. PS5: A Comprehensive Comparison
The primary difference between Call of Duty: Vanguard on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) boils down to the enhancements afforded by the PS5’s superior hardware. While both versions offer the same core gameplay experience and access to the same multiplayer and campaign content, the PS5 edition provides significant upgrades in terms of visual fidelity, performance, and loading times. Specifically, the PS5 version boasts higher framerates, offering a smoother, more fluid gameplay experience. It also features hardware-based graphical improvements, meaning textures are sharper, lighting is more realistic, and details are more intricate, leading to a more immersive experience. Furthermore, shorter load times on the PS5, thanks to its super-fast SSD, mean less waiting and more time playing. Finally, the DualSense controller features, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, add another layer of immersion absent in the PS4 version. In essence, while the PS4 offers a perfectly playable version of Vanguard, the PS5 edition offers the definitive and superior experience.
The Visual and Performance Divide
Resolution and Detail
The PS5 version of Vanguard takes full advantage of the console’s power to achieve a higher resolution. This results in a much clearer, more detailed image compared to the PS4 version. Textures are sharper, making objects and environments appear more realistic. This isn’t just about making things look prettier; it can also improve gameplay clarity by making enemies and important details easier to spot. The PS4, while still offering a decent gaming experience, does not have the horsepower to keep up with the PS5’s graphical capabilities.
Framerate and Smoothness
Perhaps the most noticeable difference lies in the framerates. The PS5 is capable of achieving significantly higher framerates compared to the PS4. This means that the game runs far more smoothly, reducing input lag and giving players a much more responsive and fluid gaming experience. This is particularly important in a fast-paced game like Call of Duty, where quick reactions can be the difference between victory and defeat. The PS4, while capable of running Vanguard at its target framerate, will not have the same stability or peak performance compared to the PS5.
Loading Times
One of the most impactful upgrades the PS5 provides is its super-fast SSD. This translates to drastically shorter load times in Vanguard. Whether it’s loading into a multiplayer match or transitioning between campaign missions, the time you spend waiting is dramatically reduced on the PS5. This allows for a more seamless, engaging experience and gets players into the action quicker. Loading screens, while still present on the PS4, will feel significantly longer in comparison.
PS5 Exclusive Features
DualSense Controller Integration
The PS5’s DualSense controller offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that significantly enhance the immersion of Call of Duty: Vanguard. The haptic feedback provides nuanced vibrations that correspond to in-game actions, making every shot, explosion, and movement feel more tactile. The adaptive triggers offer variable resistance depending on the weapon or scenario, enhancing the realism of using different firearms. These features are not available on the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller, giving the PS5 an advantage in terms of immersion and responsiveness.
Accessibility and Upgrading
Cross-Gen Compatibility
An important point to note is that buying the digital PS5 version of Call of Duty: Vanguard from the PlayStation Store often includes the PS4 version at no extra cost. This allows players to access both versions of the game, which can be useful for playing with friends on older consoles or keeping the PS4 version handy for older consoles in a household.
Upgrading Your PS4 Disc Version
If you already own the physical PS4 version of Vanguard, you can often upgrade to the digital PS5 version at a cost. This process requires you to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5, navigate to the game hub, and choose the upgrade offer. This option allows players to leverage their physical PS4 copies for an eventual upgrade to the PS5 version when they make the jump to the newer console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play my PS4 version of Vanguard on my PS5?
Yes, you can play the PS4 version of Vanguard on your PS5 but you won’t benefit from the PS5 specific enhancements. While the game will work, you won’t see the higher framerates, improved graphics, and faster load times found in the native PS5 version.
2. Will my progress carry over from the PS4 version to the PS5 version?
Yes, your player progress, including your level, unlocks, and campaign saves, will carry over from the PS4 version to the PS5 version of Vanguard if you use the same PlayStation Network account.
3. Is the PS5 Digital Edition the same as the standard PS5 for playing Vanguard?
Yes, both the PS5 Digital Edition and the standard PS5 offer the exact same performance for playing Vanguard and other games. The only difference is that the Digital Edition does not have a disc drive and relies solely on digital downloads.
4. Can I play with my friends who are on PS4 if I am playing the PS5 version of Vanguard?
Yes, you can play with your friends who are using the PS4 version of Vanguard while you’re playing on the PS5 version. The game supports cross-generation play.
5. Is it worth upgrading from the PS4 to the PS5 for Vanguard?
If you value higher performance, better graphics, and shorter loading times, then upgrading to the PS5 is highly recommended, particularly if you’re a regular player of Call of Duty. The improved experience can significantly enhance your overall enjoyment of the game.
6. Do PS4 games look better on PS5?
While PS4 games benefit from the PS5’s hardware, they won’t appear as good as their native PS5 counterparts. Some games, including Vanguard, may run at a higher or more stable framerate or a higher resolution with the PS5 Game Boost feature, making them look smoother and more visually pleasing. However, the difference is typically not as significant as playing a dedicated PS5 title.
7. Does my TV need to be 4K or 8K to see the difference between PS4 and PS5 Vanguard?
While a 4K or 8K TV will enhance the visual fidelity of the PS5 version, you will still see significant improvements over the PS4 version even on a 1080p television. Improvements in framerate and loading times are noticeable on any screen.
8. How much storage space does the PS5 version of Vanguard require?
The PS5 version of Vanguard is a large game, usually requiring between 60-90 GB of storage space. Be sure to allocate enough space on your PS5 SSD.
9. Why is the PS5 Digital Edition cheaper?
The PS5 Digital Edition is cheaper because it doesn’t include a disc drive. This reduces manufacturing costs for Sony, and those savings are passed down to consumers.
10. Will the PS4 servers for Vanguard shut down soon?
Sony has not made any official announcement regarding the shutdown of PS4 servers for Vanguard. It’s likely that they will remain active for the foreseeable future, especially as PS4 is still receiving ongoing support from developers and publishers.
11. Can I still buy a new PS4 in 2023?
While the PS4 is still supported by Sony, it is now considered a last-gen console. You can still buy used or refurbished consoles, but new units are less readily available now. The primary focus is now on PS5 production and sales.
12. How do I transfer my digital PS4 games to my PS5?
You can transfer digital PS4 games to your PS5 by simply logging into your same PlayStation Network account. The games will appear in your library and you can download them onto the console.
13. Can I use my PS4 controllers on the PS5 version of Vanguard?
You can use your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to play PS4 games on the PS5, but it is not compatible with the native PS5 versions of games like Vanguard. You will need to use the DualSense controller for those games to utilize its features fully.
14. Is the PS5 worth buying just for the upgraded version of Vanguard?
Whether the PS5 is worth buying depends on your individual gaming preferences and budget. If you are a serious gamer and value the benefits of higher framerates, improved graphics, and faster load times, then a PS5 would make a substantial difference in your experience with this title. The PS5 also unlocks other new-gen gaming experiences beyond just improved versions of older games, and a great catalogue of exclusive PS5 titles as well.
15. Is it possible to get a free PS5 upgrade for Vanguard?
Purchasing the digital PS5 version of Vanguard from the PlayStation Store often includes the PS4 version, meaning you can effectively “upgrade” at no additional cost as you get both. However, upgrading from a PS4 physical disc copy to the PS5 version may require a purchase of a discounted upgrade on the Playstation Store, or purchasing a full digital PS5 game.
In summary, the PS5 version of Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a superior experience over the PS4 version thanks to its enhanced graphics, faster performance, and use of the DualSense controller. While the PS4 version is still playable, gamers who value the best possible experience should consider upgrading to the PS5 for a far more immersive and fluid gameplay experience.