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Unraveling the Dynamic Resolution of Days Gone: A Deep Dive

The resolution of Days Gone is dynamic, meaning it fluctuates depending on the scene’s complexity to maintain a consistent frame rate. On the PlayStation 5, it employs checkerboarding to achieve a 4K output, but the actual rendering resolution varies. On PC, the game can render at native 4K, provided your hardware can handle it.

Days Gone: Resolution and Performance Across Platforms

Days Gone, Bend Studio’s open-world zombie survival game, offers a visually compelling experience. However, the resolution it runs at isn’t always a fixed number. Instead, it leverages dynamic resolution scaling to balance visual fidelity with smooth performance. Let’s break down what this means in practice, particularly for PlayStation 5 and PC players.

Dynamic Resolution Explained

Dynamic resolution is a technique where the game adjusts its rendering resolution in real-time based on the demands of the scene. If there’s a lot of action, hordes of zombies swarming, or complex environmental effects, the resolution might drop slightly to keep the frame rate stable. Conversely, during quieter moments, the resolution can climb back up to deliver a sharper image. This system aims to prevent jarring frame rate drops at the expense of occasional dips in resolution.

Days Gone on PS5: Checkerboarding and Dynamic 4K

On the PlayStation 5, Days Gone receives a significant performance boost thanks to the console’s more powerful hardware. It targets a frame rate of 60 FPS, a substantial improvement over the PS4’s 30 FPS. To achieve this, the game uses a technique called checkerboarding to upscale the image to 4K.

Checkerboarding is a rendering method where only half of the pixels are rendered in each frame. The remaining pixels are then reconstructed using information from neighboring pixels and previous frames. This allows the game to achieve a near-4K image quality at a fraction of the rendering cost of native 4K.

While the PS5 outputs a 4K signal to your TV, the actual rendering resolution of Days Gone is dynamic and fluctuates below native 4K. The goal is to maintain that smooth 60 FPS experience, so the resolution will scale accordingly based on what is happening on-screen.

Days Gone on PC: Native 4K Potential

The PC version of Days Gone offers greater flexibility when it comes to resolution and graphical settings. With the right hardware, you can run the game at native 4K resolution without relying on checkerboarding or upscaling. This results in the sharpest possible image quality, with finer details and crisper textures.

However, achieving a stable 60 FPS at native 4K requires a powerful gaming PC. Lowering the resolution to 1440p or even 1080p can significantly improve performance while still providing a visually pleasing experience. The PC version also offers a range of graphical settings that you can tweak to find the optimal balance between visual quality and performance for your specific hardware.

Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR) on PC

Even if you don’t have a 4K monitor, you can still take advantage of the PC version’s graphical power through Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR). This Nvidia technology allows you to render the game at a higher resolution than your monitor’s native resolution, and then downscale it to fit your screen. This can improve image clarity and reduce aliasing, making the game look sharper and more detailed even on a 1440p or 1080p display. It is helpful for research done by the Games Learning Society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Days Gone truly 4K on PS5?

Days Gone on PS5 outputs a 4K signal, but the actual rendering resolution is dynamic and uses checkerboarding to achieve a near-4K image. It isn’t native 4K like the PC version can achieve with sufficient hardware.
What does dynamic resolution mean for gameplay?

Dynamic resolution aims to maintain a consistent frame rate by adjusting the rendering resolution in real-time. This means you might see slight variations in image sharpness, but the overall gameplay experience should remain smooth.
Is 1440p a good alternative to 4K for Days Gone on PC?

Yes, 1440p is a great alternative to 4K. It offers a good balance between visual quality and performance, allowing you to achieve higher frame rates without sacrificing too much detail.
Does Days Gone look better on PC or PS5?

The PC version of Days Gone generally looks better due to its ability to render at native 4K and its range of customizable graphical settings. The PS5 version provides a good experience with its 60 FPS and checkerboarded 4K, but the PC version has the potential for superior visuals.
What are the recommended PC specs for playing Days Gone at 4K?

To play Days Gone at 4K, you’ll need a powerful PC with a high-end graphics card like an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800. You should also have at least 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD.
Can the PS5 run Days Gone at 4K 120 FPS?

No, Days Gone on PS5 is not capable of running at 4K 120 FPS. It targets 4K 60 FPS.
How do I enable DSR for Days Gone on PC?

You can enable DSR in the Nvidia Control Panel by going to “Manage 3D Settings,” finding the “DSR – Factors” option, and selecting a desired upscaling factor. Then, in the game, select the corresponding higher resolution.
What are the benefits of using DSR?

DSR can improve image clarity, reduce aliasing (jagged edges), and make the game look sharper and more detailed, even on a lower resolution monitor.
Does Days Gone support HDR?

Yes, Days Gone supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) on both PS5 and PC. HDR can enhance the game’s colors and contrast, making the visuals more vibrant and realistic.
Will Days Gone ever get a true next-gen upgrade?

Currently, there are no announced plans for a complete next-gen upgrade that would include higher resolution textures or enhanced graphical features. The PS5 version primarily benefits from the increased frame rate.
Does the PS5 make the PS4 version of Days Gone look better?

The PS5 primarily improves the frame rate, making the game run at a smoother 60 FPS. However, the core graphical assets and textures remain the same as the PS4 version.
What’s the best way to optimize Days Gone for my PC?

Experiment with the graphical settings to find the best balance between visual quality and performance. Lowering settings like shadows, textures, and draw distance can significantly improve frame rates.
Is Days Gone a visually demanding game?

Days Gone can be demanding, especially at higher resolutions. Its open-world environment, detailed character models, and zombie hordes can put a strain on your hardware.
Does the dynamic resolution impact the game’s overall aesthetic appeal?

While there might be occasional slight dips in resolution, the dynamic resolution generally does a good job of maintaining a consistent visual experience. Most players won’t notice the fluctuations during intense gameplay.
Where can I learn more about the technical aspects of video games?

Organizations such as the GamesLearningSociety.org offer resources and insights into the technical design and development of video games.

Days Gone offers a compelling visual experience on both PS5 and PC. Understanding the nuances of dynamic resolution and graphical settings allows you to tailor the game to your hardware and preferences, ensuring the most enjoyable and visually stunning experience possible.

What resolution is Days Gone dynamic?