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Returnal’s PS5 Pro Enhanced patch delivers sharper visuals and steadier performance with dynamic resolution scaling while maintaining 60 FPS.
Returnal is a fast-paced third-person shooter with roguelike gameplay, developed by Housemarque for the PlayStation 5 and later ported to PC. The 2023 game has recently received a visual update on the PS5 Pro to mark its fourth anniversary. Depending on one’s gameplay preferences, the change is a welcome free addition to some and a missed opportunity to others. Let’s dive into the exact graphics improvements made by Returnal’s PS5 Pro Enhanced patch and how they translate into a better visual experience.
Returnal PS5 Pro Enhanced Patch, Explained
Returnal’s free patch introduces dynamic resolution scaling with DSR for Sony’s Pro hardware, providing greater visual clarity while maintaining a stable 60 FPS. Here are all the changes and key details summarized:
- Resolution Boost up to 2.5x.
- Around 3 million pixels more.
- From fixed 1920×1080 resolution pre-patch to dynamic 3072×1728 resolution.
- Dynamic resolution scaling uses DSR to adjust GPU load, reducing the resolution to around 2400×1350 during graphics-intensive segments.
- Frame rate is still capped at 60 FPS, but remains far more stable.
Returnal’s resolution improvement post-patch slightly exceeds the developer’s 2.5x claim, reaching approximately 2.56x. The update leverages the Pro model’s extra 1.45x boost in GPU power to push the game’s visual clarity to the limit without compromising gameplay smoothness. This is achieved with dynamic resolution scaling to manage GPU load, resulting in a stable 60 FPS. Pre-patch, the game would often drop below 60 FPS, hovering between 55–60 FPS during intense boss fights.
The update is fairly straightforward, increasing resolution through upscaling while stabilizing frame rates. No changes have been made to graphics settings such as shadows, volumetric lighting, or textures. While the improvements are certainly noticeable, the resolution still falls short compared to a PC running the game at 1440p with DLSS.
A Missed Opportunity
Returnal features fast-paced and intense gameplay, with players blazing through the map in an increasingly desperate fight for survival. Fans argue that with such an action-packed gameplay loop, focusing on resolution rather than FPS improvement has an underwhelming effect. There is little time to stop and admire the scenery while playing a round of Returnal. Perhaps the PS5 Pro’s additional GPU headroom could have been put to better use by pushing frame rates above 60 instead of improving image clarity.
Nevertheless, the resolution improvements made with the free update are noticeable, and the stabilized frame rates provide a smoother gameplay experience. If you own a PS5 Pro, Returnal’s PS5 Pro Enhanced patch is a good reason to boot up the game and enjoy its enhanced visual fidelity.
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