Ghost of Tsushima on PC delivers impressive upgrades over PS5
Is Ghost of Tsushima Better on PC Than PS5?
Four years after its debut on PS4, "Ghost of Tsushima" has been ported to PC by Nixxes Software, offering significant enhancements over the PS5 version. The PC version introduces a flexible settings menu, supports major upscaling technologies like FSR 3 and DLSS 3, and improves image quality and frame rates compared to the PS5. However, it also faces issues such as depth of field jitter, camera movement lag, and potential PCI Express bandwidth saturation, which could affect performance.
Nixxes has made several adjustments in the PC port, such as better foliage LOD and shadow quality, and has removed the need for FSR 2 spatial upscaling when using FSR 3 frame-gen. Despite these improvements, there are areas where the PC version could still be enhanced, like texture quality and ambient occlusion. The port generally maintains the high standards of Nixxes' previous work, but there is room for further optimization, especially in managing VRAM and addressing PCI Express bandwidth limitations.
What specific improvements does the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima offer over the PS5 version in terms of graphics and performance?
Enhanced Visual Features and Performance: The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima introduces several upgrades in visual quality and performance compared to the PS5 version136. Notably, the PC version supports a range of modern upscaling technologies such as Nvidia DLSS and FSR 3 frame generation, which significantly improve image quality over the PS5's checkerboard rendering15. Additionally, the PC version allows for unlocked frame rates, which can exceed the 30fps limit of PS5 cutscenes, enhancing the smoothness of gameplay and cinematic sequences1.
Detailed Graphics Settings and Scalability: On PC, settings such as foliage draw distance, texture filtering, and shadow quality are more adjustable and can be pushed further than on PS5. For instance, foliage LOD (Level of Detail) is significantly improved, allowing for extended draw distances that reduce pop-in effects and provide a richer visual experience1. The PC's ability to handle higher settings in shadows and reflections also surpasses the PS5, contributing to a more immersive and visually appealing game environment1.
Challenges and Recommendations: Despite these enhancements, the PC version faces some challenges such as occasional frame-rate inconsistencies and a camera issue that can affect the smoothness of the presentation1. To address performance issues related to hardware limitations, recommendations include implementing a VRAM meter and optimizing settings for memory-constrained GPUs1. These adjustments would help users better manage their system's resources and maintain stable performance.
Overall Comparison and Optimizations: Overall, the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima offers superior image quality, smoother frame rates, and more detailed settings compared to the PS5 version125. These improvements make the PC version a definitive experience for the game, though there are areas like texture quality and ambient occlusion where the upgrades are not as significant13. Optimizations such as using DLSS and adjusting settings can further enhance performance, making the PC version a highly recommended choice for the best visual and gameplay experience25.
Can you explain the impact of having a memory-constrained GPU on the performance of Ghost of Tsushima on PC?
In the case of Ghost of Tsushima on PC, having a memory-constrained GPU can lead to sporadically worse performance. This issue arises when the GPU doesn't have enough VRAM to handle the high-resolution textures and other graphical settings that the game requires. As a result, users may experience stuttering, frame rate drops, and overall reduced performance.
The problem is further exacerbated when the game saturates the PCI Express bandwidth, which is the interface between the system and the GPU. This can lead to less stable frame times and ultimately impact the overall gaming experience. Users with an 8GB GPU and high display and texture resolution settings are more likely to encounter these issues.
To alleviate the problem, it is recommended that Nixxes, the company responsible for the PC port, implement a VRAM meter within the game's settings to inform users of the VRAM usage or handle VRAM more intelligently. Alternatively, users can try lowering their texture settings or opt for a GPU with more VRAM to improve performance.