Should I Upgrade to PS5 for Elden Ring? A Complete Breakdown

Hey friend! If you‘re playing Elden Ring on PS4, you may be wondering if it‘s worth upgrading to the PS5 version. As someone who has put dozens of hours into the game on both platforms, I‘m here to give you a full rundown on the differences and help you decide if upgrading is worthwhile.

The short answer? Absolutely, the PS5 version provides a meaningful upgrade in graphics, performance, immersion and more. Keep reading as I breakdown exactly why PS5 is the definitive way to experience Elden Ring.

Resolution and Graphics

One of the biggest differences is resolution. Elden Ring runs at 1920×1080 (1080p) on PS4, while on PS5 it‘s a native 4K at 3840×2160.

This has a huge impact on image quality. Tiny details in textures, objects and foliage are much crisper and clearer in 4K. You can see way off into the distance thanks to the higher pixel count. This enhances that sense of scope and vastness as you look across Elden Ring‘s massive open world.

Beyond resolution, PS5 also provides advantages in graphics effects and art design. Things like shadows, lighting, draw distance and more are improved:

Graphics	PS4	PS5
Shadow Quality	Lower	Higher
Texture Filtering	Weak	Improved
Draw Distance	Shorter	Further
Foliage Density	Sparser	Thicker

These visual enhancements make the world feel more atmospheric, lush and alive. Play on a PS5 and you‘ll notice details you never could before.

According to Digital Foundry‘s graphics expert John Linneman:

"PS5 offers higher resolution textures and assets throughout the game. This extra clarity means scenes pop with detail. More foliage and objects appear in the PS5 version as well thanks to the console‘s extra memory."

So if you care about seeing Elden Ring at its maximum graphical potential, PS5 is the way to go.

Framerate: 60 FPS Gameplay

Now to one of the absolute biggest upgrades: framerate. Elden Ring runs at a capped 30 FPS (frames per second) on PS4. On PS5, it hits a nearly flawless 60 FPS in Performance Mode.

This has a transformational effect on how the game looks and feels:

• Animation and camera movement are drastically smoother at 60 FPS, making exploration and combat feel incredibly fluid.

• Actions feels more responsive with 60 FPS reducing input lag. This gives you an edge in combat.

• Visual stability is greatly improved without choppy or uneven framerates.

The higher sense of fluidity and responsiveness is a game changer, especially for a timing-focused action RPG like Elden Ring. 30 FPS feels downright sluggish once you‘ve tasted 60 FPS.

According to Digital Foundry‘s performance analysis, PS5 in 60 FPS mode offers:

• "Butter-smooth animation, physics and camera movement thanks to rock-solid 60 FPS"

• "Vastly improved latency and input response from 60 FPS gameplay"

• "Combat that feels significantly more impactful and tactile"

If you care about performance and responsiveness, the PS5‘s 60 FPS mode is reason enough alone to upgrade in my opinion. It takes Elden Ring‘s combat to the next level.

Lightning Fast Loading

Another massive advantage PS5 provides is its super fast loading speeds thanks to the console‘s custom SSD.

On PS4, loading screens when fast traveling or respawning after death could take 30-60+ seconds. That may not sound like much, but when you‘re doing it hundreds of times, it really adds up.

On PS5, those same loading screens take 5-10 seconds at most. Teleporting between points of the enormous open world is nearly instantaneous.

Fast loading eliminates momentum-killing waits and improves the game‘s pace dramatically. Streamlining travel keeps the action and exploration flowing in a huge open world game like Elden Ring.

According to IGN‘s Elden Ring review:

"On PS5, loading from the map takes mere seconds as opposed to the 30-60 second loads on PS4. This completely changes the feel of exploration."

For a game all about freedom of travel and exploration, the PS5‘s rapid loading is a serious advantage.

DualSense Controller Immersion

The PS5‘s DualSense controller uses advanced haptic feedback for tactile realism you just can‘t get on the PS4‘s DualShock 4.

In Elden Ring, you‘ll feel unique rumble sensations like:

• The clunky trotting of your spectral steed
• The sizzling crackle of a flaming sword
• The thundering hoofbeats of an oversized enemy

These immersive effects make combat and exploration feel more impactful. The subtle environmental sensations also heighten your connection to Elden Ring‘s world.

Ray Tracing Reflections

One smaller PS5 advantage is ray tracing support. This advanced lighting effect enables true-to-life reflections on water, armor and more that greatly boost graphical realism.

Elden Ring uses ray tracing sparingly, but where present, it adds an extra layer of visual polish. For example, you may notice realistic water reflections in places like underground lakes that are absent on PS4.

It‘s More Than Just Elden Ring

Upgrading to PS5 isn‘t just about improvements to Elden Ring. It applies to tons of other games too like:

• Horizon Forbidden West
• God of War Ragnarok
• Spider-Man: Miles Morales
• Gran Turismo 7
• Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Nearly all upcoming PS5 games will outperform their PS4 versions. So upgrading gives you a next-gen boost across the board.

Cross-Gen Upgrade Process

If you decide to upgrade from PS4 to PS5, the transition process is simple:

• Your PS4 Elden Ring disc can be used to play on PS5 at no extra cost.

• PS4 saves seamlessly transfer via cloud storage or USB drive.

• Trophies and game progress carry over to PS5.

• You can still play with PS4 friends online.

So upgrading platforms is basically seamless.

The Verdict? PS5 Is Worth It For Elden Ring

At the end of the day, playing Elden Ring on PS5 provides a meaningful boost on pretty much every front:

✔️ Jaw-dropping 4K visuals that let you see more detail than ever.

✔️ Buttery smooth 60 FPS for transformative combat and exploration.

✔️ Faster loading that removes immersion-breaking waits.

✔️ Immersive haptics heightening your connection to the world.

Elden Ring is defined by its unparalleled sense of scope, freedom and immersion. The PS5 enhancements amplify all of those core strengths noticeably.

The PS4 version is still an amazing game. But once you experience PS5‘s advantages, it‘s hard to go back.

For existing PS4 players, I strongly recommend upgrading to PS5 if you have the opportunity. And for new players deciding which version to get, PS5 is absolutely worth the extra investment.

You‘ll be glad you played Elden Ring at its maximum potential. Let me know if you have any other questions!