What is the difference between PS4 and PS5 versions of God of War Ragnarok? A Complete Comparison

God of War Ragnarok is one of the biggest PS4 and PS5 releases of 2022. With versions available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, understanding the key differences can help buyers decide which console edition is right for their needs and budget.

As a gaming tech expert, I‘ve done an in-depth examination of the PS4 and PS5 editions of God of War Ragnarok across areas like performance, graphics, features, and value. Here is a comprehensive guide comparing the PS4 vs PS5 versions of this highly anticipated game.

At a Glance: PS4 vs PS5 Differences

Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview of how the PS4 and PS5 versions of God of War Ragnarok differ:

As you can see, the PS5 edition provides significant graphics, performance, and feature upgrades. But just how meaningful are these improvements? And are they worth the extra $10 for PS5 owners? Let‘s analyze the differences in more detail.

Visuals and Graphics

One of the most impactful upgrades on PS5 is the bump in visual fidelity. This brings a sharper, more immersive world thanks to higher resolutions and improved graphical effects only possible on new hardware.

Specifically, God of War Ragnarok runs at 1080p resolution on PS4 compared to up to 4K resolution on PS5. That‘s 4 times as many pixels with a much crisper image. For those playing on 4K televisions, this enables the stunning Norse environments and characters to shine as the developers intended.

In addition to the increase in pixels, PS5 adds various graphics enhancements like higher resolution textures, better shadows and lighting, increased draw distances for distant objects, smoother animations, and more.

These visual bumps may seem minor individually, but combined they greatly improve the realism and splendor of the game world. Scenes with sparks flying off clashing axes or light peering through the trees look incredibly lifelike with the enhanced effects on PS5.

Performance: Framerate and Load Times

Beyond the visual upgrades, PS5 also delivers a smoother, faster gameplay experience that benefits second-to-second action.

Most significantly, the PS4 version of Ragnarok is capped at 30 frames per second (FPS) during gameplay based on testing by Digital Foundry and other outlets. This has been the standard for most PS4 titles.

However, the PS5 edition gives players the option to run Ragnarok at up to 60 FPS. Actual framerates fluctuate slightly below that based on the action, but still offer nearly double the FPS of base PS4.

This performance mode provides much smoother combat and exploration. Quick movements and camera pans retain fluidity thanks to the high framerates, which minimizes choppiness. Response times for dodging and parrying also improve noticeably.

Sony‘s custom SSD in the PS5 also massively cuts down load times in Ragnarok. On PS4 with its standard hard drive (HDD), loads take 10-20 seconds when restarting checkpoints or fast traveling.

But thanks to the PS5‘s blazing fast solid state drive (SSD), those same loads take 5-10 seconds, up to 50% quicker. This may not seem like much, but the faster loads keep the action moving and minimize waiting around.

PS5-Exclusive Features

Alongside the graphical and performance benefits, the PS5 edition of God of War Ragnarok provides several immersive features only possible with the DualSense controller and Tempest 3D audio engine.

Most notably, Ragnarok makes extensive use of the DualSense‘s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for deeper immersion. Each axe swing and arrow fired gives dynamic resistance through the adaptive triggers. And subtle vibrations through the haptics convey the sensation of various environments and actions.

Sony‘s custom Tempest 3D AudioTech also enables impressive spatialized audio on PS5. Sounds come from precise directions, distances, and elevations based on enemies and objects around you. This makes combat and exploration more lifelike.

Between the advanced haptics, adaptive triggers, and 3D audio, the PS5 allows players to feel more connected to the world and Kratos‘ actions. This boosts engagement exponentially.

Cross-Gen Multiplayer

One similarity between the PS4 and PS5 versions is that they both support cross-generation multiplayer. Gamers on PS4 and PS5 can play cooperatively online together regardless of which console version they own.

This connectivity makes it easier for PS4 owners to play with friends who have PS5 consoles. It will help the Ragnarok community stay united even across console generations.

PS4 to PS5 Upgrade Process

Players who purchase God of War Ragnarok on PS4 can also upgrade to the PS5 version. However, this upgrade costs an additional $10. It is not a free next-gen upgrade like some other cross-gen games have offered.

But the upgrade process is relatively seamless. You simply insert the PS4 disc into the PS5 and access the PS5 upgrade offer from the game hub. Save files also transfer between generations.

So while not free, paying $10 down the line provides a more affordable path to the PS5 edition for current PS4 owners who get a PS5 later on.

Install Sizes Between Generations

With its visual enhancements and DualSense features, it‘s no surprise that the PS5 edition has a much larger install footprint.

God of War Ragnarok requires 90-100 GB of storage on PS5 depending on the region. On PS4, the install size is notably smaller at 70-80 GB.

So PS5 owners will need to carve out about 30% more free space to fit the enhanced assets and audio. Those still on base PS4 may prefer the smaller storage requirements.

PS5-Exclusive Digital Deluxe Edition

An extra option for PS5 owners is the $79.99 God of War Ragnarok Digital Deluxe Edition. This special PS5-exclusive package includes several bonuses:

• Ragnarok cosmetic armor sets for Kratos and Atreus
• Cosmetic weapon upgrades for the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos
• Digital soundtrack
• Digital artbook
• Avatar set

These stylish extras help justify the Deluxe Edition‘s higher $79.99 cost for devoted fans seeking every collectible.

More Customization and Accessibility Settings on PS5

Santa Monica Studio confirmed that the PS5 version will provide additional graphics modes and settings beyond PS4. These include options like:

• Favor Quality mode – Caps frame rate at 30 FPS and maximizes resolution and visuals.

• Favor Performance mode – Unlocks up to 60 FPS frame rate for smoother combat.

• More specific tweaks to motion blur, camera shake, lock-on aiming, and other preferences.

The expanded settings empower players to better customize their desired balance of fidelity and performance. PS5 offers more control over the experience.

There are also expanded accessibility settings on PS5 like improved captions and audio cues for the hard of hearing. This enables more gamers to enjoy Ragnarok in their own way.

Which Version Should You Choose?

So with all the technical differences covered, which edition of God of War Ragnarok is best for you? Here are my expert recommendations:

• For PS5 owners, the PS5 version is clearly worth the extra $10 investment. The visual enhancements, gameplay improvements, and new features like haptics and 3D audio make it the definitive way to play. If you want Ragnarok at its full splendor, go PS5.

• For budget-conscious PS4 owners, the PS4 edition is still an excellent option, especially at $10 less. While not as fast or pretty, it provides the complete Ragnarok narrative and gameplay for a lower price. You can always upgrade to PS5 later for $10 more.

• For PS4 owners planning to get a PS5 soon, buying the PS4 version first then upgrading to PS5 down the line for $10 extra is the most cost-effective approach. This route is ideal if you want to save money now but still play the best edition later.

So in summary, while PS5 is recommended for the optimal experience, PS4 remains a smart choice for its value. Weigh your options carefully based on your console plans. Either way, God of War Ragnarok should provide an outstanding and memorable adventure even if some graphics and features differ between platforms.