Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes us to Feudal Japan, linking the stories of Naoe, a Shinobi, and Yasuke, a Samurai inspired by historical events. This title stands out not only for its nice storytelling but also for its technical optimizations, especially when comparing the performance of the standard PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro).
Visual Enhancements and Performance Modes
Both the PS5 and PS5 Pro versions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows come with three distinct display modes:
- Performance Mode: Targets 60 frames per second (fps) with upscaled 4K resolution.
- Fidelity Mode: Targets 30 fps with upscaled 4K resolution.
- Balanced Mode: Designed for displays supporting variable refresh rates, targeting 40 fps with upscaled 4K resolution.
A significant difference between the two consoles is the implementation of ray tracing: a rendering technique that simulates realistic lighting. On the PS5 Pro, the Fidelity and Balanced modes feature Extended Ray Tracing, giving a more advanced lighting effects compared to the standard PS5’s Standard Ray Tracing in these modes. This gives you a more dynamic environment and better visuals on the PS5 Pro.
Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) Impact
One of the standout features of the PS5 Pro is the Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) in Performance Mode. This technology provides per-pixel lighting calculations, enhancing shadow details and delivering realistic indirect lighting. The result is more immersive and true-to-life graphics. In contrast, the standard PS5 relies on baked global illumination solutions in Performance Mode, which may appear flatter and less dynamic.
Image Quality and Resolution
Both consoles use upscaling techniques to achieve 4K resolution across all display modes. However, the PS5 Pro’s additional engine power allows for more advanced ray tracing effects, particularly in Performance Mode, without sacrificing frame rates. This means that you will experience sharper visuals and more stable performance on the PS5 Pro.
You can have a better look at the various differences between PS5 and PS5 Pro in the following video from Digital Foundry:
