The video compares Cyberpunk 2077’s PS5 Pro modes, recommending the ray tracing mode for enhanced shadows and moderate ray-traced effects at a targeted 60 FPS despite some performance dips, while highlighting the performance mode for higher, unlocked frame rates up to 90 FPS with stable gameplay and better responsiveness. Ultimately, it emphasizes a balance between visual fidelity and performance, catering to players who prioritize either immersive graphics or smoother, more fluid gameplay.
The video discusses different graphical and performance modes available in Cyberpunk 2077 on the PS5 Pro, focusing particularly on ray tracing (RT) and performance settings. One highlighted mode is the standard ray tracing mode, which features ray-traced reflections primarily on car surfaces and ray-traced shadows for local and sun lighting. This mode targets 60 FPS but experiences regular dips, especially in demanding city areas like Dogtown, and uses dynamic resolution scaling (DRS) to maintain performance. While the ray-traced reflections are limited and not highly noticeable during typical gameplay, the shadows significantly enhance the visual experience, making this mode recommended for new players seeking a balanced visual quality and performance.
The image quality in the ray tracing mode is a notable improvement over the base PS5 experience, running at an internal resolution of about 1440p upscaled to 4K via PSSR2, resulting in a sharper and more stable picture. However, issues like pop-in and occasional screen tearing, particularly in high-action scenes without VRR support, can detract from the experience. The VRR mode helps smooth out frame rate fluctuations by hovering around 60 FPS, though the unlocked frame rate can vary, sometimes going above or below the target, which may not provide a significant fluidity benefit compared to a locked 60 FPS cap.
The video also touches on the CPU limitations that affect performance in ray tracing mode, especially in CPU-heavy areas such as Dogtown and market districts. These areas have historically been challenging even on high-end PCs, so the performance dips and frame rate instability in these zones on PS5 Pro are understandable. The ray tracing mode strikes a sensible compromise between visual fidelity and performance, though open-world exploration can still cause slowdowns, whereas interior areas generally maintain better stability.
Another mode discussed is the performance mode, which offers a more straightforward experience without ray tracing but with a much higher internal resolution, often near 4K, also using PSSR2 for upscaling. This mode delivers a stable 60 FPS performance with only occasional frame drops, making it a solid choice for players prioritizing smooth gameplay. When VRR is enabled in this mode, the frame rate becomes unlocked and targets around 90 FPS, occasionally reaching slightly above 100 FPS in less demanding scenes, offering a more fluid and responsive experience, especially beneficial in combat situations.
In summary, the video recommends the ray tracing mode for players who appreciate enhanced shadows and moderate ray tracing effects with a 60 FPS target, despite some performance dips. For those who prefer higher frame rates and lower input latency without the visual cost of ray tracing, the performance mode with unlocked frame rates up to 90 FPS is ideal. This mode provides better image quality than previous generations and suits players indifferent to ray tracing effects. Overall, the choices reflect a balance between visual fidelity and performance, catering to different player preferences on the PS5 Pro.