Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is considered the most advanced console available right now, and Epic’s Fortnite is receiving a significant upgrade to match its capabilities. The Pro console’s increased rasterisation performance allows for higher resolutions compared to the standard model, but the real game-changing difference lies in the implementation of advanced hardware ray tracing features in the 60fps mode of Fortnite. This upgrade results in a much-improved level of global illumination and reflections, all while maintaining exceptional performance levels. It’s interesting to note that Epic chose to utilize its own Temporal Super Resolution technology (TSR) instead of Sony’s machine learning-based PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) in the game.
Epic’s decision to stick with TSR over PSSR for Fortnite showcases the studio’s dedication to optimizing image quality while minimizing costs and maintaining performance. TSR has been in development for several years and has been fine-tuned to work seamlessly with Epic’s engine. By avoiding PSSR, Epic ensures a high level of image quality and performance in Fortnite. This choice may set a precedent for other games using Unreal Engine 5 until PSSR proves to be a viable alternative.
In terms of visual enhancements, Fortnite on the PS5 Pro sees a significant increase in resolution compared to the standard PS5. The Pro version offers a 25% increase in axis resolution and a 50% increase in overall pixel count, showcasing a noticeable bump in visual fidelity. Additionally, the inclusion of hardware ray tracing in the Pro version results in improved reflections and global illumination. Hardware ray tracing enhances the realism of reflections and shadows in the game, creating a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
The stability of lighting and dynamic object lighting in the PS5 Pro version of Fortnite is significantly improved thanks to hardware accelerated ray tracing. The Pro version benefits from more accurate bounce lighting and reduced flickering issues, providing a more stable and visually pleasing lighting experience. The hardware ray tracing also allows for dynamic objects like characters and moving cars to be accurately rendered in reflections, enhancing the overall realism of the game.
Despite these upgrades, the performance of Fortnite on the PS5 Pro remains solid, with minimal frame rate dips even during intense moments of gameplay. The Pro version maintains a near-perfect 120fps read-out in the 120fps game mode, while the 60fps performance mode delivers a smooth gaming experience with only occasional frame drops. The settings on the PS5 Pro version of Fortnite are optimized to provide a significant visual upgrade over the standard PS5 version, particularly in terms of hardware ray tracing support.
Overall, Fortnite on the PS5 Pro serves as a showcase for the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 on consoles. The intelligent use of hardware ray tracing and other visual enhancements demonstrates the potential for future games to leverage the power of the PS5 Pro for improved graphics and performance. Whether you’re a fan of Fortnite or not, the visual upgrades in the PS5 Pro version make it worth experiencing for any gamer looking to enjoy a visually stunning and immersive gaming experience.
