Technical analysis of the PS5 Pro version of Stellar Blade

In our survey, the most interest was clearly in the PS5 Pro version of Alan Wake 2, which you can expect to see in the coming days. But before jumping into Remedy’s Survival Horror, I was intrigued by the update to this year’s Stellar Blade event, which, while it may not seem like it at first glance, could be one of the most interesting yet. And at the same time the strangest thing… But in good order.

What do you think of the original PS5 version?

As you can see from our analysis, the original PS5 version was already performing very well. The developers have prepared three modes: “Performance”, “Balanced” and “Resolution”.

While “Resolution” targets dynamic 4K resolution and 30fps, “Performance” and “Balanced” target 60fps. While Performance has a higher input resolution but simpler upscaling, the lower input resolution Balanced mode uses TAAU upscaling, resulting in near-better, if not perfect, image quality.

• Performance
  • Entrance: 1440 RUR
  • exit: 2160 RUR
  • Upscaling + smoothing: Simple spatial + TAA
  • Maximum frame rate: 60fps
  • Actual frame rate: Stable 60 frames per second
• Balanced
  • Entrance: Dynamic resolution from 1080p to 1440p
  • exit: 2160 RUR
  • Upscaling + smoothing: ALTHOUGH
  • Maximum frame rate: 60fps
  • Actual frame rate: 45 to 60 fps
• Permission
  • Entrance: Dynamic 2160p
  • exit: 2160 RUR
  • Upscaling + smoothing: Simple spatial
  • Maximum frame rate: 30fps
  • Actual frame rate: Stable 30fps

What’s new on PS5 Pro

You can still find all three modes on the PS5 Pro, but there’s probably no real reason to use them. Although a potential option seems to be the previously mentioned Balanced mode, which should run at a perfectly stable 60fps on the Pro console, which is ideal for those of you who don’t have a VRR-capable display device.

In any case, the main novelties are two new modes called Pro and Pro Max.

Pro mode builds on the original Balanced mode, but TAAU upscaling is replaced by Sony’s PSSR technology, which promises significantly better picture quality.

Pro Max is based on the “Resolution” mode, i.e. it targets dynamic 4K, but instead of 30 FPS it targets, oddly enough, 50 FPS, although the frame rate is usually higher than this limit and it seems that the absolute maximum is the classic 60.

Additionally, HFR setting is now available. You’ll need a 120Hz capable display device for this, and it can only be used in conjunction with Pro or Pro Max modes. But the Pro mode with HFR does not target the full 120 FPS, only 80 FPS, and Pro Max at 60+(?) FPS, I honestly didn’t find much difference between Pro Max without HFR and with it. Again, if you want to fully enjoy these modes, you’ll need VRR, otherwise the image will be choppy.

• For
  • Entrance: Dynamic resolution from 1080p to 1440p
  • exit: 2160 RUR
  • Upscaling + smoothing: PSSR
  • Maximum frame rate: 60 fps (80 fps with HFR)
  • Actual frame rate: Stable 60 FPS (stable 80 FPS with HFR, cutscenes at 60 FPS)
• For Max
  • Entrance: Dynamic 2160p
  • exit: 2160 RUR
  • Upscaling + smoothing: Simple spatial + TAA
  • Maximum frame rate: 60 fps (60+ fps with HFR)
  • Actual frame rate: 50 to 60 fps (50 to 60+ fps with HFR)

Professional mode

First I would focus on the Pro mode, which is by far the most interesting. While “Balanced” mode was the cleanest of the original three modes, it was definitely not without its bugs, especially in fast-paced battles. This is where PSSR upscaling comes in and does an absolutely fantastic job in Stellar Blade.

In any case, judge for yourself, you can see Eva’s fast movements below. In Pro mode, everything remains accurately rendered, while in Balanced mode, details are lost and artifacts are created. For comparison, the speed is reduced by a quarter, but the differences are quite noticeable even during a real run.

I then did a similar comparison during the first big boss fight (slowed down to half speed), where the differences are again very noticeable. Pro mode offers significantly more stable and clear images.

Therefore, the biggest advantage is in movement, on the other hand, with a static camera and looking into the distance, the differences may not be that big. Stability is similar, although in balanced mode it is still slightly better. And yet, it can display details better, as seen in the frame towards the end of the video, which is clearly rendered in Pro mode, while in Balanced mode some parts are noticeably missing.

Close-up detail and image stability are indeed very similar in this regard. The “Balanced” mode seems to me to be more consistent in the hair in terms of the shimmer it creates, but on the other hand, it can’t completely reconstruct the hair, so some of it basically has holes in it.

In terms of framerate, Pro mode maintains a stable 60 FPS, while Balanced on PS5 can dip below that limit, especially in more intense battles or cutscenes.

Pro Max Mode

Honestly, I have no idea why the developers decided to add a Pro Max mode. As you’ll soon see, its capabilities are worse than the Pro mode in almost all respects, but the comparison is all the more interesting.

The situation here is the opposite of the previous comparison, although there are still differences in motion, but the Pro Max holds its own quite firmly here, benefiting greatly from the higher resolution.

We can see the same thing in the boss fight.

But if we look at the amount of flicker, it is much worse. Pro mode with PSSR is completely superior to Pro Max, which is significantly unstable whether you’re looking at land, water or a fence.

Pro mode also provides a clearer view of Eva’s face.

The frame rate appears to be locked at 60fps, but it usually hovers around 53fps. For smooth operation you will need a VRR.

HFR

Finally, let’s take a look at HFR, which is especially interesting for the Pro mode. It’s a shame that the developers didn’t allow the frame rate to rise even above that 80fps, but even that’s a noticeable shift from 60.

Additionally, the game keeps the frame count relatively stable, but there are some slight dips, and cutscenes are also still locked at 60fps. So, if you need stable performance, VRR is a must.

The same applies to HFR in Pro Max mode, but you won’t get much extra effect. I’m not sure what exactly HFR is supposed to do here, however I noticed that frame rates can easily exceed 60fps. In any case, these are minimal differences.

Summary

Overall, the PS5 Pro version is a good upgrade over the original PS5 version. The new Pro mode offers much more stable and clear images with a stable frame rate, which you can also increase to 80fps with HFR. This is a great use of PSSR upscaling and is on full display here, showing that upscaling can indeed be better than native/dynamic 4K with a not-so-great TAA implementation.

The Pro Max mode is a bit superfluous here, I honestly can’t imagine it being useful because the Pro mode is better in every way and offers smoother frame rates. On the other hand, I can’t criticize the developers for adding an additional option, it’s just not recommended.

If you haven’t played Stellar Blade yet, the PS5 Pro will definitely give you the perfect opportunity to do so. But keep in mind that VRR and 120Hz support is a must to get the most out of the upgrade.

And here it’s good to remember that the only VRR that PS5 supports is HDMI VRR according to the HDMI 2.1 standard; FreeSync will not work for you. This is a pretty significant disadvantage compared to the Xbox, and unfortunately nothing has changed with the Pro console. I still hope that we’ll see wider support for adaptive refresh rates sometime in the future.