Can PS5 Pro run Elden Ring at 60 frames per second?

One of the most intriguing features of the PlayStation 5 Pro is complete compatibility with the existing library of PS5 titles – and the ability to run those games with the extra horsepower of the new hardware. So, in theory then, based on Sony’s claims of an additional 45 percent of GPU performance, we should be in for a game-changing experience – games that don’t hit their frame-rate targets should get there now – and there’s one game renowned for its lacklustre technical quality: Elden Ring. Can the Pro fix the game where FromSoftware failed? The answer is almost, nearly, but not quite.

Let’s review the quality modes offered by the game. There’s a quality mode that targets native 4K resolution, while a performance alternative aims for 60fps using a dynamic resolution range between 1512p and native 4K (and there is some evidence to suggest that quality settings too may dynamically alter). Finally, there’s an RT mode that requires the quality mode to be selected – but resolution is reduced to 1620p. For the resolution and performance hit, you get a relatively lacklustre implementation of ray-traced ambient occlusion and RT shadows.

In testing PS5 Pro’s game boost, I started with the quality mode. With fixed settings and resolution in place, we can get performance differentials calculated using like-for-like content. We’d hope for the Pro to lock to 60fps, but if it does not, we can see the exact level of performance improvement you get and in general, it varies according to context but is broadly in the 30 to 35 percent range. A lot of the game run at 60fps, but it’s hardly consistent and for the most part you’re in the 50s – though truly challenging scenes can take you into the 40s. This is important as PS5’s VRR support at 60Hz drops out at 48fps, so dips beneath this will look jarring – otherwise VRR saves the day in terms of game fluidity.