PS5 Pro is the Only One to Handle Ray Tracing in Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert's console performance is now under scrutiny after its successful launch. ElAnalistaDeBits published a technical analysis on YouTube comparing the PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S versions, offering an overall positive assessment. The analysis praised the optimization of Pearl Abyss' BlackSpace Engine for handling the demands of Global Illumination Ray Tracing (RTGI) in the game's vast open world. According to ElAnalistaDeBits, the more powerful consoles—PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X—offer Quality, Balanced, and Performance viewing modes. Due to hardware limitations, the Xbox Series S only has two modes. The Quality and Balanced modes provide the best visual fidelity, but the PS5 Pro stands out.

Optimized Gaming on PS5 Pro with Enhanced Ray Tracing and Ultra Graphics in Crimson Desert

The PS5 Pro offers two advantages over the standard PS5: it enables 4K gameplay with native Ultra Ray Tracing and supports upgraded PSSR 2.0. Crimson Desert on the PS5 Pro can run at 60 FPS, though the frame rate can drop into the 30s during scenes with many enemies. The PS5 Pro version also delivers dynamic RT global illumination and reflections across all graphics settings. The most noticeable difference among platforms is global lighting: the PS5 Pro is the only console capable of maintaining stable Ray Tracing, even in Performance mode. The Xbox Series S, conversely, shows significant reductions in both modes, equivalent to the low-minimum definitions of the PC version. The analysis confirmed stable performance across all tested versions, with each reaching its target frame rate. Disabling Vsync can give consoles an additional 20 to 30 FPS. However, the analysis warned that players might encounter screen tearing in Quality mode on the base PS5 and Xbox Series X due to VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) limitations. ElAnalistaDeBits recommends the Balanced mode for players on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X. Xbox Series S owners should choose the Quality mode to best appreciate the game's visual fidelity.

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While we've been discussing recent gaming trends, it's crucial to take a closer look at the significant changes happening behind the scenes in our industry. Ahmed Hassan's article on Players For Life, 'Tomb Raider Studio, Crystal Dynamics, Implements Further Staff Reductions' Tomb Raider Studio, Crystal Dynamics, Implements Further Staff Reductions offers insight into these transformations. Despite the challenges, Marcus Thompson's recent piece 'New Tomb Raider Games Not at Risk' (published March 20th) reassures fans about ongoing projects like Tomb Raider: Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis amidst these changes New Tomb Raider Games Not at Risk. However, in another sobering turn, Thompson reports on the latest round of layoffs at Crystal Dynamics ('Developer of Tomb Raider, Crystal Dynamics Announces More Layoffs', March 19, 2026), marking the fourth downsizing for the studio behind Lara Croft's adventures this year. Read more about these implications here Developer of Tomb Raider, Crystal Dynamics Announces More Layoffs.