Does Skyrim run at 120 fps on the PS5?
No. As of now, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on PlayStation 5 currently does not support gameplay beyond 60 frames per second, even with the Anniversary upgrade.
But could this iconic open world RPG someday hit 120 fps on next-gen consoles? Let‘s dig deeper into the possibilities.
A Hardware Powerhouse…But Held Back by Software
There‘s no question the PS5‘s cutting edge AMD Zen 2 CPU and custom RDNA 2 GPU provide enough horsepower for buttery smooth 120fps gameplay. Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Rainbow Six Siege, Dirt 5 and Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition already allow 4K 120Hz modes that take full advantage of HDMI 2.1 displays.
So why doesn‘t one of the most popular games of the last decade hit the same spectacular speeds? As Digital Foundry explains, "The engine itself sets the limit – tying physics updates, animation and other game systems to capped frame-rate."
In other words, Skyrim‘s nearly 10 year old Creation Engine debuting back in 2011 simply lacks the software optimization to push fps beyond 60 – no matter how powerful the hardware.
Modders Remove the Cap…But Will Sony?
Dedicated PC modders have already created unofficial fixes that disable the 60 fps limit allowing Skyrim to soar well above 100+ fps equipped with a modern GPU.
Unfortunately PSN maintains strict policies regarding mods that access low level graphics APIs. This prevents console owners from enjoying the same performance benefits. Gamers might have to wait for Bethesda themselves to issue an update or new content that officially raises the ceiling.
"It‘s all about the CPU overhead," explains modder Toasty_Fresh. "Consoles use weird APIs to improve multithreading but 60fps locks make up for lack of optimization."
Cross Platform Comparison
How do the latest consoles compare when it comes to Skyrim fps? Check out the data below:
| Platform | Resolution | FPS Target | Mod Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Native 4K | 60 | Limited |
| Xbox Series X | Dynamic 4K | 60 (120 via FPS Boost) | Extensive |
| PC (High-End) | Up to 8K | Unlimited (Mod Dependent) | Maximum |
As shown above, Microsoft does allow the Series X to double Skyrim‘s default 60 fps cap to 120 via the system-level FPS Boost technology. Of course, high end PCs have always enjoyed unlocking the full potential through advanced graphics mods.
Many experts speculate the PS5 could hit FPS Boost-like speeds if not restricted to only officially approved mods. When asked about this policy, Sony reps have vaguely alluded to "evaluating possibilities". But enabling mods that access low level GPU instructions seems unlikely in the short term.
What Would 120+ FPS Bring to Skyrim on PS5?
Console players have grown accustomed to 30 fps titles for nearly two decades. And 60 fps already provides wonderfully smooth and responsive gameplay for ES V‘s first person combat, exploration, looting and crafting.
But make no mistake – bumping performance up to 120+ fps would be an absolute game changer!
Higher refresh displays make everything look insanely fluid with buttery transitions between animations and camera movements. Input latency is slashed in half from 8ms to just 4ms – allowing for instant reaction times dodging dragon breath attacks.
And although Skyrim won‘t ever be considered a highly competitive eSport, the precision offered by 120+ fps could enhance immerssive wilderness adventures letting players fully appreciate Todd Howard‘s dynamic creation engine in all its glory!
Hope for 120 FPS Skyrim Remains
Will PlayStation ever unlock what Xbox Series X and PC gamers already enjoy? Only time will tell. But with over 30 million copies sold, passionate fans believe Bethesda still has more tricks up their sleeve for Skyrim releases over the next decade.
Many speculate Creation Club could someday offer a mini DLC expansion introducing a special High FPS mode. Others theorize more advanced "Skyblivion" total conversion mods rebuilt in newer engines may finally remove technical bottlenecks.
For now, try not becoming too jealous when Xbox or PC brethren boast about buttery smooth 120 fps dragon slaying sessions. At least we can all still Fus Ro Dah bandits from the Throat of the World together!
Let me know your thoughts on Skyrim framedrops, fps caps and potential performance updates down below! And don‘t forget to like and subscribe for more next gen gaming coverage.
