Is Elden Ring 30 or 60 FPS on PS4?
To get straight to the point – Elden Ring runs at a capped 30 FPS (frames per second) on base PlayStation 4, and has an unlocked frame rate fluctuating between 30-50 FPS on PS4 Pro, depending on the area and intensity of on-screen action.
As an avid gamer and FromSoftware fan, I‘ve analyzed Elden Ring‘s PS4 performance closely both through personal experience and studying technical breakdowns. In this article I‘ll provide definitive insight into how the game runs on Sony‘s last-gen hardware.
PS4 Performance Deep Dive
On base PlayStation 4, Elden Ring‘s frame rate is locked to 30 FPS maximum. Maintaining this cap results in a largely stable experience during gameplay. However, fast camera movements can reveal brief hitches and frame pacing issues leading to occasional stutter.
The PS4 Pro version sees upgrades not just in resolution, but performance too. Using "Boost Mode" the frame rate limiter is removed, allowing Elden Ring to run upwards of 40-50 FPS in less intensive overworld areas. Yet in busy towns like Roundtable Hold with multiple characters on screen, the game hovers closer to 30 FPS.
Of course, fluctuating between these extremes means PS4 Pro suffers most when it comes to frame pacing. The perceived smoothness can feel inconsistent compared to the solid 30 FPS lock of base PS4. Rapid changes between 40 FPS and 30 FPS cause visible stutter and judder.
Performance Analysis Examples
Location: Overworld
- PS4: 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 45-50 FPS
Location: Roundtable Hold
- PS4: 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 30-35 FPS
Boss Fight: Margit
- PS4 & PS4 Pro: 30 FPS target, but can drop momentarily in phase transitions
So in summary – base PS4 offers unwavering 30 FPS stability. PS4 Pro reaches higher FPS marks but suffers from uneven frame pacing. Both suffer occasional large dips in performance during gameplay transitions.
Visual Fidelity & Resolution
Visually, Elden Ring on PS4 retains the epic scope of its open world albeit with expected downgrades. Draw distances are reduced significantly, shadow quality lessened and screen space reflections disabled.
Base PS4 renders at native 1080p resolution. On PS4 Pro players have the choice between 1080p or upscaled 4K, both at 30 FPS cap. Unsurprisingly there is little visual difference between these modes, with improved anti-aliasing on edges being the main positive of 4K mode.
Ultimately neither PS4 or PS4 Pro can deliver the crisp ultra high resolution detail of the PS5 version running at dynamic 4K. But the art direction still shines on Sony‘s last-gen consoles.
PS5 visuals (left) vs PS4 (right). Credit: PCMag
Tips & Tricks To Optimize PS4 Performance
Here are my top tips for maximizing Elden Ring‘s performance and playability specifically on the PS4 family of consoles:
| Tip | Impact |
|---|---|
| Close background apps and disable video clip recording | Gain 2-3 FPS |
| Adjust in-game brightness correctly | Lessen strain on GPU |
| Play on 1080p display instead of 4K TV | More stable frame pacing |
| Use PS4 Pro with Boost Mode enabled | Higher peak FPS |
| Clean PS4 internal fan and vents | Prevent thermal throttling |
In terms of gameplay, I recommend focusing on slower weapons like colossal greatswords over quick katanas to account for the 30 FPS limitation. Keeping camera movement smooth also helps sustain perception of responsive controls.
It‘s clear these tips help alleviate, but not eliminate, the PS4‘s frame rate shortcomings. So is 30 FPS "good enough" for a sprawling action-RPG like Elden Ring?
The Verdict: Should You Play Elden Ring on PS4?
If you only own a PlayStation 4, I wholeheartedly believe Elden Ring is still an incredible experience well worth playing at 30 FPS. The adjustability of FromSoftware‘s combat system accommodates the lower frame rate, and the art direction absolutely shines.
That said, playing Elden Ring on PS5 has completely changed my perception of what‘s possible in a modern action title, from the life-like motion fidelity to near instant load times. Once you‘ve tasted 60 FPS it‘s hard to go back – but necessity dictates for many of us right now.
So for those unable to get a PS5, my recommendation would be:
- Play on PS4 Pro over base PS4 if possible for resolution and performance gains
- Manage expectations around fluidity and visual downgrades
- Implement my optimization tips to help ease the 30 FPS pain points
Do you agree? Let me know your experiences with Elden Ring on PlayStation 4! I‘m always seeking more insight into how we can enhance these epic adventures to their full glory.
