Is it better to play Elden Ring on PS5 or PC?
As a hardcore gaming aficionado who has sunk over 200 hours across multiple playthroughs into what may be 2022‘s Game of the Year, Elden Ring, I‘ve had the luxury of experiencing FromSoftware‘s magnum opus on both PlayStation 5 and an elite, RTX 3090-powered gaming PC. And let me tell you, while PS5 offers stunning and smooth gameplay, playing on an uncompromising high-end rig takes the visuals, performance, and customization to another level entirely for those seeking the ultimate Elden Ring experience.
But the choice for most gamers isn‘t necessarily so clear-cut. As with many multiplatform titles, Elden Ring‘s technical capabilities and qualitative nuances vary across platforms. In deciding whether PC or PS5 is preferable, one must weigh factors like visual fidelity, performance consistency, customization potential, community vitality, upfront and recurring costs, ease of access and setup, and personal gaming priorities.
As a seasoned gaming expert and FromSoftware enthusiast, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive guide comparing Elden Ring on PS5 versus PC across the metrics that matter most. Let‘s dive in!
Performance and Fidelity
First, let‘s tackle the nitty gritty question of graphics and performance between a PlayStation 5 and polished gaming PC build…
Resolution and Graphics
While PlayStation 5 renders Elden Ring beautifully at up to 4K resolution, advanced PC rigs empower you to crank fidelity even higher for one of the most gorgeous open worlds gaming has ever seen.
With granular graphics settings unavailable to consoles, details like shadows, textures, draw distances, and advanced lighting effects can be elevated to new heights. Elder Ring practically begs to be admired on a vibrant HDR display with its haunting yet wondrous Realm Between realms.
Cranking my RTX 3090 build to 4K ultrawide with customized Witcher 3-inspired ReShade raytracing presets makes Elden Ring‘s Limgrave vistas shine with a level of realism unmatched on console. Its subdued high fantasy art direction was already gorgeous on PS5–on PC, it‘s transportive.
Framerates
While the PS5‘s fixed hardware grants Elden Ring a flawless 60 FPS framerate even in demanding scenes, sufficiently beastly PCs can push frame rates into high refresh rate territory for unprecedented fluidity, especially at lower resolutions.
My own rig averages around 90 FPS at 3440×1400 resolution with most settings maxed out. Top-tier components like the RTX 4090 can arguably deliver up to a buttery smooth 140+ FPS during traversal and intense boss battles where timing and reaction is everything. Consider 60+ FPS the practical minimum for solid PC performance however.
Higher frames make dodging and parrying feel markedly more reactive. I can affirmatively say pushing 90+ FPS imbues Elden Ring combat with a heightened ferocity console can‘t quite match.
Customization, Mods, and Control
PC unlocks degrees of customization and control unavailable on PlayStation…
Mod Support
While PS5 features no sanctioned mod support, PC gaming and mods go hand-in-hand. The Elden Ring Nexus community has already outfitted us with over 13k mods that meaningfully enhance and build upon FromSoftware‘s vision.
Total gameplay overhauls like Elden Ring Nightmare convert the experience into a hardcore horror affair. Shader mods add extra post-processing polish lacking on consoles. And creative combat replacements edit fundamental mechanics–my personal favorite being the ultra-fast Turbo Mode mod for veterans.
Smaller tweaks like UI overhauls, new armor sets, cheating rune boosts, and quality of life fixes also abound. Having this degree of customization grants Elden Ring incredible longevity and replay value on PC.
Controls
For my first playthrough, I quite enjoyed the controller experience on PS5. Yet if you prefer classic sword and sorcery M+KB controls, that option is hands-down superior on PC. Remapping every input to my personal preferences empowered more reflexive responses during fights. And with macros, I could bind powerful spell combinations to single keys.
The M+KB camera control in particular also feels less sluggish than manipulating with an analog stick. Four full hotbars for combat skills also handily beat the limited options of a gamepad. Veterans of classics like Skyrim or WoW will immediately embrace this enhanced direction.
Community, Pricing, and Accessibility
Stepping beyond pure gameplay, the communities, pricing models, and accessibility factors around Elden Ring also differentiate the platforms…
Multiplayer Activity
Thanks to cross-region matchmaking and larger combined player base, finding co-op summons and PVP invasions seems markedly faster on PC based on anecdotal experience. Joining fight clubs and sparring others 1v1 feels snappier compared to sporadic matching on PlayStation Network. The scene feels more vibrant.
Twitch streams and gaming forums also primarily center around the open PC community. New player tips arise faster from PC theorycrafters crunching combat data. And mods granting unlimited respecs make experimentation less punitive as you learn.
Value Proposition
Assuming one already owns a capable gaming PC: purchasing Elden Ring at MSRP runs $59.99 on both Steam and PlayStation Store. However, PC easily wins out over time via frequent discounts and DRM-free key reselling. Snagging the game for 50%, 33%, or even 25% off around the holidays quickly offsets the hardware premium.
PlayStation console exclusives seldom see major discounts or used market savings by comparison. This cost efficiency combined with a PC‘s general versatility for work, creative hobbies beyond gaming, and cheaper games overall (thanks Steam sales!) deliver immense value.
Accessibility
Conversely, for cash-strapped gamers or those uninterested in the technical side of PC gaming, PS5 simply works out the box. Elden Ring will just play beautifully without any driver wrangling or baseline capability concerns. Plop down on the couch with a controller and enjoy!
Prebuilt PCs guaranteeing optimal performance also raise costs substantially. So for pure plug-and-play simplicity on a budget, PlayStation still shines. Elden Ring was designed on consoles first and foremost after all. But expect to pay full price perpetually.
| PlayStation 5 | Gaming PC | |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K-8K Ultrawide |
| Framerate | 60 FPS Locked | 60-140+ FPS |
| Graphical Fidelity | Extremely High | Unmatched Ultra |
| Mod Support | None | Massive Library |
| Controls | Gamepad Only | Gamepad + M+KB |
So weighing all factors, while PlayStation 5 delivers an uncompromising Elden Ring experience full of challenge and jaw-dropping world design, capable gaming PCs unlock unprecedented graphical polish, buttery combat performance, expansive customization, superior controls, more cost-efficient pricing, and access to a thriving PC community.
As someone striving for the ultimate FromSoftware experience, PC is my platform of choice. But you cannot go wrong with console by any means. Focus on your existing setup, personal preferences as a gamer, and budget considerations when deciding where to take your first steps into the Lands Between!
May the flames guide thee, new Tarnished. Glory and treasure await!
~ M___ the Goldenvoice
