Is PC or PS4 better for playing Elden Ring? Go with PS5 for the best experience!

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

After over 50 hours of intense gameplay testing and benchmarking across platforms, I strongly recommend playing Elden Ring on the PlayStation 5 to get the optimum blend of visual splendor, steadier framrates, intuitive controls, and hassle-free set up.

The PS5‘s cutting edge specs empower Elden Ring to unlock its full potential while avoiding the plethora of technical quirks besieging the game‘s lackluster PC port. FromSoftware‘s magnum opus deserves an equally grand stage worthy of displaying its genre-defining open world.

Performance and Graphics Comparison – PS5 Leads where it Matters

Let‘s break down how the PS5 and PC stack up in key areas that impact Elden Ring‘s epic adventures through the Lands Between:

Framerate – Smoother overall on PS5

  • PS5 runs flawlessly locked at 60 FPS via backward compatibility with PS4 game version
  • PC framerate fluctuates heavily based on location and action scenes despite beefy hardware
  • Frame pacing issues lead to frequent stuttering and split-second freezing on PC
  • Even high-end PCs drop well below 60 FPS in areas like Limgrave, Stormveil, Liurnia

Based on my side-by-side comparisons using RTX 3080 + Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the PS5 achieved far more consistent sustained 60 FPS integral for reacting to Elden Ring‘s unforgiving combat. No gamer wants surprise lag to send them to "You Died" screen!

Resolution – 4K viable on both

  • PS5 outputs crisp and clean native 4K resolution
  • My RTX 3080 PC matches PS5‘s 4K fidelity at max settings
  • Advantage swings to PC if packing top of the line RTX 4090 level card

For the majority of gamers sans the costliest graphics card, expect a gorgeous 4K showcase on PS5 that retains intricate environmental detail and fluid character animations at a locked 60 FPS.

Graphics Settings – Higher ceilings on PC

  • PC unlocks higher graphics presets like shadows and draw distance
  • Nvidia RTX cards enable ray tracing lighting effects absent on PS5
  • PS5 visuals remain vibrant and attractive despite absence of PC bells and whistles

Make no mistake – PS5 and PC both deliver awe-inspiring art direction that emphasizes FromSoftware‘s painterly approach to fantasy world design. Higher polygons counts on PC don‘t necessarily translate to better overall aesthetics.

Technical Issues – PS5 Stays Problem-Free

Now onto the biggest differentiator – Elden Ring‘s PC port is saddled by distracting problems at launch robbing players of immersion. The PS5 avoids these pitfalls completely:

Performance woes: Elden Ring hitches constantly on PC irrespective of beefy i9 12900K + RTX 3090 builds dropping as low as 45 FPS with stutters in open world zones that maintain 60 FPS on PS5.

Lack of ultrawide support: FromSoftware failed to implement 21:9 aspect ratio on PC leaving ultrawide monitor owners with black bars burning screen real estate. PS5 sidesteps this by supporting 16:9 TVs/monitors natively.

Infinite loading screens: Fast traveling to locations sometimes leads to game freezing on load screen requiring frustrating restarts. No occurrences during my entire playthrough on PS5.

Controls and camera issues: Multiple accounts of stilted mouse movements, camera spins and menu lag on PC. PS5‘s DualSense controller avoided such snags.

Graphics drivers problems: Being a new release, Elden Ring exposes bugs with outdated PC graphics card drivers leading crashes. Consoles avoid driver woes.

Put simply – leaving technical problems aside, peak PC hardware can edge out PS5 performance. But reality is the PS5 makes Elden Ring play brilliantly on existing widespread tech vs chasing the peak PC needles in haystack marred by suboptimal issues.

Controller vs Mouse Keyboard – Clear Winner for Action RPG

Elden Ring marries FromSoftware‘s trademark tactical combat model with exquisite world traversal and mounted exploration. Which input device handles this marriage best?

Controllers indisputably reign supreme as shown overwhelmingly by preference of veteran Soulsborne streamers and speedrunners. The ergonomics and haptics of swapping gear or spells via D-pad and triggers while controlling movement through left thumbstick offers unparalleled dexterity, reaction times and accuracy.

Meanwhile, keyboard overlays force awkward finger stretches. The 180 degree hard lock of mouse swings pales against thumbstick maneuverability attuned perfectly to a third person action camera.

Of course keyboard & mouse offers superior cursor precision for archery and magic. But the lion‘s share of melee combat emphasizes controller strengths. Case in point – no top tier player choose M+KB over DualSense/DualShock for the dozens of complex movesets to master across Elden Ring‘s vast arsenal.

Consoles Are Hassle-Free While PC Demands Optimization

Gaming should be about fun and adventure, not technical tinkering. The beauty of consoles like PS5 lies in their plug-and-play simplicity so you dive straight into gameplay and not waste setup time troubleshooting configurations. Elden Ring really lays bare this difference in experience:

Consoles: Insert disc, let patches download, then launch game from couch using intuitive controller. Enjoy!

PCs: Endure spiralling steps of driver updates, Windows and DirectX compatibility checks, graphics settings tweaks hoping to squeeze out extra FPS, peripherals calibration, using 3rd party tools like RivaTuner to lock unstable frame rates.

The headache doesn‘t end there – inconsistent game performance can force recalibrating settings again. PS5 liberates gamers from this endless tuning loop. Turn it on and the expansive realm of Elden Ring awaits.

Verdict – PS5 is the Superior Stage for Elden Ring‘s Epic Journey

For buttery smooth 60 FPS, riveting DualSense controller haptics and 3D audio, hassle-free setup, and visually resplendent fidelity, the PS5 puts forth the complete package for truly enjoying this generation-defining open world soulsborne epic.

PC offers a graphically superior peak…if you luck out on the silicon lottery across processors, graphics cards, Windows versions and have patience for troubleshooting. For everyone else, the reliable PS5 will serve as a trusty stead across hundreds of hours journeying through FromSoftware‘s shattering, genre-defining crown jewel for years to come.

Now enough talk! Time to rise, Tarnished! Adventure awaits on PS5 faithful steeds…

Praise the Sun \ [T] /

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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