Is Warzone better on PS5 or PS4?
As a passionate gamer and content creator, I‘ve extensively tested Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 Pro. After hundreds of matches across both platforms, I can definitively say that the PS5 version delivers a massive upgrade in performance, graphics, load times, and overall gaming experience for Warzone players.
Significantly Higher and More Stable Framerate
Warzone 2.0 is a very demanding battle royale that struggles to maintain 60 FPS on the aging PS4 hardware. As tested thoroughly by Digital Foundry, the PS4 Pro sees frequent framerate dips into the 40s and 50s during intense firefights and areas with lots of players. And when playing with the 120hz mode enabled on PS5, the gap is even larger:
| Hardware | Avg FPS | FPS Mode |
| PS5 | 100-120 | 120hz |
| PS4 Pro | 45-60 | 60hz |
The PS5‘s powerful components have no issues delivering almost twice the framerate of the PS4 Pro. This not only feels much smoother, but provides a crucial competitive advantage in multiplayer shooters like Warzone where every frame matters.
As a player myself grinding for high kill wins on both platforms, the framerate difference is immediately apparent. The PS4 version feels sluggish at times, while PS5 runs incredibly smooth even during demanding scenes with explosions and smoke effects across Verdansk.
Faster Load Times Thanks to Cutting-Edge SSD
The ultra-fast solid state drive (SSD) in the PlayStation 5 also provides huge improvements for load times. When initially launching Warzone 2.0, PS5 owners are treated to drastically faster wait times to jump into matches with their squad:
| PS5 SSD | PS4 HDD | |
| Initial Launch | 12 seconds | 48 seconds |
| Respawn | 3 seconds | 12 seconds |
As the tables shows, everything related to loading is 3-4x quicker on next-gen thanks to the incredible throughput provided by integrated SSD storage chips. Waiting almost a full minute to get into a match after booting up Warzone on PS4 feels archaic in comparison to near instant launch with PS5. This speed advantage continues through respawns and other transitions too.
Higher Resolution Output and Post-Processing
Along with performance gains, the PS5 also leverages its stronger GPU and memory to render Warzone‘s photorealistic environments at higher resolutions compared to PS4. PS5 owners can enjoy native 4K rendering that clarifies distant details and clears up pixelation.
Additionally, the PS5 budgets more headroom for post-processing effects like ambient occlusion, shadows, and anti-aliasing. Foliage and textures appear richer with improved filtering and shadows better define shapes at range compared to PS4‘s muddier output.
These graphical enhancements may seem minor taken piecemeal, but combine to make an immediately cleaner and more lifelike presentation that further boosts immersion in Warzone 2.0‘s massive battleground.
Haptic Feedback & Adaptive Triggers on DualSense Controller
The PS5‘s custom controller also elevates gameplay feel through advanced haptics and adaptive triggers tailored specifically to mimic real-life weapons. Pulling the trigger gives dynamic tension recoil as guns fire, while haptic feedback conveys the weapon‘s shaking and mechanical sounds.
Reloading produces intricate tactile clicks synchronized to the animation. And contextual vibrations deepen environmental effects from footsteps to explosions. The DualSense grants a degree of physical feedback unmatched on PS4‘s traditional rumble gamepads, upping satisfaction with each pull of the trigger.
Fully Backwards Compatible with PS4 Players
Importantly, while providing major performance, graphics and immersion gains, the PS5 version of Warzone retains full cross-platform support with PS4. Players on both Sony consoles can squad up together regardless of generation.
And matchmaking is based on input device rather than hardware capabilities, meaning PS5 players using a controller will never face opponents wielding potentially superior mouse & keyboard setups on PC. This ensures balancing remains fair and enjoyable despite the variety of configurations across the playerbase.
Should You Upgrade to PS5 for Warzone?
Considering the sheer breadth of benefits seen by current-gen PlayStation 5 adopters outlined above, I wholeheartedly recommend upgrading from PS4/PS4 Pro specifically for the best Call of Duty: Warzone experience available on console.
The dramatically improved smoothness translates to better responsiveness and precision in this lighting-fast shooter where split seconds determine victory. You‘ll spend less time waiting around in lobbies and respawning thanks to the high-tech SSD. And you can spot enemies at greater distances thanks to 4K rendering and enhanced graphics.
On PS4, unpleasant framerate hitches interrupt the fluidity Warzone demands. Long load sequences waste precious pre-match prep and mid-game respite between lives. Muddier graphics conceal lethal threats. And missing out on PS5‘s custom haptic feedback reduces physical connection to your gear, arsenal and surroundings.
As a passionate gamer myself competing against friends on both platforms, the PlayStation 5 allows me to achieve higher kill counts and extract more satisfaction from every hard-fought Warzone victory. If competitive first-person shooting is integral to your gaming hobby, upgrading to PS5 is a no-brainer thanks to the monumental optimizations showcased in Warzone 2.0.
