Quality mode with unlocked framerate emerges as best way to play
Summary
– Avowed arrives on PS5 with Anniversary Update across platforms
– PS5 Pro supports Quality, Balanced, and Performance modes
– Quality mode with VRR unlock delivers 4K at 60FPS experience
Avowed has officially landed on PlayStation 5 a year after its Xbox and PC debut, arriving alongside a major Anniversary Update across all platforms. Rather than revisiting the game itself, attention now turns to how it performs on Sony’s hardware, particularly PlayStation 5 Pro.
Obsidian has not released official performance specifications for PS5, so comparisons are primarily based on parity with Xbox Series X. Testing on PS5 Pro reveals a technically impressive showcase powered by Unreal Engine 5, including Lumen global illumination and Nanite geometry rendering. Lighting, environmental detail, and art direction stand out immediately.
Three graphics modes are available: Quality, Balanced, and Performance. Quality mode targets 4K resolution at a stable 30 frames per second. Visual fidelity is at its highest here, with sharp textures, strong lighting, and detailed character models. Unlocking the framerate on displays that support Variable Refresh Rate changes everything. With VRR enabled, Quality mode on the PS5 Pro runs at 4K and around 60 frames per second, delivering the most complete experience.
Balanced mode is designed for 120Hz displays. It sacrifices a small amount of resolution and environmental detail in exchange for smoother performance. Locked, it hovers around 40 frames per second with a dynamic resolution approaching 4K. Unlocking the framerate allows it to fluctuate above 40 frames, offering a solid middle ground.
Performance mode pushes framerate as high as possible, but at a noticeable visual cost. Resolution drops significantly, appearing below 1440p and at times closer to 1080p. Lighting, foliage, and texture quality take a hit. The mode can exceed 60 frames per second when unlocked, though the resulting clarity downgrade is evident.
Overall, Avowed performs well on the PS5 Pro and offers flexibility based on player preferences and display capabilities. The ability to unlock framerate support via VRR is a major advantage, especially when paired with Quality mode. For those seeking the strongest balance of fidelity and performance, 4K at 60 frames per second through Quality mode with VRR enabled is the definitive way to explore Avowed on PlayStation hardware.
