We’ve been looking at how the latest version of Grand Theft Auto 5 approaches the new generation of console hardware – we’ve seen key improvements over the latest generation of hardware, and carry over from the current PC version. The big question that still remains depends on platform comparisons, so today we’re focused squarely on delivering gameplay optimized for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X – with a detailed look at the Xbox Series S at a later date.
Let’s start with the basics. The PS5 and X-Series both have three graphics modes: Performance, Loyalty, and RT Performance – the latter pair supports sun-kissed shades. While dynamic resolution scaling cannot be ruled out, in all scenarios examined, 4K resolution mode apparently works at a steady 30fps, while performance bids are locked in at 1440p instead, with a goal of 60fps. In addition to these three modes, HDR is implemented in GTA5 for the first time, plus there are texture upgrades and distance improvements compared to the latest generation version. PlayStation 5 also gets support for pathetic feedback and adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller, which translates excellently in adding a sense of impact to GTA5’s visual control.
Charging has also been greatly improved. Fast travel or replaying missions takes absolutely no time on console platforms, so the only real point of load time friction is the open world initial charging. For example, the Trevor trailer takes just 20.76 seconds to charge on the Xbox Series X, and it goes up to 23.18 seconds on the PlayStation 5. It’s not particularly fast at best the new consoles can do, but it’s a world-deep improvement as it takes the same load more. From 2 minutes on PlayStation 4.
Here’s a video that delves into the differences – as they are – between the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Grand Theft Auto 5.
If the 2.42-second difference in load times sounds like moderation, the same conclusion can be drawn when looking at the visual differences between the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions of the game. One thing to note is that comparing conditions with an accurate test is a real challenge in a Rockstar engine, given the dynamic nature of the open world itself: time of day, density of crowds, vehicle dispersal, weather change in seconds. Fortunately, there are a number of tasks at the beginning of the game to synchronize all of these, and so we can say with confidence that textures, lighting, effects and drawing distances are adjusted between Sony and Microsoft consoles. Regardless of the situation, there is little to divide between the two.
However, there are some weird differences – little footnotes if you will: The PS5 shows extra shadow under cars, around foliage and at the feet of characters, while at the moment Series X doesn’t seem to do that – something that happens in all three modes. However, ecological obstruction and environmental shadows are a match between the two systems. The PS5 seems to create an additional shadow texture as expected: This is a technology that Rockstar uses separately to block typical environment or shadows, and defines a texture for baking shadows at specific points. For now, whether it’s a bug or a minor bug, it appears to be missing string X and hopefully it will be fixed again.
The second difference? Once again, a small mistake: map dice reflections on high-quality cars in Xbox Series X – at least in specific moments, as in the initial car return scene at the beginning of the story. This difference is only reflected in the non-RT performance mode and most subsequent scenes show little or no difference. Other than that, the systems are pretty compatible in terms of visual features, as one might expect for what is actually a relatively small overhaul of an existing game. The degree of equality extends to all areas that really need improvement. The quality of the texture filter is very poor, only 4K resolution mode provides the boost (and only then because higher resolution provides more texture filter points).
PS5 and Series X are linked, then – but does the performance hold up? On a general level, all modes on all systems play relatively steadily with targets of 30fps or 60fps. However, there are times when performance may drop. During missions, especially Trevor’s gun explosives, we get a more significant drop to the 50fps range and even 40fps. Anything that includes explosions and vehicles is taxing on both the PS5 and Series X. You can also drive around town forcing a lower framerate once you open a shootout with plenty of cars on the road. This isn’t unusual in GTA, and it certainly gets more and more difficult the more congested the roads get. However, the general gameplay of missions tends to get it right.
Oddly enough, both the PS5 and Series X lose their lock on frame rates in different regions, to the max in RT’s preferred performance mode. Take, for example, the mission “Mr. Phillips”, in which Trevor rages, as the PS5 takes a hit of nearly 40 frames per second in its most explosive scenes. That’s a sharp drop and so visible in another 60fps experience, it makes approaching motorcyclists look cut off as they approach. On Xbox Series X, there is still a drop, but this time it’s down to 50fps. However, we see opposite luck in other missions – like the shutdown mission with Franklin – where the PS5 continues to play locked to 60fps while Series X dives below. Different scenarios seem to favor different controllers. minimum? Both are able to hit under 60fps, although not too long to disrupt the experience.
Of course you can use the non-RT performance mode to reduce the impact of these drops. Unfortunately, 60fps locks completely in all scenarios which isn’t really possible, but this mode narrows the gap somewhat. Mr. Phillips’ assignment with Trevor, for example, only briefly drops to the 55fps streak in this mode on PS5 during its biggest blast. However, most of the other missions that show a drop below 60fps are pretty tight at 60fps on the PS5, which is great news – and it gives Performance Mode a reason to be there. Outside of the X Series, the results are also improved, although the drop in performance is more frequent than on the PS5.
Digital Foundry’s technical video review of the new ‘Next Generation’ upgrade for Grand Theft Auto 5, reviewed here on PlayStation 5.
Switching to 4K resolution mode, performance is solid at a 30fps share, even when pushing a car train into the streets of Los Santos. However, falls can be seen below, when combining large corks with rockets and grenades. During the missions, I only saw one drop: Yes, Mr. Phillips turned back, this time causing a drop to 20fps on the PlayStation 5, where the effect on the Series X was less noticeable at 27fps. Whether in this decline or in the decline in other performance, I have to wonder if implementing a dynamic precision meter can make the difference.
The new improved version of Grand Theft Auto 5 is still very much based on current versions of the game, managing to do the job on current generation consoles and perhaps as expected, the PS5 and Series X are hard to split. Frame rate threads are fairly interchangeable big. Depending on the mode you’re using and the mission you’re playing, the PS5 or Series X can go down a bit or less. As for the visual comparisons, he also says the main difference is that shadows are missing under the X Series cars, which are on PS5. The notable contradictions end there. Draw distances, world details, physics, and shadow quality for ray tracing – everything is basically fine-tuned between the two.
While the ambition of this new converter is questionable (as is the backup option if you already have a PS4 or Xbox One version), console owners’ gaming experience has improved dramatically at least thanks to the inclusion of 60fps modes. Seriously, this is the most important game changer, with profound improvements to one of the game’s biggest problems: input lag. As attractive as 4K Loyalty mode sounds, it’s hard to go back to 30fps in this mode. In the end, if you haven’t played the game before, this is the best way to play – and if you’re a GTA Online fan, the frame rate upgrade is a huge improvement. However, those looking to bring back a more comprehensive experience that utilizes the capabilities of the new hardware may be a little disappointed.