A free update is now available for the game Returnal on PlayStation 5 Pro hardware. The patch delivers improved image quality and performance for the third-person shooter developed by Housemarque and published by Sony.
Analysis indicates the PS5 Pro update achieves a resolution boost reaching 3072x1728 pixels at peak. This utilizes dynamic resolution scaling, a change from the base PlayStation 5 version, which employed a fixed 1080p resolution temporally reconstructed to 1440p before upscaling to 4K. The increased pixel count on the Pro model results in a visibly cleaner image.
The higher resolution helps minimize visual noise and reduce flickering on hard edges that were present on the standard console hardware. While the game's fast pace can sometimes mask these improvements during gameplay, the clarity enhancement is apparent when examining static scenes or fine details.
Beyond resolution, the upgrade also addresses performance dips encountered on the base model. Previously, certain demanding scenarios, including some boss battles, could see frame rates drop below the target 60 frames per second. The PS5 Pro version maintains a stable 60fps in these areas.
The dynamic resolution scaling implemented on the Pro appears well-tuned to leverage the console's capabilities, providing higher quality frames when the graphics load allows while scaling down when needed.
However, the update does not entirely eliminate all technical hiccups. Some traversal stutters between areas persist, and analyses note a slightly higher occurrence of brief frame time hitches when attacking enemies, potentially as the system adjusts resolution to sudden load spikes.
The release of this free update coincides with the game's four-year anniversary. While the upgrade focuses primarily on resolution and performance rather than introducing new graphical features like ray tracing or a 120Hz mode explored in the PC version, it delivers on its stated goals.
