Epic Games and Remedy Entertainment’s latest survival horror game, Alan Wake 2, is now available on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and if you’re on the fence about which version to pick up, read ahead.
The game offers 2 graphical modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X i.e. Quality and Performance, while there is only one mode available on Xbox Series S. Quality mode exhibits considerably higher foliage density compared to Performance mode. Neither mode supports any form of ray tracing on consoles. On PC, it is possible to run Alan Wake 2 at significantly higher graphical settings with path tracing enabled and get a substantially better visual experience over the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.
In terms of image quality, the PS5 and Xbox Series X internally render Alan Wake 2 at a resolution of 1270p in Quality mode, which is then reconstructed to 2160p using FSR 2.0. On the other hand, both consoles internally run the game at a resolution of 847p in Performance mode, which is then reconstructed to 1440p using FSR 2.0. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S runs at an internal resolution of 847p.
With regards to performance, the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions target a frame rate of 30 fps in Quality mode. The game generally sticks to its target, though there are some taxing areas that can see drops into the high 20s on PS5. Performance mode targets a frame rate of 60 fps on both consoles. There are rare drops into the 50s on PS5 when traversing the same in-game areas that stress the console in Quality mode. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S version targets and mostly delivers a frame rate of 30 fps.
With respect to load times on consoles, the Xbox Series S version loads the quickest, followed by the Xbox Series X version, and then PS5. It’s worth noting, however, that unlike in the PS5 version, the developer logos are skipped on both Xbox consoles.
On the whole, the PC version offers a substantially better graphical experience with full path tracing enabled. The console versions don’t support any form of ray tracing in either Quality or Performance mode. That said, they perform well, and are good options for those who don’t have access to a capable PC. Among the consoles, the Series X version comes out on top with a slightly more stable frame rate.
