Digital Foundry has published a detailed technical comparison of Avowed across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, outlining how each console version performs and where meaningful differences emerge. The analysis describes a largely conventional Unreal Engine 5 split between platforms, with improvements that are incremental rather than transformative.
On base PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, quality mode targets 30 frames per second with broadly aligned visual settings, including foliage density, shadow quality, and reflections. Both consoles feature hardware Lumen reflections that extend beyond screen space, though these rely on simplified traced geometry compared to the PC version. Dynamic resolution scaling is in use on both systems, likely paired with FSR2, with an apparent internal resolution target of 1440p. Xbox Series X more consistently reaches this figure, while PS5 can dip slightly below it. Frame pacing in quality mode favors Series X, which maintains a flatter 33 millisecond frame time profile, whereas PS5 exhibits more noticeable spikes despite holding 30 frames per second.
In performance mode, distinctions become clearer. PS5 reduces distant shadows and slightly simplifies foliage compared to Series X. Resolution scaling also leans in Microsoft’s favor, with test captures showing PS5 operating at 972p in scenarios where Series X maintains 1080p. Despite these reductions, PS5 often delivers marginally higher average frame rates, staying closer to 60 frames per second in lighter scenes. Both systems fluctuate between 50 and 60 frames per second in more demanding areas. Balance mode, targeting 40 frames per second, remains stable on both consoles, though PS5 again shows slightly reduced distant shadow coverage.
Unlocked modes introduce an unusual contrast. On PS5, unlocked configurations function correctly with VRR enabled, allowing performance mode to exceed 60 frames per second in lighter scenes. On Xbox Series X, unlocked modes reportedly exhibit screen tearing even with VRR enabled, limiting their practicality.
PlayStation 5 Pro, despite being labeled as enhanced, delivers restrained improvements. Resolution caps mirror Series X, locking at 1440p in quality mode and 1080p in performance mode. The game continues to use FSR rather than PSSR, and no additional ray tracing or expanded Lumen features are exclusive to Pro. Shadow coverage places PS5 Pro between base PS5 and Series X, while performance mode benefits from smoother frame delivery. However, visual gains remain limited.
Xbox Series S operates with more aggressive resolution scaling and reduced settings, yet remains stable and functional. Overall, the performance hierarchy is measured rather than dramatic, with differences that are present but not substantial.
