BlueTwelve Studio’s Stray is now available on the PS4, PS5 and Steam Deck (PC), and if you’re wondering how the three platforms compare with each other in terms of resolution, frame rate, and graphical settings, read ahead.
Given the hardware constraints of each platform, Stray performs well on PS4, PS5, and Steam Deck. The PS4 version uses TAA to upscale from a lower native resolution to 1080p. On the other hand, the Steam Deck runs Stray at a native 720p by default, with all graphical settings set to Medium. The game does not support the 16:10 aspect ratio on PC. Meanwhile, the PS5 version also uses TAA to upscale from a lower native resolution to 4K.
No version of Stray supports ray tracing, though the game uses a lighting technique that bears some visual similarities with global illumination. Reflections are of higher resolution on PS5 compared to the PS4 and Steam Deck (at the default Medium settings) versions. Fur rendering and some textures also appear to have better quality on the PS5.
In terms of performance, limiting the Steam Deck frame rate to 40fps by altering the refresh rate will result in more consistent and stable performance on the platform at the default Medium settings. The PS4 version delivers a mostly stable 30fps, though it can exhibit slight stutters during the streaming of assets. The Steam Deck version also suffers from the same issue, while the PS5 version is least affected by it.
On the whole, the PS5 version of Stray delivers the most stable performance and graphically impressive experience, followed by the PS4 version. The Steam Deck version also does well at its default settings, but could use further optimizations to deliver a better performance.
Stray is a third-person adventure game featuring open world elements, with an emphasis on atmosphere, adventure, and art. Players assume control of a stray cat, which falls into a robot-populated world and sets out to find its family.
