Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.02: A Major Improvement for PS5 Pro Users — Under the Right Circumstances
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft’s newest addition to the renowned stealth-action series, has received a significant technological upgrade on the PlayStation 5 Pro with the rollout of patch 1.02. Although the game was already visually impressive, the update brings forth two crucial enhancements that enhance the overall experience—assuming players have the appropriate hardware specifications.
Let’s delve into why patch 1.02 is transformative for PS5 Pro players, and why it might finally be the moment to move away from the conventional Quality mode in favor of the newly upgraded Balanced mode.
The PS5 Pro Advantage — When Fully Leveraged
The PlayStation 5 Pro provides a remarkable performance and visual enhancement over the standard PS5, particularly when developers make the most of its features. For about €750, players acquire a console capable of delivering high-fidelity visuals, including ray tracing, at elevated frame rates. However, this potential is only realized when games are properly optimized.
Regrettably, Assassin’s Creed Shadows initially did not achieve this. Despite its ambitious visual design, it lacked support for several of the PS5 Pro’s most essential features:
– Absence of PlayStation’s AI-driven upscaling technology, PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution).
– Ray-traced reflections were turned off in Balanced mode, available exclusively in the 30 FPS Quality mode.
– Frame rate irregularities, such as a drop from 40 FPS to 30 FPS in the hideout section.
These constraints rendered Balanced mode—a middle ground between performance and visual fidelity—less enticing. That changed with the arrival of update 1.02.
What’s New in Patch 1.02?
Patch 1.02 rectifies all three of the significant limitations noted earlier:
1. PSSR Support: The game now incorporates Sony’s proprietary AI upscaling technology, enhancing image clarity and sharpness without compromising performance.
2. Ray-Traced Reflections in Balanced Mode: Once limited to Quality mode, ray-traced reflections are now accessible in Balanced mode, greatly enriching the game’s visual ambiance.
3. Frame Rate Stabilization: The frame rate dip in the hideout area has been rectified, ensuring a consistent 40 FPS experience throughout the game.
These enhancements render Balanced mode not merely viable, but arguably the optimal way to experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the PS5 Pro.
Why Balanced Mode Is Now the Best Choice
Contemporary PS5 Pro games typically present three performance modes:
– Quality Mode: Prioritizes visual fidelity with features like ray tracing, but limits performance to 30 FPS.
– Performance Mode: Aims for 60 FPS but reduces graphical detail.
– Balanced Mode: Points for 40 FPS, offering an intermediary between the two.
With patch 1.02, Balanced mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows now features ray-traced reflections and utilizes PSSR, making it the most appealing choice for players desiring both fluid gameplay and high-quality visuals.
However, there’s a caveat: to activate and fully appreciate Balanced mode, you need a compatible setup.
Hardware Requirements for Balanced Mode
To use Balanced mode at 40 FPS, your setup must satisfy the following conditions:
– A 120 Hz TV or monitor.
– An HDMI 2.1-compliant cable and connection (including AV receivers or amplifiers, if applicable).
– VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) enabled in the PS5 settings.
Once these prerequisites are in place, enabling Balanced mode is a breeze:
How to Activate the Optimal Graphics Mode for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
1. Navigate to Settings > Screen and Video on your PS5 Pro.
2. Set both VRR and 120 Hz Output to “Automatic.”
3. Start Assassin’s Creed Shadows and go to the Video settings.
4. Choose “Balanced” under Performance Options.
5. Tick the checkbox for PSSR (available only after the installation of update 1.02).
Visual and Performance Enhancements in Action
The upgrades introduced by patch 1.02 are immediately evident. Ray-traced reflections significantly enhance the game’s dynamic lighting, particularly during rainy conditions or in wet surroundings. Puddles now mirror the surrounding world with striking realism, adding depth and atmosphere to every scene.
The frame rate adjustment in the hideout area also enhances immersion. Previously, the sudden drop to 30 FPS upon entering the hideout was jarring. Now, maintaining a steady 40 FPS throughout all locations ensures smoother transitions and improved overall gameplay flow.
Regarding PSSR, its effect is subtler but still significant. Textures appear sharper, and the overall image quality is augmented without any noticeable performance degradation. While the difference might not be striking during swift action sequences, it contributes to a clearer, more polished visual presentation.
Final Thoughts: A New Benchmark for PS5 Pro Gaming?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows was already a commendable title on