Fallout 4
Prior to the next-gen update, PS5 ran the PS4 Pro codepath locked at 1440p 30fps. The native PS5 upgrade delivers a dynamic 4K target with options for 60fps in Performance Mode or 30fps in Quality Mode. Display output settings on PS5 also unlock a 40fps Quality Mode when set to 120Hz output, which provides the most consistent framerate, as well as a 1440p output option combining 60fps with Ultra LOD settings. Despite resolution and framerate improvements, visual settings such as shadow distance remain matched to PC medium presets across both PS4 Pro and PS5 versions.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 5
The PS5 native release provides substantial upgrades over the PS4 Pro backward compatibility version, achieving dynamic 4K resolution up to 60fps. Visual settings for foliage and object LODs are improved in Quality modes, though shadow quality and distance match PC medium presets. The 120Hz 40fps mode offers the best balance of visual fidelity and smooth, drop-free performance.
Performance Mode
PS5Dynamic 4K resolution with medium shadow settings and lower foliage/object draw distances.
Quality Mode
PS5Higher 'ultra' settings for foliage and object draw distance, running at dynamic 4K.
120Hz Quality Mode
PS54K output with PC ultra equivalent settings for foliage and object draw distance.
1440p Output Mode
PS5Engages high tree and object LODs when system menu output is set to 1440p.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 4 Pro
On PS4 Pro (and PS5 running via backward compatibility before the next-gen update), Fallout 4 targeted 1440p at 30fps. Texture quality and shadow distance on PS4 Pro remain largely identical to the updated native PS5 Quality mode.
Standard Mode
PS4 Pro1440p rendering with shadow quality and texture detail similar to PS5 Quality mode.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 4
PS4 renders at a fixed 1080p resolution targeting 30fps. High-stress areas suffer from sustained drops down to 24fps due to CPU and storage bandwidth limitations.
Standard Mode
PS41080p presentation with base asset quality and lower draw distances.
Known issues
Framerate drops into the low 50s occur in dense locations like Corvega factory, along with traversal stutters when sprinting through downtown Boston in 60fps modes.
Sustained frame drops in Diamond City (26-27fps) and Corvega (23fps) alongside general world streaming stutters.
Firing weapons, triggering mines, or moving through dense urban areas produces severe 100ms+ stutters caused by CPU-bound geometry rendering bottlenecks.
PS5 renders building level-of-detail at long distances noticeably lower than Xbox Series X and below PC's lowest settings when viewed from extreme heights.
Despite the official PS4 Pro patch, intensive locations like the Corvega factory still drop to 23fps, matching base PS4 lows.
Video analysis
Independent technical videos referenced in our analysis.
Fallout 4 Nintendo Switch 2 [DLSS Update] vs PS5 Pro Comparison Next Gen Update, Frame rate FPS performance & resolution fidelity details of ...
The only major visual difference of note between the 60 40 and 30 FPS options is resolution.
Today we're diving into the technical side of Fallout 4's brand new anniversary edition on all four supported PlayStation consoles.
Fallout 4 is back, transitioning to Xbox Series X and S consoles along with PlayStation 5. New quality and performance modes are added, ...
... Xbox One X vs PS4 Pro Graphics Comparison + Frame-Rate Test. Digital Foundry•621K views · 19:33. Go to channel Digital Foundry · Fallout 4 Next- ...
Fallout 4 Next-Gen Upgrade Patched: Fixed on Xbox, Improved on PS5 ... Corvega Factory should be renamed to The Digital Foundry. 33:19.
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Frequently asked
Answers built from the verified data on this page.
What frame rate does Fallout 4 run at on PS5?
On PS5, Fallout 4 offers 4 graphics modes: Performance Mode targets 60 FPS at 4K; Quality Mode targets 30 FPS at 4K; 120Hz Quality Mode targets 40 FPS at 4K; 1440p Output Mode targets 60 FPS at 1440p.
Does Fallout 4 support 120 Hz on PlayStation?
Yes. 120Hz Quality Mode on PS5 runs with 120 Hz output on a compatible display.
What is the PSFoundry Performance Score of Fallout 4?
Fallout 4 scores 78/100 on PS5. The Performance Score measures technical performance only — frame rate, image quality, graphics modes, visual features, responsiveness, loading and stability — not how good the game is.
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