Fallout 4 — PS5 & PS5 Pro performance
Technical analysis last updated
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.
120Hz Quality Mode
PS5Unverified4K output with PC ultra equivalent settings for foliage and object draw distance.
Performance Mode
PS5UnverifiedDynamic 4K resolution with medium shadow settings and lower foliage/object draw distances.
Quality Mode
PS5UnverifiedHigher 'ultra' settings for foliage and object draw distance, running at dynamic 4K.
1440p Output Mode
PS5UnverifiedEngages high tree and object LODs when system menu output is set to 1440p.
PS5 vs PS5 Pro
Side-by-side comparison of graphics modes, resolution and technical features.
A side-by-side comparison requires verified graphics-mode data on both PS5 and PS5 Pro. It appears here as soon as both versions are analysed.
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.
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.
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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Sources and verification
Every technical claim on this page is attributed. Nothing is estimated.
PSFoundry is primarily a source-based database. A game is only marked as personally tested when PSFoundry has directly tested it. All other technical information is attributed to its original source.
- UnverifiedTechnical review comparing Fallout 4 performance across hardware, detailing PS5's dynamic 1800p-4K 60fps presentation and PS4's 1080p 30fps baseline.Digital Foundry2026-03-03
Technical review comparing Fallout 4 performance across hardware, detailing PS5's dynamic 1800p-4K 60fps presentation and PS4's 1080p 30fps baseline.
Open source - UnverifiedFallout 4's next-gen update on PS5 introduces native app support with 4K output and 60fps performance options, replacing the previous 1440p 30fps backward-compatibility version. However, core settingsDigital Foundry2024-05-03
Fallout 4's next-gen update on PS5 introduces native app support with 4K output and 60fps performance options, replacing the previous 1440p 30fps backward-compatibility version. However, core settings like shadows remain pegged to PC medium equivalents, and framerate drops into the 50s persist in demanding locations like Corvega factory.
Open source - UnverifiedAnalysis of Fallout 4's May 13 update on PS5, evaluating the newly functioning Visuals and Performance modes alongside independent 30, 40, and 60 fps frame-rate targets.Digital Foundry2024-05-14
Analysis of Fallout 4's May 13 update on PS5, evaluating the newly functioning Visuals and Performance modes alongside independent 30, 40, and 60 fps frame-rate targets.
Open source - UnverifiedFallout 4's PS4 Pro update (patch 1.14) increases resolution to native 1440p, enhances god ray effects, and extends draw distances to near-PC high settings while offering super-sampling on 1080p displDigital Foundry2017-02-12
Fallout 4's PS4 Pro update (patch 1.14) increases resolution to native 1440p, enhances god ray effects, and extends draw distances to near-PC high settings while offering super-sampling on 1080p displays. Performance is generally improved compared to base PS4, but frame drops down to 23fps persist in heavy areas like the Corvega factory. Alternatively, running older unpatched versions via PS4 Pro Boost Mode yields a locked 30fps at base visual settings.
Open source
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. That is a 120 Hz output container with a higher frame-rate range — no mode targets a locked 120 FPS.
What is the PSFoundry Score of Fallout 4?
Fallout 4 scores 77/100 on PS5. The PSFoundry Score measures technical performance only — frame rate, image quality, graphics modes, visual features, responsiveness, loading and stability — not how good the game is.
Patch history
Only updates that changed graphics modes, resolution, frame rate or visual features.
We only log updates with a documented effect on graphics modes, resolution, frame rate or visual features. None have been verified for this title yet.
The players' verdict
Recent player impressions of how the game runs on PS5 and PS5 Pro.
We publish player impressions from Reddit, ResetEra and specialist forums only when they discuss how the game actually runs. They never affect the PSFoundry Score.
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Browse the full PlayStation performance database or the PS5 Pro Enhanced games list.