Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade originally launched on PS5 with Performance (60fps), Quality (native 4K at 30fps), and Balanced modes. While Performance mode achieved a locked 60fps, the base PS5 release suffered from visual softness, TAA shimmer, and dropped frames in Balanced mode. On PS5 Pro, the title receives substantial enhancements: Balanced mode now holds a locked 60fps, and the new Pro mode delivers market-leading PSSR upscaling at a locked 60fps (or up to 80fps in HFR 120Hz output mode). Pro Max mode uncaps Quality mode for 50-60fps with VRR. Pro mode on PS5 Pro is the definitive and recommended way to play.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 5 Pro
Stellar Blade shines on PS5 Pro. Pro mode offers some of the cleanest PSSR reconstruction seen on the platform, holding a solid 60fps or running up to 80fps in HFR 120Hz mode with reduced input lag. Pro Max mode uncaps Quality mode but drops into the 50s, making Pro mode the clear choice.
Introduces Pro and Pro Max modes. Pro mode utilizes PSSR upscaling for greatly improved image clarity at 60fps (up to 80fps with HFR 120Hz), while Pro Max uncaps the Quality mode frame rate for VRR displays.
Pro
PS5 ProPSSR upscaling provides a temporally stable image, eliminating pixel crawl and TAA shimmer. Minor flickering artifacts on sun flare effects.
Pro Max
PS5 ProUncapped Quality mode visuals.
Balanced
PS5 ProGraphics modes on PlayStation 5
On base PS5, Stellar Blade provides responsive action in Performance mode at a locked 60fps, but image quality suffers from TAA shimmering and softness. Quality mode native 4K presentation looks detailed but is limited, while Balanced mode suffers from inconsistent frame rates.
Performance
PS5Exhibits image softness, pixel crawl, and TAA shimmering.
Quality
PS5Native 4K image, though TAA shimmering remains visible on fine detail.
Balanced
PS5PS5 vs PS5 Pro
Side-by-side comparison of graphics modes, resolution and technical features.
PS5 Pro provides a substantial upgrade for Stellar Blade. Pro mode resolves the image quality flaws of the base console using highly effective PSSR reconstruction, while holding a locked 60fps or reaching up to 80fps in HFR 120Hz mode.
| Metric | PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 79Good | 78Good |
| Recommended mode | Performance | Pro |
| Modes available | 3 | 3 |
| Peak target FPS | 60 | 60 |
| PSSR | No | Yes |
| Ray tracing | No | No |
| VRR | Yes | Yes |
| 120 Hz support | No | Yes |
| PS5 Pro Enhanced | No | Yes |
- Performance Score
- 79Good
- Recommended mode
- Performance
- Modes available
- 3
- Peak target FPS
- 60
- PSSR
- No
- Ray tracing
- No
- VRR
- Yes
- 120 Hz support
- No
- PS5 Pro Enhanced
- No
- Performance Score
- 78Good
- Recommended mode
- Pro
- Modes available
- 3
- Peak target FPS
- 60
- PSSR
- Yes
- Ray tracing
- No
- VRR
- Yes
- 120 Hz support
- Yes
- PS5 Pro Enhanced
- Yes
Known issues
PSSR upscaling in Pro mode introduces abnormal flickering on the sun and sun flare effects.
The game does not respect system-level PS5 HDR calibration settings, requiring manual adjustment of brightness and contrast in the in-game menu.
Selecting Dolby Atmos at the system level causes the game to output in stereo instead of full surround sound. Switching system audio output to Linear PCM resolves the issue.
Video analysis
Independent technical videos referenced in our analysis.
Stellar Blade PS5 - Digital Foundry Tech Review - An Ultra-Polished Action Game. Digital Foundry · 359K ; PS5 Pro Upgraded PSSR + Enhance Image ...
Stellar Blade has finally arrived for PlayStation 5 and we're delighted to say that this is an ultra-polished, highly enjoyable action game.
The PS5 Pro is here and with it's launch brings around 100 enhanced games with Stellar Blade being one of the BEST examples of what ...
Im not sure wth is going on with my version of Stellar Blade. I keep getting stuck on ladders for 5 -10 mins everytime.
Stellar Blade PS5 Pro [PSSR 2.0 Update] Gameplay Review, Frame rate FPS performance & resolution fidelity details of this thrilling action ...
In this video, I show some footage of Stellar Blade playing on my PlayStation 5 PRO in both PRO mode, which targets a higher FPS, and PRO ...
External links open in a new tab. PSFoundry is not affiliated with the linked publications.
Frequently asked
Answers built from the verified data on this page.
What frame rate does Stellar Blade run at on PS5 Pro?
On PS5 Pro, Stellar Blade offers 3 graphics modes: Pro targets 60 FPS; Pro Max targets 60 FPS; Balanced targets 60 FPS.
What frame rate does Stellar Blade run at on PS5?
On PS5, Stellar Blade offers 1 graphics mode: Performance targets 60 FPS.
Does Stellar Blade support 120 Hz on PlayStation?
Yes. Pro on PS5 Pro runs with 120 Hz output on a compatible display.
Does Stellar Blade use PSSR on PS5 Pro?
Yes. At least one PS5 Pro graphics mode of Stellar Blade uses PSSR, Sony's machine-learning upscaler, according to the sources cited in our analysis.
Is Stellar Blade worth playing on PS5 Pro?
PS5 Pro provides a substantial upgrade for Stellar Blade. Pro mode resolves the image quality flaws of the base console using highly effective PSSR reconstruction, while holding a locked 60fps or reaching up to 80fps in HFR 120Hz mode.
What is the PSFoundry Performance Score of Stellar Blade?
Stellar Blade scores 79/100 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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