This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:12:10
The video explores the persistent absence of a remaster or 60 FPS upgrade for "Red Dead Redemption 2" on PS5 and Xbox Series X, focusing on the current limitations and potential capabilities of these platforms. Although the game can achieve 60 FPS on PC, current-gen consoles are limited by backward compatibility, offering only marginal improvements over previous versions. The speaker discusses using a mod to unlock 60 FPS on PS5, demonstrating the console's capable CPU performance.
A theoretical approach using a hybrid console with Xbox Series X CPU and AMD Radeon RX 6700 GPU aims for 60 FPS at 4K, though stable performance is only achieved at 1800p. The challenges of maintaining high performance at native 4K without dynamic resolution scaling are highlighted, as well as addressing specific hardware and software limitations through optimization.
Improving the game's scalability and utilizing advanced technologies such as Global Illumination and ray-traced reflections in future projects, like GTA 6, are also discussed. Conclusively, the speaker suggests that with proper optimization, current-gen consoles could significantly enhance "Red Dead Redemption 2" beyond last-gen capabilities. The video ends urging viewers to engage with and support Digital Foundry.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the mystery of why Red Dead Redemption 2 has yet to receive a remaster or 60 FPS upgrade for the PS5 and Xbox Series X despite other games having these upgrades. The footage shown demonstrates that 60 FPS is achievable on a PC with settings similar or better than the Xbox One X version. Current consoles are limited to backward compatibility, meaning the PS5 runs a 4K checkerboard version at 30 FPS, while the Xbox Series X runs natively at 4K, but both versions only marginally improve upon the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X experiences in frame stability. The speaker highlights a frame rate unlock mod by a modder named illusion, which allows Red Dead 2 to run at 60 FPS on exploited PS5 consoles, suggesting that the PS5 has enough CPU power to support 60 FPS in the game. The test results show that even in dense city environments, the game can maintain 60 FPS, confirming the CPU’s capability.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on improving frame rates from 30 FPS to 60 FPS by using a CPU-based stress test in sand on a PS5. The game is modded to run in 120 HZ mode without vsync at 1080p, showcasing the capability of the CPU to maintain frame rates in the mid-60s to early 70s. The video presents exclusive footage illustrating these performance improvements.
The discussion then shifts to a theoretical version of Red Dead Redemption 2 designed to leverage current generation consoles’ capabilities. Using a Frankenstein-style console built from an AMD 4800s desktop kit (Xbox Series X CPU) with an AMD Radeon RX 6700 graphics card, the goal is to achieve 60 FPS without compromising visual quality. The presenter explains that settings have been adjusted from the Xbox One X’s low-medium and medium-high hybrids to higher fidelity settings. Despite attempts to maintain a stable 60 FPS at native 4K, the stable performance is only achieved at 1800p, highlighting the limitations and adjustments needed to optimize frame rates and visual quality.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the performance and resolution of the game, particularly noting that native 4K at 60 frames per second is challenging, with 1800p being more stable. They suggest that Rockstar could include dynamic resolution scaling to optimize performance. The segment also touches on PC-specific stuttering issues, which are absent on consoles like the PS4 Pro running on PS5. Additionally, the speaker observes GPU limitations during demanding scenes like the saloon brawl. They recommend a dynamic resolution scaler and propose a 60fps performance mode for a potential current-gen port of the game. The speaker details attempts to achieve a locked 30fps at native 4K on their hybrid hardware, highlighting that even high-end PC configurations struggle with certain graphics settings. Solutions like using Special K for proper frame pacing at 30fps are suggested to address these issues.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the scalable options available in the PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2, extending beyond the quality achievable on Xbox One X. The speaker highlights the challenges of maintaining high performance even at 30 FPS with console-equivalent GPU power. The video notes that Rockstar over-engineered the game’s effects, aiming to future-proof it for upcoming PC hardware. Comparing performance, a close approximation to Xbox One X settings yields a substantial 78% frame rate improvement over maxed-out settings. The segment points out that holding a consistent 30 FPS on PC seems feasible, suggesting that the PS5 and Xbox Series X could achieve a visually impressive 60 FPS experience with proper optimization. There’s a mention of Rockstar’s enhanced in-game technology, particularly Global Illumination and ray-traced reflections in future projects, like GTA 6. Conclusively, the speaker believes that current console hardware could significantly enhance Red Dead 2 beyond last-gen limitations. The video ends with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and consider joining the Digital Foundry supporter program.
00:12:00
In this part, the speaker concludes their discussion and expresses gratitude to the viewers for watching and supporting Digital Foundry.