Ubisoft just revealed how Assassin’s Creed Shadows will flex the PS5 Pro’s muscles – and the results are both impressive and slightly concerning. The game will offer three performance modes across both consoles, but the Pro’s real party trick is “extended” ray tracing that could redefine visual fidelity… if you’re willing to sacrifice frames.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Performance (60fps): Basic ray tracing on base PS5 ? full ray tracing on Pro
- Fidelity (30fps): Standard ray tracing ? enhanced ray tracing on Pro
- Balanced (40fps): Same upgrade path as Fidelity
The Pro’s global illumination magic now paints every surface with realistic lighting, not just your Hideout. But here’s the rub: No option to disable ray tracing entirely. For performance purists who’d trade shiny puddles for rock-solid frame rates, that’s a glaring omission.
“Do we really need ray tracing everywhere?” Ubisoft seems to think so. While the lighting upgrades will dazzle in screenshots, some players might prefer toggling effects to eliminate potential stutters in crowded scenes. After all, Shadows‘ feudal Japan deserves buttery-smooth parkour more than perfect reflections.
Mark your calendars: March 20, 2025, when we’ll see if Ubisoft’s tech ambitions match Shadows‘ sprawling open world. Will this be the definitive next-gen Assassin’s Creed experience, or another case of style over substance?
