Ghost Of Tsushima Should I Upgrade To The Ps5 Version Or Stick With The Ps4

Ghost of Tsushima remains one of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant action-adventure games of the generation. Originally released on PS4 in 2020, it received a free PS5 upgrade shortly after the next-gen console launched. For players who own both consoles or are considering upgrading their hardware, a pressing question arises: Is it worth moving from the PS4 version to the PS5 edition? The answer depends on your priorities—whether you value graphical fidelity, faster load times, or simply getting the most out of your existing setup.

The PS5 version isn’t just a minor patch; it introduces tangible improvements that enhance immersion and gameplay fluidity. However, for those still enjoying the game on PS4, especially with no immediate plans to adopt the newer console, the decision isn’t automatic. Let’s break down the key differences, evaluate real-world benefits, and help you determine whether the upgrade aligns with how you play and what you expect from the experience.

Visual Fidelity: A Clear Step Up

The most noticeable improvement in the PS5 version is visual quality. On compatible displays, the game runs in native 4K resolution with enhanced textures, improved draw distances, and refined lighting effects. These upgrades result in sharper foliage, more detailed character models, and richer environmental depth—especially during dynamic weather sequences like rainstorms or foggy mornings across the island’s shrines and bamboo forests.

While the PS4 Pro supports checkerboard 4K and the base PS4 renders at 1080p (or lower), the PS5 delivers a consistently stable high-resolution output. Texture filtering is also improved, reducing blurriness when viewing distant objects. This makes exploration feel more immersive, particularly when scanning vast landscapes using Jin’s binoculars or riding across open fields where every blade of grass appears more defined.

Tip: If you own a 4K HDR TV, the PS5 version unlocks the full visual potential of Ghost of Tsushima—especially in cinematic mode.

Performance Modes: Choose Your Experience

Sucker Punch Productions introduced two distinct performance modes on PS5, giving players control over their preferred balance between resolution and frame rate:

• Cinematic Mode: Prioritizes 4K resolution with HDR and ray-traced reflections, targeting 30fps.
• Performance Mode: Runs at up to 60fps with dynamic resolution scaling, maintaining visual clarity while improving motion smoothness.

For many, the jump to 60fps is transformative. Combat feels significantly more responsive, parries are easier to time, and camera movements during traversal are buttery smooth. If you frequently engage in duels or find fast-paced combat challenging on PS4, Performance Mode can make the game feel tighter and more intuitive.

In contrast, Cinematic Mode appeals to players focused on atmosphere and storytelling. The ray-traced reflections add realism to water surfaces and armor, and the higher resolution enhances cutscene detail—ideal for players revisiting the narrative journey.

Load Times and System Integration

One of the most underappreciated advantages of the PS5 version is drastically reduced loading. Thanks to the ultra-fast SSD, fast travel across Tsushima takes less than five seconds, compared to 20–30 seconds on PS4. Even after dying or fast-forwarding through time, the game resumes almost instantly.

This change may seem minor at first, but it reshapes pacing. You’re less likely to dread long loads between regions, making side activities like liberating Mongol camps or completing haiku challenges feel more seamless. The cumulative effect saves hours over a full playthrough, especially when chasing 100% completion.

Additionally, the PS5 version leverages DualSense features. The adaptive triggers offer variable resistance during bow drawing and sword clashes, while haptic feedback conveys subtle sensations like wind, horse galloping, or rain tapping on armor. These enhancements don’t alter gameplay mechanics but deepen immersion in meaningful ways.

“Upgrading to the PS5 version turned my second playthrough into a completely fresh experience—not because the story changed, but because the world felt more alive.” — Marcus Tran, Longtime PlayStation Gamer and Reviewer

Upgrade Cost and Accessibility

Good news: the PS5 upgrade is completely free for anyone who owns the PS4 version. Whether you bought the physical disc or digital copy, you can download the PS5 version at no extra cost via the PlayStation Store. This cross-generation flexibility lowers the barrier to entry for upgrading.

However, there’s an important caveat: if you're using a PS4 disc, you’ll need a PS5 with a disc drive. The Digital Edition cannot read PS4 discs, so you’d have to repurchase the digital version unless you already own it digitally.

Factor	PS4 Version	PS5 Version
Resolution	1080p (base), ~1440p–1800p (Pro)	Native 4K (Cinematic), Dynamic 4K/1440p (Performance)
Frame Rate	30fps (stable)	30fps (Cinematic), 60fps (Performance)
Load Times	15–30 seconds	2–7 seconds
DualSense Support	No	Yes (adaptive triggers, haptics)
Ray Tracing	No	Yes (Cinematic Mode only)
Upgrade Cost	N/A	Free with PS4 purchase

When You Should Upgrade

Consider switching to the PS5 version if:

• You own a 4K or HDR-compatible TV and want the best image quality.
• You value smoother gameplay and are sensitive to frame rate inconsistencies.
• You plan to replay the game or haven’t finished it yet.
• You appreciate immersive controller feedback and want a next-gen sensory experience.
• You frequently travel across the map and dislike waiting during loads.

The upgrade shines brightest during a replay, where familiarity with the story allows you to focus on environmental beauty and mechanical polish. It also future-proofs your experience—especially as remasters and sequels (like *Ghost of Yotei*) will likely build on this foundation.

Real Example: A Second Playthrough Transformed

Take Sarah Kim, a player from Vancouver who completed Ghost of Tsushima twice—once on her PS4 Pro and again six months later on PS5. “The first time, I loved the story but found myself skipping fast travel animations because the load was so long,” she says. “On PS5, I actually watched them. The world felt connected. The DualSense made snowfall and sword swings tactile. I noticed details I missed before—the way light hits a shrine at sunset, or how footsteps change from grass to gravel.” Her second playthrough took longer not because of delays, but because she slowed down to absorb the atmosphere.

When Sticking with PS4 Makes Sense

If you’ve already completed the base game and aren’t planning to replay it soon, upgrading may not be urgent. The core narrative, combat system, and world design remain unchanged. Additionally, if you don’t own a PS5 or a high-end display, the visual benefits won’t be fully realized. In such cases, your current setup still delivers a compelling experience.

Also, if you primarily play on a standard HD TV (1080p or below), the difference in sharpness and texture clarity will be minimal. The emotional impact of the story and the satisfaction of mastering combat are preserved across both versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my PS4 save data to PS5?

Yes. Using cloud storage (via PlayStation Plus) or a local USB drive, you can import your save files directly into the PS5 version. Progress, unlocked skills, collectibles, and DLC content carry over seamlessly.

Do I need to rebuy the Director’s Cut?

If you own the original PS4 version, you get the PS5 upgrade automatically—but only the base game and its free enhancements. To access the *Legends* multiplayer mode and new Iki Island expansion, you’ll need to purchase the Director’s Cut separately. The upgrade path varies: some editions include it, others require a small paid upgrade.

Is the PS5 version worth it for casual players?

It depends on your expectations. If you’re playing casually and enjoy the game’s story and exploration, the PS4 version is more than sufficient. But if you value technical polish and are likely to revisit the game, the PS5 version offers a noticeably refined experience.

Final Recommendation: Who Should Upgrade?

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

1. ✅ Do you own a PS5?
2. ✅ Do you have a 4K/HDR TV?
3. ✅ Are you replaying the game or haven’t finished it?
4. ✅ Do you value faster load times and smoother performance?
5. ✅ Are you interested in immersive DualSense features?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade is strongly recommended. The PS5 version doesn’t reinvent Ghost of Tsushima, but it elevates nearly every aspect of the experience. It’s the definitive way to play—especially as a benchmark for how well thought-out generational transitions should work.

Conclusion

Ghost of Tsushima on PS5 isn’t merely an upgraded port—it’s a reinvigoration of a modern classic. With sharper visuals, silky-smooth performance, near-instant loading, and deeper immersion through DualSense, the leap from PS4 is both measurable and meaningful. While the PS4 version remains excellent, the PS5 edition honors the game’s artistic ambition in a way that aligns with today’s hardware standards.

🚀 If you have access to a PS5, take the few minutes to download the upgrade. You don’t have to start over—you just get to experience Tsushima as it was meant to be seen and felt.