Unleashing the Power of Marine 2 on PS5: A Game-Changing Visual and Performance Leap

PlayStation 5 Pro finally receives support for Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2, leading to one of the most significant enhancements we’ve seen on Sony’s mid-generation console to date. Following patch 1.5, PS5 Pro enhances performance in its 60fps performance mode and rectifies the (occasionally) unclear image quality in that same mode. Both performance and quality modes utilize PSSR instead of the original FSR2 algorithm to improve image quality while also raising the internal resolution on each mode to target a 4K output resolution. In brief: on quality mode, we now see a resolution range from 1080p to 4K as the input resolution, while in performance mode, that range adjusts to 1080p-1440p.

The key inquiry then becomes whether the switch to PSSR is enough to create a noticeable difference in clarity across both modes. Specifically in performance, what are the advantages compared to the standard PS5? And taking a closer look at the 60fps performance mode in particular, does the PS5 Pro finally deliver the smooth experience that was previously unattainable for the standard PS5?

Before we begin, a brief note on the state of the game on standard PS5 today. The reality is that the 30fps quality mode always ran reasonably well on standard hardware, but the performance mode struggled with a fluctuating 35-60fps frame rate. Comparing patch 1.2 – the version we analyzed in the original review three months ago – to today’s patch 1.5, there is a clear distinction. The good news is we’re seeing a 5-10fps improvement on standard PS5, and often even more. Given the variable nature of combat, it’s a real challenge to synchronize gameplay across both systems, but the comparison still presents a clear picture overall: Saber Interactive has worked diligently since launch to extract better performance from the PS5.

The end result is that those with a VRR-supporting display may enjoy the benefits of this latest patch, although the frame rate can still occasionally dip below the 48fps threshold for VRR on PS5. Moreover, there are no substantial improvements in the game’s cleanly CPU-limited areas. The part with the ripper swarm at the end of mission two, for example, still hovers around the 40fps mark, occasionally dropping into the 30s. Ultimately, despite the overall boost in performance elsewhere, standard PS5 does not quite match Xbox Series X’s performance level in performance mode, which we reevaluated in patch 1.5 as well. The cutscene gap has PS5 falling short by as much as 10fps, but during gameplay, that margin narrows considerably. Series X remains the console to beat when it comes to achieving 60fps.

Starting our PS5 Pro testing, the 60fps performance mode is the obvious starting point with much to distinguish from the regular hardware and PSSR. Space Marine 2’s implementation of PSSR is a success on a similar level to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, allowing this 60fps mode to appear much sharper and cleaner. In terms of raw resolution metrics, it is boosted from 720p to 1080p with FSR2 on standard PS5 to 1080p-1440p reconstructed to 4K with PSSR. Despite the core visual settings remaining unchanged, the increased resolution and machine learning upscaling provide a significant enhancement to the image during motion.

Even in static images, where an accumulation of frames aids both systems in rendering a 4K image, the PS5 Pro ultimately yields a crisper picture. The standard PS5 does hold up reasonably well while stationary, but the PS5 Pro still manages to reproduce distant detail more accurately. The greater advantage of the Pro, however, is in actual motion: PSSR’s handling of dense jungle environments in mission one is particularly impressive, replacing the generally soft, blurred resolution of FSR2 with a sharper outline for each piece of scenery. PS5 Pro’s ability to generate more pixels – with a minimum of 1080p, compared to the lower limit of 720p on the standard console – and to upscale it more intelligently results in a notable upgrade. From the grass, mud, and debris on the ground to the detailing on reflections and the metallic grates of a combat barge, all aspects benefit from the switch to PSSR.

It isn’t without its flaws, however. The downside is that the image is over-sharpened in some areas, especially the foliage, and also the reflective surfaces in puddles. Elements with a lot of sub-pixel movement, such as swaying blades of grass, occasionally exhibit noise – aliasing. Similarly, you will still notice flickering on hard, high-contrast surfaces. There is a trade-off, but overall, it is still a net gain for PS5 Pro in this mode.

Next, examining the actual performance of the performance mode, PS5 Pro edges the frame rate even closer to the target 60fps. This is not a complete lock at that top number by any means, especially during combat with multiple tyranids, but it represents an improvement in most respects over the standard PS5. Comparing the two systems, both updated to patch 1.5, we’re looking at an increase of up to 5fps during the opening cutscene as we land on the battlefield. From this point, the gap widens further to show a 10fps advantage for PS5 Pro during combat. At times it’s even more, though gameplay becomes increasingly complex to synchronize precisely. Sadly, it is also difficult to overlook the ongoing drops on the Pro: we still experience stutters to 45fps just as enemies emerge from their pods on the initial jungle planet. While improved, we’re still often operating within the 50-60fps range during scenes involving swarms of enemies. In summary, all this places PS5 Pro more frequently at 60fps than standard PS5, ensuring that the frame rate remains within the 48-60 VRR window more consistently – although it is still not a guaranteed lock.

There is one more caveat to address. It is a notable moment, but the handling of the ripper swarm segment in mission two still struggles on PS5 Pro. Unfortunately, Space Marine 2 places demands on the hardware.