Ninja Theory’s Hellblade 2: Senua’s Sacrifice Enhanced Edition was recently tested on PlayStation 5 hardware, and the PS5 Pro build stood out for offering the most flexible and visually pleasing experience so far.
PS5 Pro: performance and visuals
The PS5 Pro version includes separate performance and quality modes and gives players a choice between upscaling methods (TSR and PSSR). Performance mode on the PS5 Pro prioritizes framerate and — somewhat unexpectedly — also appeared to deliver better overall image quality and smoother motion during testing. That improvement may be tied to PSSR (Sony’s AI-enhanced upscaling on PS5 Pro) being available as an option; PSSR can produce clearer upscaled imagery than standard temporal scaling (TSR), which could explain why the higher-framerate mode also looked sharper. The Xbox Series X is slated to receive a Performance mode capped at 60 fps on August 12, 2025, but without PSSR the Xbox build may not match the PS5 Pro’s upscaling-driven visual edge.
PS5 (OG/Slim): two modes, similar visuals
On the base PS5 models there are both quality and performance modes, but no PSSR option. Because the OG/Slim PlayStation 5 lacks PSSR, visuals in the two modes appear largely similar — likely reflecting optimizations made for the standard PS5 hardware rather than a difference in upscaling tech.
Gameplay and accessibility
Hellblade 2 moves players into combat and the story relatively quickly, so playing the first Hellblade isn’t necessary to enjoy the sequel. Long cutscenes are present but can be skipped, making it easier for newcomers to jump in.
Additional comments
– If you own a PS5 Pro, try switching between performance and quality modes yourself to see which you prefer; the PSSR option may produce a surprisingly pleasant balance of smooth framerate and sharper upscaling.
– Xbox Series X owners should watch for the August 12, 2025 Performance mode update to evaluate how that build compares once the new mode is live.
Logical explanation
Higher framerates reduce motion blur and improve temporal stability; when combined with a more advanced upscaler like PSSR, the net result can be both smoother animation and a perception of improved clarity. That explains why a performance-first mode might sometimes look and feel better than a quality-first mode when the upscaling method is stronger.
Short summary
The Enhanced Edition of Hellblade 2 on PS5 Pro offers distinct performance and quality modes plus a choice of upscalers (TSR vs PSSR). Performance mode on PS5 Pro not only boosts framerate but also appeared visually superior in testing — likely due to PSSR. Base PS5 models have the two modes but no PSSR option, resulting in more similar visuals across modes. Xbox Series X will gain a 60 fps Performance mode on August 12, 2025.
Hopeful note
The Enhanced Edition’s options show developers continuing to extract meaningful visual and performance gains from console hardware. With choices available to match player preferences and an upcoming Xbox Performance mode, more players will be able to experience Senua’s world the way they find most engaging.
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