The Outer Worlds 2 Patch Prioritizes Stability, Disables PSSR on PS5 Pro
Obsidian Entertainment recently released update 1.0.4.1 for The Outer Worlds 2,a patch notable for an unexpected change: the disabling of Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Resolution Scaling (PSSR) technology on the PlayStation 5 Pro. While PSSR aims to enhance image sharpness and performance through upscaling, its implementation in The Outer Worlds 2 resulted in a degraded visual experience in certain areas of the game.
According to reports, including coverage from PushSquare, the decision to revert to Temporal Super Resolution (TSR) was made to address specific graphical issues.These included blurry textures on Paradise island and noticeable light noise appearing in various environments. TSR, a more established upscaling technique relying on frame analysis, provides more predictable results compared to PSSR’s machine learning-based dynamic upscaling.
Although PSSR theoretically offers superior visual fidelity and performance, The Outer Worlds 2 encountered technical challenges with its integration. Obsidian has stated their intention to revisit PSSR implementation once bugs are resolved and optimization is improved. For now, TSR delivers a more stable and consistent image on the PS5 Pro.
The patch extends beyond graphics improvements, addressing a range of issues including game crashes, save loading problems, mission and dialog errors, and audio glitches – notably, reducing the volume of the double jump boots. Xbox players also benefit from the update, with the elimination of a distracting “blue noise” effect appearing around grass and monitor edges.
This situation highlights the complexities of integrating new graphics technologies into multiplatform game advancement. The case of The Outer Worlds 2 and PSSR demonstrates that even advanced solutions can negatively impact the player experience if not properly calibrated. Obsidian’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing a stable and reliable visual presentation over cutting-edge, but currently problematic, technology.
