When Kratos swings the ax and cuts through Norse mythology, we all feel the force of his wrath. But how different does this massive journey feel on PlayStation 5 and PC? We already saw how in our PS5 review at the end of 2022 God of War Ragnarök made hearts beat faster on the console – from the breathtaking graphics to the masterfully implemented story. Now Kratos has recently conquered the PC. We take a detailed look at how both versions compare and whether the PC might come closer to the gods.
Technical Titans: Graphics and Performance
Let’s start with the core question: How much more do PCs really offer when it comes to graphics splendor? On the PS5 you can choose between quality mode (native 4K at 30 FPS) and performance mode (dynamic resolution around 1800p at a stable 60 FPS). With VRR-capable screens, the PS5 can even exceed 60 FPS in certain modes. What the PS5 lacks, however, is the deep customization options that the PC offers. Thanks to technologies like DLSS, FSR and XeSS, PC gamers with powerful GPUs can not only experience native 4K and over 60 FPS, but also adapt the game to their individual preferences.
The PC version of God of War Ragnarök also shines with a feature that takes the immersive experience to a new level: ultra-widescreen support. If you play in 21:9 or even 32:9, you will be literally drawn into the Nordic world, making it feel like you are looking through the window of a Viking ship. The performance remains strong even at high frame rates, provided the hardware is right.
Loading times: who is faster?
Both versions score points with clever tricks to hide loading times. On the PS5, loading times are impressively fast thanks to the SSD and switching between realms takes place with almost no noticeable delay. There are hardly any loading screens on the PC either, although slightly delayed texture or object loading may occur in some areas. Here the PS5 scores with better optimization – but this is only noticeable in rare moments on the PC.
Stability and Bugs: A Rocky Road?
Runs on both platforms God of War Ragnarök largely stable. The PS5 is almost unshakable, while the PC shows slight weaknesses every now and then. Occasional pop-ins and minor frame rate drops were noticed on the PC, particularly in the realm transition zone of Svartalfheim, which do not occur in this form on the PS5. But these are rare enough not to disrupt the overall experience.
Some PC gamers also reported a crash that is believed to be due to excessive GPU usage – an issue that simply doesn’t exist on the PS5. However, this is an isolated issue that only affects a few users.
Control and customizability: Which is better?
The controls on the PS5 are particularly immersive thanks to the haptic feedback functions of the DualSense controller. Every blow from Kratos, every pull of the ax is noticeable, and the adaptive triggers also contribute to the atmospheric density. On the PC, however, you can adapt the controls to your personal preferences – everything from mouse and keyboard to different gamepads is possible. However, if you also use the DualSense on your PC, you can still enjoy these special features.
Conclusion: A victory for the PC or for the PS5?
In summary, it can be said that both platforms have their strengths. The PS5 version is perfectly optimized for console gamers and offers an incredibly stable, visually stunning experience. The DualSense feature takes immersion to another level, and with 60 FPS in performance mode, the PS5 also delivers enough power for action-packed battles.
The PC version of God of War Ragnarök However, it scores with a wider range of customization options. Gamers with powerful hardware will experience higher frame rates, native 4K graphics and even ultra-widescreen. There are small technical stumbling blocks, but for the hardcore PC gamer the version offers maximum freedom and flexibility.
