Crimson Desert will have three dedicated graphics modes on consoles: the Performance, Balanced, and Quality modes. While the Performance mode focuses on providing a smooth gameplay experience, the Quality mode takes special care of visuals. Those who want a fair middle ground can choose the Balanced mode, as it aims to maintain both visuals and a seamless gameplay experience.

This article dives deeper into Crimson Desert‘s graphics modes, so you can understand its technicalities. This will help you choose your ideal game setting for an enjoyable experience.

All Crimson Desert Graphics Settings on Console Explained

Players with high-end consoles like PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and PS5 can enjoy the full potential of Crimson Desert. These three current-gen consoles have three graphics modes (Performance, Quality, and Balanced); however, the Xbox Series S only has two (Performance and Quality). For a better understanding of how they work, we have broken down the explanation below:

Xbox Series S Graphics Modes

On Xbox Series S, Crimson Desert will have a total of two graphics options, which include a Performance and Quality mode. In Performance mode, the game will run at 720p resolution and aim at a steady 40 FPS output (VSync enabled). Those who care more about the visuals can opt for the Quality mode, as it runs on a 1080p resolution, but the only downside is that it remains locked at 30 FPS VSync.

Xbox Series S does not offer ray tracing as it exceeds the hardware’s capabilities. Hence, the above two graphics settings are what Pearl Abyss thinks are better for players.

PerformanceQualityResolution720p1080pTarget Performance40 FPS Vsync30 FPS VsyncRaytracing QualityRaytracing OffRaytracing Off

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Graphics Modes

The PS5 and Xbox Series X are a massive upgrade in terms of performance, and that’s why the developers have enabled ray tracing on all graphics options. Although the quality of the raytracing will differ based on the option you select. For example, if you go for Performance mode, it will run on a 1080p resolution with a low raytracing quality on both consoles. However, it will surely offer you a steady 60 FPS output (VSync/VRR enabled).

On the other hand, the Quality mode offers an upscaled 4K quality (from 1440p resolution). The raytracing quality on the Quality preset is high, so you can expect crisp visuals at first glance. However, performance will take a dip as this graphics mode locks the output at 30 FPS (VSync enabled).

If you want good visuals with a smooth performance, then opting for the Balanced mode is your best bet in this case. Balanced mode aims to deliver a steady 40 FPS output with an upscaled 4K quality (from 1280p resolution). While the raytracing quality on Balanced is low, you won’t find any major difference.

PerformanceBalancedQualityResolution1080pUpscaled 4K (from 1280p, FSR 3)Upscaled 4K (from 1440p, FSR 3)Target Performance60 FPS Vsync/60+ FPS VRR40 FPS Vsync30 FPS VsyncRaytracing QualityRaytracing LowRaytracing LowRaytracing High

PlayStation 5 Pro Graphics Modes

Players who own a PS5 Pro can experience Crimson Desert at its best! PS5 Pro can run the game on an upscaled 4K quality (from 1080p resolution) at 60+ FPS, and a High ray tracing quality. That said, even the Performance mode on this console will bring you close to realistic visuals.

If you choose the Balanced option on PS5 Pro, get ready for the best gameplay experience, as it offers a 40+ FPS output at an upscaled 4K quality (from 1440p resolution). The difference between 4K and Full HD display is barely noticeable here because the ray tracing is on the High setting by default in this preset.

Lastly on Quality mode, PS5 Pro can truly run this game at 4K resolution if you have that kind of display. The only drawback is that it will be locked at 30 FPS throughout. But you can expect the most realistic visuals as the ray tracing on Quality mode is on Ultra by default. You can achieve the highest picture quality on this setting.

PerformanceBalancedQualityResolutionUpscaled 4K (from 1080p, Upgraded PSSR)Upscaled 4K (from 1440p, Upgraded PSSR)4KTarget Performance60 FPS Vsync/60+ FPS VRR40 FPS Vsync/48+ FPS VRR30 FPS VsyncRaytracing QualityRaytracing HighRaytracing HighRaytracing Ultra

Crimson Desert‘s ROG Xbox Ally Specifications are Impressive

A still from Crimson Desert | Credits: Pearl Abyss

While Crimson Desert isn’t a multiplayer experience, it seems like everyone can enjoy it, but in a different way. This game is highly optimised for every platform, and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds make no exceptions here. Pearl Abyss has released a spec sheet that explains how players can experience smooth gameplay with different graphics options.

The lesser version of the handheld, ROG Xbox Ally, has only Performance graphics mode available in the game. In this setting, you can play the game at 720p resolution with a 40 FPS output. For the ROG Xbox Ally X, there are three graphics modes, and we have explained them below:

ROG Xbox AllyROG Xbox Ally XPerformancePerformanceBalancedQualityResolution720 (FSR 3 Frame Generation)Upscaled 1080p (from 720p, FS3 Super Resolution/Frame Generation)Upscaled 1080p (from 720p, FS3 Super Resolution)1080pTarget Performance40 FPS60 FPS40 FPS30 FPS

Unfortunately, there’s no Raytracing available for ROG Xbox Ally models because of the hardware limitations. Still, it will be a fun experience, especially if you learn more about Crimson Desert before diving in.

What game engine does Crimson Desert use?

Crimson Desert was built on Pearl Abyss’s in-house BlackSpace Engine.

How many graphics modes does Crimson Desert have?

Crimson Desert has three primary graphics modes on PS5, Xbox Series X, PS5 Pro, and ROG Xbox Ally X: Performance, Balanced, and Quality.

Is Crimson Desert Steam Deck verified?

No, Crimson Desert is not officially Steam Deck verified.

Can you play Crimson Desert at 60 FPS on ROG Xbox Ally X?

Yes, you can run Crimson Desert at 60 FPS on ROG Xbox Ally X on Performance graphics mode.

Let us know which graphics option you will choose when the game finally releases on March 19, 2026, in the comments below.
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