Watch Dogs Legion, Ubisoft's UK-set open-world game, launches in just a couple of weeks on current-gen consoles, PC, and Stadia. But many fans may be waiting for Watch Dogs Legion to be available on next-gen systems. Watch Dogs Legion will receive a free upgrade for both PS5 and Xbox Series X, though it can be bought individually for each system, too. With next-gen console launches in November, Ubisoft is now seeing fit to release some now-finalized details for Watch Dogs Legion.
In a Q&A on Reddit, Ubisoft live producer Lathieeshe Thillainathan answered a variety of questions about Watch Dogs Legion. One of the most upvoted questions was about how Watch Dogs Legion would perform on next-gen consoles. Thillainathan, perhaps surprisingly, offered a clear and informative response. Watch Dogs Legion will run at 4K resolution with 30fps on both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X consoles.
Thillainathan also notes that Watch Dogs Legion will feature the next-gen lighting technology ray tracing, which at least partially explains why the game isn't targeting 60fps on next-gen consoles. Thillainathan doesn't elaborate on how Watch Dogs Legion uses ray tracing, however, which could mean that it only uses in very limited ways. Ray tracing is known to be a very performance-demanding visual feature, so it's often paired with 30fps.
Also notable is that a follow-up question was asked by fans as to whether Watch Dogs Legion would feature a "Performance Mode" that would offer 60fps. Performance modes are becoming increasingly common, splitting 60fps into its own mode separate from a 30fps mode that prioritizes other visual features. Thillainathan did not respond to this question, however, which likely implies that Watch Dogs Legion either doesn't include a Performance Mode or is still evaluating the option.
Some are understandably disappointed that Watch Dogs Legion is only going to run at 4K 30fps instead of 60fps. Similar offerings were found on the current generation's mid-gen refreshes, after all. But Watch Dogs Legion will assuredly make the most of the new consoles' power in different ways. Nevertheless, with games including Ubisoft's own Assassin's Creed Valhalla targeting 4K 60fps, the lower frame rate does sting some.
Watch Dogs Legion's lower framerate isn't entirely surprising, however. A hands-on PC preview of Watch Dogs Legion from July offered an early look at the game. Analysis of the preview, however, revealed that the game struggled beyond 30fps at Ultra settings with ray tracing turned on. If cutting-edge PC hardware struggled with Watch Dogs Legion, it's actually rather impressive Ubisoft was able to attain 4K 30fps with ray tracing.
Watch Dogs Legion releases October 29 on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support to follow.
Source: Reddit