Along with the recent Overwatch patch that delivered the Pachimari Challenge (available from March 9th to March 22nd, 2021), various bug fixes and Workshop additions, Blizzard also added proper support for the Xbox Series X/S, yet nothing has been announced for the PS5.
While there is nothing too drastic in terms of optimisation, there is one key feature that has been added to help you to decide how you want the game to perform. This feature allows you to change how the framerate and resolution play out depending on your gameplay preference.
Here are the three selectable options:
- Resolution: “This mode prefers higher-resolution output at the cost of some image-quality (Series X: 4K @ 60Hz, Series S: 1440p @ 60Hz)”
- Balanced: “This mode prefers image-quality at the cost of resolution (Series X: 1440p @ 60 Hz, Series S: 1080p @ 60Hz)”
- Framerate: “This mode prefers higher frame-rate at 120 frames-per-second at the cost of both image-quality and resolution (Series X: 1440p @ 120Hz, Series S: 1080p @ 120Hz)”
Now, there is no “best” option here; it’s mostly down to how you play the game. If you’re a more competitive player who values performance above all else, use the framerate option, but if you prefer a more immersive and visual experience, use the resolution option. If you’re indecisive, go for the balanced option. The game automatically selects “Resolution”, so be sure to change this if you want one of the other selections.
These changes are noticeable right away upon launching Overwatch after the update, even in the menu itself. It feels much smoother, as well as the transitions between the different menus and hero cosmetics. The replay system feels much more responsive and easier to use with this patch, too.
NO NEWS FOR PS5
While players on the Xbox Series X/S are enjoying the significant menu FPS smoothing and in-game performance changes, the PlayStation 5 has had no indication of receiving this update. It is only fair to assume that the update will arrive soon, considering that the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro had game performance updates on the same day.
It seems that it’s only a matter of time until we hop onto Overwatch 2 and see how it takes full advantage of the newer consoles. Unfortunately, it will not be in 2021 that we see this release, but the wait makes it all that much more exciting.
What are your thoughts on the Overwatch Xbox Series X/S update?