The PlayStation 5 is powerful enough to render Cyberpunk 2077 with path tracing enabled, but doing so comes at a steep cost to performance. Testing shows the console can achieve around 35 frames per second only when internal resolution is dropped to an effective 348p—well below what most modern displays can natively support.
Path tracing in Cyberpunk 2077 demands significant computational resources, pushing the PS5’s hardware to its limits. Even with resolution scaling, the visual output suffers noticeable artifacts and softness that detract from the experience. This trade-off highlights a fundamental challenge for next-gen consoles when tackling advanced rendering techniques.
While the PS5 excels at delivering high frame rates in traditional rasterized modes, path tracing introduces a different set of constraints. The console’s custom AMD RDNA 2 architecture is optimized for performance over pure visual fidelity in demanding scenarios, forcing developers to make tough choices between smooth gameplay and photorealistic lighting effects.
For players expecting Cyberpunk 2077 to run flawlessly on the PS5 with all features enabled, this reality serves as a reminder of the compromises that still exist even on cutting-edge hardware. The question now is whether future titles will push these limits further—or if path tracing remains a niche feature reserved for static showcases rather than interactive experiences.
