Ghost of Tsushima, the open-world masterpiece set during the 1274 Mongol Invasion of Japan, has finally been released on PC. Originally a PlayStation exclusive, the game has generated immense excitement among PC gamers. However, many of Sony’s PC ports of PS-exclusive games have often faced performance issues on launch. We were concerned about that, too. Thanks to a copy provided by Sony, we tested the game thoroughly to give you a complete performance overview. Let’s dive into our findings!
Table of Contents
Ghost of Tsushima PC: A Brief Overview
For those unfamiliar with the game, Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world RPG set in 1274 feudal Japan during the Mongol Invasion. The story follows Jin Sakai, a young Samurai attempting to free Tsushima Island from the Mongols. The antagonist, Khotun Khan, has captured Jin’s uncle, Shimura, setting off a gripping narrative.
Much of the story focuses on Jin transforming into a Ghost, a stealthy operative who performs assassinations, diverging from his Samurai code of honor. While the story starts slowly, it becomes intense and captivating, making it enjoyable for any gamer.
Test Setup and Methodology
Our performance tests were conducted using a system with the following specifications:
Test Setup:
- CPU: Intel i3-10100F (10th Gen)
- GPU: GTX 4060 @8GB
- RAM: 14 GB
- SSD: 1TB Seagate
We tested Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on our preferred resolutions of 1080p and 2K with the highest graphical settings. Our testing also included running with and without DLSS to measure AI frame generation and its absence. Although we wanted to test 4K, specific errors prevented us. Here are the results.
Ghost of Tsushima PC Performance (Tested)
1080p Highest Settings Performance
As expected, Ghost of Tsushima on PC ran comfortably at 1080p at the highest settings, maintaining a solid 60-65 FPS without DLSS upscaling. The GPU temperature remained around 56-58°C, with usage at 45-55% in most areas. Occasionally, it spiked to 70% while traveling through the beautiful grass meadows, but overall, it remained stable.
The CPU usage comfortably sat around 47-50%, sometimes spiking to 60% in grassy areas.
Using DLSS, the game achieved 100+ average FPS without issues, a significant improvement. The GPU temperature stayed mostly unaffected with DLSS at around 60°C. However, with DLSS and Frame Generation on, the GPU usage spiked to 65-75%, while the CPU usage remained largely unaffected.
FPS Breakdown:
- DLSS + Frame Generation OFF: Average: 60 | Maximum: 70 | Minimum: 55
- DLSS + Frame Generation ON: Average: 100 | Maximum: 110 | Minimum: 80
1440p Highest Settings Performance
At the highest settings, the game saw a noticeable drop in performance at 1440p compared to 1080p. With DLSS off, Ghost of Tsushima ran at an average FPS of 30-35, barely playable.
The GPU temperature soared to 65°C, with the GPU utilized at about 65% and the CPU usage in the 55-60% range.
Turning on DLSS for frame generation provided a much better experience. The frames spiked to 55-60 on average, sometimes dropping to 40 in some areas. The CPU usage remained around 60%, occasionally spiking to 80%. The GPU usage mostly stayed between 70-80%, touching 100% at times. The GPU temperature hit 68°C, occasionally spiking over 70°C.
However, at 2K with DLSS, there was occasional unresponsiveness of generative frames, which was slightly annoying. The game ran much smoother at 1080p with DLSS on.
FPS Breakdown:
- DLSS + Frame Generation OFF: Average: 35 | Maximum: 50 | Minimum: 20
- DLSS + Frame Generation ON: Average: 55 | Maximum: 70 | Minimum: 40
Playable Settings Overview
Compared to the highest settings, Ghost of Tsushima ran exceptionally well without DLSS on 1080p on the preset “High Setting.” Turning down the Volumetric Fog option to High from Ultimate resulted in a 15 FPS spike.
The game ran smoothly on the High Setting without DLSS, averaging 70 FPS. While there were minor dips, they were not significant. The GPU usage remained steady at around 50%, sometimes spiking to 70%. The GPU temperature was comfortable at 56°C.
The CPU usage also stayed around 47-50% without much fluctuation.
FPS Breakdown:
- DLSS + Frame Generation OFF at High Settings: Average: 70 | Maximum: 80 | Minimum: 65
Common Issues and Bugs
Despite its strengths, the Ghost of Tsushima PC port has issues. We encountered minor glitches, such as textures not loading in some scenarios and screen flickering in dark cutscenes, especially at the start of the game. Thankfully, these were infrequent and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience.
Additionally, the FSR 3.1 frame generation currently doesn’t work for many players, causing the game to crash after selecting the settings. Another notable issue was that the textures and shaders were not loading and were replaced by green flashes. Although this wasn’t frequent, it was disruptive, especially during cutscenes.
Comparative Analysis with Console Version
The PC of Ghost of Tsushima shows noticeable improvements over the console version, especially regarding graphical fidelity and performance. The game benefits from higher frame rates and improved visual effects, making the gameplay experience smoother and more immersive. While the PlayStation version was already impressive, the PC port takes full advantage of more powerful hardware capabilities.
Graphics and Visual Fidelity
Ghost of Tsushima excels in visual fidelity, with stunning graphics that bring feudal Japan to life. At the highest settings, the game showcases intricate details in character models, environments, and lighting. The PC version allows for even more graphical enhancements, making the world of Tsushima more vibrant and detailed.
Sound and Audio Performance
The audio quality in Ghost of Tsushima is exceptional. The game has a rich soundtrack and immersive sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience. We encountered no significant audio issues during our testing, and the sound quality remained consistent.
Gameplay Experience on PC
The overall PC gameplay experience is smooth and responsive. Combat feels fluid, and the controls are well-optimized for keyboard, mouse, and game controllers. Ghost of Tsushima stands out for its polished mechanics and engaging gameplay compared to other PC games in the genre.
Final Thoughts on PC Port
Ghost of Tsushima on PC is nearly a perfect port, with minor issues that do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The game runs smoothly at various settings, and the visual and performance enhancements make it a worthwhile purchase for PC gamers. While some bugs need addressing, the game remains a fantastic addition to any gamer’s library.
Conclusion
Ghost of Tsushima’s PC port delivers a visually stunning and delightful experience. Despite minor technical issues, the game runs well on various hardware configurations, offering an engaging and immersive journey through feudal Japan. We highly recommend it to both new players and those who enjoyed it on PlayStation.
