The First Descendant - PS5/Series X|S/PC Tech Review - Ray Tracing and AMD FSR3 Frame Gen Tested

Update 26/07/24: A quick clarification that our video shows PS5 targeting 90fps while using its frame gen mode on the latest patch - meaning the results here are accurate to its most current performance as of publishing. Likewise, Xbox Series X/S are presented here running with a 60fps cap with frame gen enabled - again on the most current update. However, it’s curious to note that on previous patches PS5 and Series X/S targeted different frame-rates with frame gen enabled: at one point PS5’s frame gen option also targeted 60fps, and prior to that the frame gen mode even targeted the full 120fps on both PS5 and Series X. As an aside, while in-engine gameplay currently caps at 60fps on Xbox, the HUD overlay (ie. the destination marker) updates at 90fps with frame gen, which causes an issue with frame rate detection tools. This only affects Xbox, and not PS5: hence, the HUD is disabled in the video on Xbox to show actual gameplay performance. Regardless, the results reported on other channels - with each fully unlocked to 120fps - were true of their performance at their time of publishing, but our analysis shows where it stands on 25th July 2024. It’s mode overload once again in The First Descendant - a new Unreal Engine 5 loot shooter with more than just a passing resemblance to Bungie’s Destiny. PS5, Series X and S each offer up 30, 40 and 60FPS modes - with an additional option to add in AMD’s FSR 3 frame generation technology, or even ray tracing. But between all the options here, has developer Nexon Games given us any ideal way to enjoy the game - or are there combinations to avoid? Want some DF-branded tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and various items based on DF catchphrases? Check out our store: Join the DF Supporter Program for pristine video downloads, behind the scenes content, early access to DF Retro, early access to DF Direct Weekly and much, much more: Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:32 Ray Tracing Tested 00:04:48 PS5/Series X 30/40/60FPS Modes 00:08:21 Series X FSR 3 Frame Gen 00:12:31 PS5 FSR 3 Frame Gen 00:15:05 Series S 30/40/60FPS Modes 00:16:45 Series S Frame Gen 00:18:25 Final Thoughts