MeinMMO received a PS5 from Sony for testing purposes: Shooter specialist Sven Galitzki was able to take the next-gen console for a spin. Here he describes how his first experiences with Destiny 2 on the PlayStation 5 turned out.
It is an exciting time around Destiny 2. With the launch of the new expansion Beyond Light and Season 12, Year 4 has begun. Furthermore, the journey for many Guardians is likely to continue on the next-gen consoles PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The Xbox Series X is already available, the PlayStation 5 as well – but only in some countries like the USA. Here in Germany, Sony’s new console launches on November 19. However, MeinMMO has already received a PS5 console from Sony in advance, and I was able to test the PS5.
For me, there was absolutely no question about which game would be the first to examine on the PS5: Destiny 2.
He is a fan of Destiny since the beginning and has spent an enormous amount of time in both parts of the franchise. If there is a game that will forever have a place in his heart, it is Destiny. But countless hours in various “Call of Duty” games, as well as the Division and Battlefield series, are also part of his portfolio.
For Destiny 2 on the PS5, I had to sneak out at night
The backstory: On November 11, I joyfully accepted the package with the PS5 from the mailman. I felt like a little boy just before Christmas, but also somewhat burdened. Because I knew exactly: It couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Due to work and personal commitments, I have no time to test the good piece today and tomorrow (on the 11th and 12th). Moreover, my new 4K TV for the PS5 won’t arrive until Monday. “More than setting it up and with a lot of luck maybe configuring it will not be possible today,” I thought to myself yesterday.
So it happened. I was glad that I could even unpack the PlayStation 5 after work, set it up in a flash (as a PS4 user, you get the hang of it right away) and then quickly started the download of Destiny 2 and The Division 2. I had to leave shortly after.
Late in the evening, I returned, but gaming was out of the question. Because even the house dragon had to be calmed and demanded its time. An old Russian proverb says: Happy Wife, Happy Life.
In short: If I had touched the PS5 any longer, I don’t know if I would have to explain to Sony now how that thing could have fallen out of the window.
Shortly after, I went to bed. But I couldn’t really sleep. I tossed and turned for a while. And when I noticed that Madame was fast asleep, childish curiosity and the gamer in me could no longer be restrained. While most of you might have been sleeping, I quietly sneaked out of the bedroom, checked if the kids were really asleep, sat down at the PS5 and started Destiny 2 right away.
This is how Destiny 2 plays currently on the PS5
Take note: I carried this out quietly and secretly at night, so I didn’t make any precise measurements nor did I conduct detailed comparisons with the PS4 Pro or take many pictures. I will do that in the coming days and weeks.
My key insights into Destiny 2 on PS5: It all started with a big “Oh oh!”. Because during the login, it didn’t feel much faster than it did on the PS4 – probably because here primarily the internet connection, not the hardware of the PlayStation 5, plays a role.
But then the new power was immediately noticeable – at least mostly with the loading times. Currently, Destiny 2 runs via the backward compatibility feature of the PS5. In other words, you are playing the PS4 version with a performance boost. But features like 60 FPS or true 4K resolution – all that comes later with the free upgrade.
Destiny 2 compared PS5 vs. PS4 Pro
However, even this first performance boost already put a smile on my face. The day before, I had played on the PS4 Pro, and the difference was already enormous:
- Destiny 2 ran absolutely smoothly and technically flawlessly.
- In the character menu, there is still a slight delay, but it’s not comparable to what one experiences on the PS4. After about a second, you can already see the character and his equipment.
- The approach to a location is noticeably faster. Often, the actual flight animation is not even played anymore. You see your spaceship launch from orbit, and you are practically already there.
- If you want to examine a weapon, shader, or mods during flight, all of that is possible within 1-3 seconds without any problem. On the PS4 Pro, the inspected weapon often didn’t even show up for me when I was already on the tower.
- If you are traveling with a fixed squad or one formed through matchmaking, the approach might take a bit longer, so solo. But it’s still much faster than before on the PS4.
- The menus and tabs open noticeably faster in general. Swift switching of loadouts is no longer an issue.
- If you want to jump on the Sparrow, just tapping the button is enough, and you’re on it.
- There are no loading pauses between the individual areas anymore. I hopped on the Sparrow and tried to drive around locations like Europa. It went completely smoothly. Without a single stutter, without ever getting stuck with the loading wheel on the screen.
- Even in the tower, I did not experience a single stutter or hang between the individual areas.
- Fast travel over the map of a location is finally living up to its name.
- Even though the 60 FPS are supposed to arrive in December, I generally feel that Destiny 2 now runs much smoother and softer in direct comparison to the PS4 Pro. Maybe the action MMO is already benefiting noticeably from the boost mode of the PlayStation 5.
- The PS5 remained completely silent the whole time, not so much as a peep – no matter how much was happening on screen.
- The new DualSense controller feels extremely precise to me. I always play with maximum sensitivity in Destiny 2, but as precise as the DualSense is, the DualShock of the PS4 doesn’t even come close to that.
A tasty morsel that makes you look forward to December 8
My conclusion: In short: All Guardians who want to get a PS5 – look forward to it. Even with the currently few concrete improvements, such as in loading time and possibly in framerate, Destiny 2 on the PS5 is already a delight for me and no comparison to the PS4.
Those who have enjoyed Destiny on the PlayStation 4 or the PS4 Pro are likely to enjoy it even more on the PS5. It is not a different game, but just by the faster loading, it offers a different, truly fluid experience that will be significantly enhanced on December 8. Then there will be native 4K resolution, 60 FPS in PvE, 120 FPS in PvP, and a FoV slider.
Further details can be found here: Upgrade for PS5 & Xbox Series X coming in December – here’s what to expect
