Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Shines on Xbox Series X/S but Stumbles on PS5

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has arrived, immersing players in the brutal and chaotic universe of Warhammer as they face off against hordes of Tyranids and Chaos Space Marines. While the game has been well-received for its fast-paced combat and immersive world, its performance across different consoles tells a slightly uneven story. According to Digital Foundry’s analysis, the game shines brightest on Xbox Series X/S, while the PlayStation 5 version struggles to keep up in certain areas.

Performance Differences Between PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

One of the standout aspects of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is its ability to deliver intense action scenes filled with swarms of enemies. To accommodate the varying hardware of next-gen consoles, the game offers two different graphical modes: a 30fps quality mode and a 60fps speed mode. On both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, players can choose between these modes, but there are notable performance differences between the two consoles.

1. Resolution and Frame Rate:
   • In quality mode, both PS5 and Series X utilize dynamic resolutions ranging from 1080p to 1440p, which are then upscaled to 4K using FSR2 (FidelityFX Super Resolution 2). This mode offers a stable 30fps experience on both consoles, with only minor hiccups during cutscenes or moments of heavy action.
   • The speed mode, on the other hand, prioritizes frame rate, targeting 60fps. Here, the internal resolution drops to between 720p and 1080p, which is again upscaled to 4K. While the Xbox Series X performs relatively well, maintaining an average frame rate of 45-60fps, the PS5 struggles to keep pace, frequently dipping into the mid-30s during intense combat sequences.
2. Performance Stability:
   • Xbox Series X typically outperforms the PS5 by 10-15fps, especially during moments of intense action like using a flamethrower against a Tyranid swarm. On PS5, these sequences cause significant frame drops, which impacts the fluidity of gameplay.
   • The Series X also benefits from its broader VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) window, ranging from 40Hz to 60Hz, while the PS5’s VRR window is narrower at 48Hz to 60Hz. This allows for a smoother experience on Xbox for players using VRR-compatible displays, as the game can better handle fluctuations in frame rates.
3. Series S Performance:
   • The Xbox Series S offers a slightly reduced experience compared to its more powerful sibling, being locked to a 30fps experience across the board. However, the resolution and settings are largely similar to the 60fps speed mode seen on Series X and PS5, maintaining an internal resolution between 720p and 1080p, which is then upscaled to 1440p. Although Series S experiences occasional dips in performance (dropping as low as 26fps in certain scenes), it still offers a playable experience for budget-conscious gamers.

Why Does Xbox Perform Better Than PS5?

The disparity between PS5 and Xbox Series X performance in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 can be attributed to several factors:

1. Optimization Challenges: Both consoles share similar hardware, but small differences in architecture and optimization can lead to performance variations. The Xbox Series X seems to handle dynamic resolution scaling and CPU-heavy sequences more efficiently, especially during large enemy encounters, whereas the PS5 tends to fall behind.
2. VRR Capabilities: Xbox Series X’s broader VRR window gives it an edge in handling frame rate dips, providing a smoother overall experience. The PS5’s narrower VRR range makes it less capable of managing those frame rate drops, leading to more noticeable stuttering during high-action sequences.
3. Patch Potential: While PS5’s performance is noticeably weaker at launch, it’s worth noting that optimization patches could improve performance over time. Many games launch with performance differences between consoles but are later addressed with patches that bring them to parity. In this case, a future performance-focused patch for the PS5 version could help close the gap, improving frame rates and visual stability.

Which Console Offers the Best Experience?

For players who own both consoles, the Xbox Series X is the clear winner when it comes to performance in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2. The higher average frame rates, combined with a broader VRR range, provide a more fluid and enjoyable gameplay experience, especially for those who prefer playing in 60fps speed mode. However, both consoles deliver a stable 30fps experience in quality mode, so for players prioritizing visual fidelity over performance, either option would suffice.

The PS5, while not unplayable, faces more performance hiccups, particularly in 60fps mode. For those who prefer smoother gameplay, the Series X version is the better choice. But, if you’re a PS5 player, all hope is not lost—future patches could improve the performance and bring it closer to the Xbox Series X standard.

The game offers a solid experience for Series S owners, especially for a more affordable console, although it is capped at 30fps and features slightly lower graphical settings.

PC Performance

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is also available for those who prefer gaming on PC, and early reports suggest that it runs exceptionally well on high-end setups. The game pushes the CPU hard, especially during large-scale battles with massive enemy swarms. However, as of patch 1.02, the game remains smooth for most PC players, provided their systems meet the recommended specifications.