Days Gone - Graphics Settings Comparison

In today's graphical review of the PlayStation exclusive - Days Gone. We will look at graphic settings and their impact on picture quality. We'll also compare the PlayStation 4 version with the PC version.

Let's go directly to testing.

Quality preset. There are 4 settings available: Low, Medium, High, and Maximum. Below you can see the changes, as well as a comparison of the PlayStation 4 version with the PC.

Lighting quality. There are 4 settings to choose from: "Low", "Medium", "High" and "Maximum". Let's look at this graphical parameter in several locations and compare the PlayStation 4 exclusive with the PC version.

First location. Let's compare "High" and "Maximum", here you can see the work of Ambient Occlusion, the difference is noticeable immediately: bright places are shaded (it looks unnatural at times), some shadows disappear. When switching to "Medium", the "accuracy" of shading decreases, the picture becomes flat, you can no longer enjoy the "play" of light. When you select "Low", you get a bright room, but dark lighting outside (pay attention to the window).

Second location. When switching to "High", dynamic local shadows on the grass and foliage disappear. Between "Medium" and "High" there is a change in the gamma of the game, everything becomes yellow - green and unpleasant to the eye. Selecting "Low" removes shading inside buildings.

Consider the difference between the PlayStation 4 version and the PC version. Immediately throws a change in the gamut of the game. On PS4, the game is gloomy, pale, gives off blue. In theory, the PC should win in terms of the number and detail of plants, small details, but no: everything is the same.

The quality of the models. Has a choice of 4 settings: "Low", "Medium", "High" and "Maximum". 

First location. Let's compare "High" and "Maximum": the grass model, fences change. On the "Medium" parameter, sandbags on the roof of a building, car are subject to changes. On "Low" the relief on the models of the fence, cars disappears.

Second location. There are more small objects at this location, and they noticeably lose their relief even when switching to the “High” parameter. No relief - no shading. On the “Medium” parameter, the model of the trees changes, the far-off small hugs disappear. That we can offer "Low"? There are even fewer small details, the absence of stones and a change in their model, as well as toy cars.

Below is a comparison with the PlayStation 4 version. Textures are noticeably sharper on PC.

Foliage display distance. There are 4 settings to choose from: "Low", "Medium", "High" and "Maximum". We will not dwell on this parameter. The drawing distance is different for each parameter, as a result you will get a field where there is not even a blade of grass. Only your character will stand on the green island.

Below is a comparison with the PlayStation 4 version.

Next comes Shadow quality. 3 settings: Low, Medium, High. When switching to "Medium" there is not a huge difference, the shadows have a blurry outline. On "Low" you get a crossed image that lacks dynamic local shadows.

Below is a comparison with the PlayStation 4 version. A noticeable change in color grading towards realism.

The quality of clouds and fog. 3 settings: Low, Medium, High. Extensive 3 parameters, but no change was noticed.

Texture filtering quality. Standard 4 settings: "Low", "Medium", "High" and "Maximum". Noticeable changes when switching to "Medium", less detailed surface at an angle. On "Low" detail disappears completely, it is especially noticeable on the ground, you get a continuous layer.

Below is a comparison with the PlayStation 4 version.

Texture translation quality. 3 settings: Low, Medium, High. The option is responsible for the clarity of surfaces at medium and long distances. There are minimal differences between all parameters.

So, let's sum up. Days Gone has taken a breath of fresh air with the transition to PC. The developers have reworked the lighting and tweaked the contrast, the game has become much less gray.

As you might expect, the game works much better on PC than on PS4. Even on PS4 Pro, the game felt sluggish at times, but on PC it's much more dynamic and beautiful.  

Unfortunately, the PC version of Days Gone doesn't support DLSS, but the game has modest system requirements, and any mid-range gaming PC built over the past few years will likely run it just fine.

Days Gone is worth a try for anyone who wants more of an open world and post-apocalyptic adventure.