I tested Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail on two gaming laptops and a PS5 — I was surprised by the results
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When I learned my favorite time-sink MMO, Final Fantasy XIV, was getting a graphics overhaul with the new Dawntrail expansion, I decided I needed to find out exactly what hardware would give me the best experience with the updated textures. The Dawntrail expansion is the latest iteration of the Final Fantasy XIV saga. While the original version of the game is no longer available, the revamped 2.0 base game and five subsequent expansions are still playable. Dawntrail, the 7.0 iteration, boasts a significant graphics update that comes with the launch.
I’d have loved to test every possible system, but I opted to focus on the more common configurations, keeping you, dear readers, in mind. I wanted to see what the best graphics platform would be for the average Final Fantasy XIV player. So, we’re pitting the PlayStation 5 graphics against the Nvidia RTX 4080 and the RTX 4060 to see which platform reigns supreme. To ensure a fair comparison, I ran the same level 85 dungeon, “The Skydeep Cenote,” on the same character, using the same job and a party of NPC companions. This was as close as I could get to a scientific evaluation of the game without resorting to benchmarks.
The results may surprise you.
PlayStation 5 graphics
Sony’s PlayStation 5 may have older hardware compared to brand new gaming PCs, but the 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 processor, 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 graphics card, and 16GB of memory still manage to provide a seamless gaming experience. Sure, you may be capped at a 120Hz refresh rate, but most games don’t manage to push that number that high.
The graphics update for FFXIV: Dawntrail mainly centered around character hair and face textures, the appearance of skin and hair on characters, the appearance of metallic material on specific gear, the appearance of fog, the appearance of water and waves, the appearance of distant terrain, soft shadows, shadows used in the background of some cutscenes, and changes in lighting due to the passage of time. So, a lot of the tweaks are subtle, but when you take a moment to look at characters in closeups, it becomes obvious how much more detail is captured in the 7.0 graphics update.
The PS5 version of the game has never looked so stunning.
Nvidia RTX 4080 graphics
I used the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9) for my RTX 4080 laptop. With an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, and 32GB of memory, the Pro 7i should be more than powerful enough to handle a game that re-launched in 2013. And it is, don’t get me wrong. The game plays smoothly even with the graphics settings toggled to Desktop (High) settings, though I primarily played with the Laptop (High) preset enabled on the Legion Pro 7i.
While you still get those nice lighting and texture changes with the 4080-powered laptop running the game, there isn’t much here that isn’t available in the PS5 version.
Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics
I used the Dell XPS 14 OLED as my RTX 4060 machine. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, and 32GB of memory, the Dell XPS 14 may not be a gaming laptop, but it can do some basic gaming. One thing I noticed with the XPS 14 was that I had to toggle my graphics settings down to the Laptop (Standard) preset to avoid some stuttering, especially as the laptop got hotter after a lot of use or in high-traffic areas where server connection issues could easily crop up.
The revamped facial animations and textures in the RTX 4060 version are certainly still gorgeous, but they lack a bit of depth compared to the RTX 4080 and PS5 versions.
Bottom line
Everyone is going to game on the platform they like best, whether that’s a fully future-proof desktop PC with an Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, a premium laptop with a discrete graphics card like the XPS 14, a high-end gaming laptop with an RTX 4080 like the Legion Pro 7i, a PS5, or even a MacBook Pro.
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But if, like me, you have options, it’s always good to know what the best version of a game is. And for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, you can’t beat the combination of top-tier graphics and low price-point of the PlayStation 5. After all, a $499 console is a bargain compared to a $3,000+ gaming laptop or custom desktop PC. And despite the extra power of the RTX 4080 in the Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9), there isn’t much visible difference between the 4080 and the PS5’s RDNA 2 GPU.
The Verdict: PS5 Reigns Supreme
My testing revealed that the PlayStation 5 delivers the most visually stunning experience for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. While the RTX 4080 offers comparable graphics, the cost difference between a high-end gaming laptop and a PS5 makes the console the more appealing option. The PS5’s RDNA 2 GPU, despite its age, performs exceptionally well, providing crisp visuals and smooth gameplay. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in terms of visuals, the PS5 is the clear winner.
Beyond Graphics: Considering Other Factors
Of course, graphics are only one aspect of the gaming experience. Other factors, such as performance, control, and even community, play a vital role in your enjoyment of a game. The PS5 excels in terms of performance, providing a smooth and consistent experience with minimal lag. However, if you prioritize customization and control, a gaming PC might be a better choice. Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
The Dawntrail Update: A Graphical Masterpiece
Regardless of your platform, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail‘s graphics update is a remarkable achievement. The enhanced detail, particularly in character models and environmental textures, elevates the game’s visual fidelity to new heights. From shimmering water to intricate facial features, the game world comes alive in a way that was previously unimaginable. The Dawntrail expansion brings a fresh, vibrant look to Final Fantasy XIV, making the game even more immersive and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned Final Fantasy XIV veteran or a newcomer to the world of Eorzea, the Dawntrail expansion is a must-try. The graphics update alone is a significant improvement, but the expansion also brings new story content, dungeons, raids, and more. Explore the stunning new landscapes, engage in thrilling battles, and discover the secrets hidden within the Dawntrail expansion. With its combination of captivating gameplay, engaging story, and impressive visuals, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a true testament to the enduring legacy of the franchise.
What hardware configurations were tested for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail?
I tested Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail on two gaming laptops and a PS5.
What were the main focus areas of the graphics update in the Dawntrail expansion?
The graphics update for FFXIV: Dawntrail mainly centered around character hair and face textures, skin and hair appearance, metallic material on gear, fog, water and waves appearance, distant terrain, shadows, and lighting changes.
How did the PlayStation 5 perform in the comparison with Nvidia RTX 4080 and RTX 4060?
Sony’s PlayStation 5 with its 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 processor, 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 graphics card, and 16GB of memory provided a seamless gaming experience, even though it may have older hardware compared to brand new gaming PCs.
What was the approach taken to ensure a fair comparison between the different platforms?
To ensure a fair comparison, the same level 85 dungeon, “The Skydeep Cenote,” was run on the same character, using the same job and a party of NPC companions across all platforms.
