Analyzing the PlayStation 5 port of Honkai Star Rail 1.4: All graphics modes and controls explored

Honkai Star Rail 1.4 was launched worldwide on October 11, 2023. Version 1.4 is also the first iteration of the game to be featured on the PlayStation 5. To this extent, the title makes great use of the latest generation of PS hardware, delivering impressive visuals at high frame rates, which is expected from a current-gen AAA release.

Curious readers can find a breakdown of the PlayStation 5 version of HoYoverse's space fantasy RPG below.

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The PlayStation 5 version of Honkai Star Rail maxes out visual fidelity while delivering an optimal experience

The PS5 build of the game (Image via HoYoverse)

The PlayStation 5 version of Honkai Star Rail runs at a maxed-out 3840x2160 resolution (4K) while maintaining the maximum visual fidelity possible. The game does not feature any additional graphics modes offering higher resolutions or frame rates than what is in the base version.

It is likely that this iteration uses an upscaler of sorts, such as AMD’s FSR 2. The visual quality is comparable to the PC’s Very High preset, with supersampling in effect.

V-Sync can be toggled on the PS5 build (Image via HoYoverse)

The PlayStation port also has the ability to toggle V-Sync on or off, although it still remains capped at 60 frames per second. It is highly recommended to keep V-Sync enabled at all times to prevent screen tearing.

Thankfully, the game does not seem to skip or dip frames even in the taxing areas of the Xianzhou Luofu’s Scalegorge Waterscape.

Auto HDR can be forced via the PS5 system menu for a more vibrant image.

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PlayStation 5 controls for Honkai Star Rail

The controls menu for the PS5 version (Image via HoYoverse)

The PlayStation 5 version of Honkai Star Rail has complete DualSense support, incorporating it into the control layout. This should not come as a surprise, as the PC version did come bundled with DualSense support at launch.

A breakdown of the controls is provided below:

• Left analog stick: Character control in open areas
• Right analog stick: Camera control
• X: Select
• O: Back
• Square: Basic ATK
• Triangle: Technique
• Touchpad: Menu selections
• Share: Screenshot/Record
• Options: Phone Menu and Exit

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Is Honkai Star Rail available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro?

Honkai Star Rail will not be available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro. Developer HoYoverse has not commented on the possibility of a future release on these last-gen consoles.

This comes as quite a surprise, given their prior title, Genshin Impact, is available on these systems. However, the game is known to perform rather poorly on the PlayStation 4 systems, with the port suffering from long load times and frequent frame rate dips.

As such, it makes perfect sense for HoYoverse to skip a PlayStation 4/Pro version of its other title, with the last-gen console being too underpowered to deliver a smooth experience.