A recent technical discovery by the modding community, analyzed by Digital Foundry, confirms that Red Dead Redemption 2 can maintain a stable 60 frames per second (FPS) on PlayStation 5 hardware. This feat, achieved through a custom software hack, highlights that the console’s internal resources are sufficient for higher frame rates, despite Rockstar Games maintaining a 30 FPS lock on the title since its 2018 launch.
The Technical Reality of the 60 FPS Hack
The ability to run Red Dead Redemption 2 at 60 FPS on a console is not the result of an official update, but rather a modification of the game’s existing PS4 code. According to Digital Foundry’s analysis, the project—spearheaded by a modder known as Illusion—utilizes tools like libhijacker to strip away the software-imposed 30 FPS cap. Because the PlayStation 5 possesses significantly higher processing power than the original PS4 or PS4 Pro, the hardware handles the increased frame rate without needing a complete engine overhaul.
Did you know? While the first Red Dead Redemption received an official patch to enable 60 FPS on current-gen consoles, Rockstar Games has released no such update for the sequel, leaving it as a legacy PS4 application via backward compatibility.
Risks and Barriers to Entry
While the visual improvement is significant—offering smoother camera movement, more responsive gunfights, and increased fluidity—accessing this performance comes with major caveats. Digital Foundry notes that this mod only functions on PlayStation 5 consoles running specific, older firmware versions (typically between 3.00 and 4.51).
For the average user, this approach is impractical and risky. Modifying a console firmware can result in:
- Permanent loss of the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Risk of a permanent ban from the PlayStation Network (PSN).
- System instability or exposure to software bugs not present in the base game.
Industry Trends and the Future of FPS Boosting
The community frustration surrounding the lack of a “next-gen” patch is well-documented. Reports from ScreenRant indicate that players have grown weary of the 30 FPS limitation, often expressing that they would prefer a simple performance mode over a full graphical remaster.
This situation draws a direct comparison to Microsoft’s “FPS Boost” program on the Xbox Series X|S. Digital Foundry suggests that Sony could theoretically implement a similar system, where the platform holder works with publishers to unlock frame rates for legacy titles. As Rockstar Games shifts its focus toward the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, the question remains whether they will revisit the 1899 setting of Red Dead Redemption 2 to provide an official, safe path to 60 FPS for console users.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get 60 FPS on my updated PS5?
- No. The current modification requires a specific, older firmware version and cannot be applied to consoles that have been updated to the latest system software.
- Is there an official 60 FPS update from Rockstar?
- As of now, Rockstar Games has not released a patch to unlock the frame rate for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series consoles.
- Does the hack change the game’s graphics?
- No. The patch primarily removes the software limit, allowing the game to run at the console’s maximum potential frame rate without modifying textures or models.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for the most fluid experience for Red Dead Redemption 2, the PC version remains the only officially supported way to play the game at 60 FPS and higher.
Have you tried playing RDR2 on different platforms? Share your thoughts on whether you prioritize frame rate over resolution in the comments below.
