Spider-Man 2 Version 1.004.000 Adds New Graphics Modes and Ray Tracing

Insomniac Games has published an update for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 that allows players to take advantage of the graphics and performance options for the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro.

The Sony developer announced the update, along with a similar update for 2021’s Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, on social media today. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 patch 1.004 is almost entirely focused granting owners of the soon-to-release console additional visual options to ensure they are either swinging through New York City with improved graphics or a higher framerate.

Insomniac says that the default will be set to Performance Pro mode, which targets 60fps “while retaining the image quality of the standard Fidelity mode through use of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).” This is the setting that the team recommends, as it also toggles on all ray-tracing (RT) features.

On the flip side is the 30fps Fidelity Pro mode. Insomniac says this is the visual option for those looking to “experiment” with some of the new ray-tracing features offered by the PS5 Pro, which can be tuned to each player’s preference. With Fidelity Pro, you may also notice that pedestrian and traffic density may be increased in a few locations in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, with hair detail also getting a bump.

Update 1.004 also comes with a trio of new graphical toggles: RT Key Light Shadows, RT Reflections & Interiors, and RT Ambient Occlusion. All three tools are for those who like to tailor their gaming experiences right down to the finest details, though Insomniac warns that you’ll notice changes in certain portions of New York more than others.

Expect many of the same PS5 Pro enhancements if you check out Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart update 1.005, too, including a default Performance Pro mode and Fidelity Pro mode. This patch also fixes “missing fur wetness” in some of the cinematics that take place on Corson V.

The PS5 5 Pro won’t be out for another few weeks, but it’s still caused quite the stir among fans of Sony’s gaming endeavors since the company pulled back the curtain last month. The device was revealed to cost a steep $700, drawing criticism from those who believe the upgrade isn’t worth the price. We’ll know more about just how substantial the improvements are come launch next month.

While we wait for the PS5 Pro to launch on November 7, you can check out our hands-on preview. You can also check out why we think Sony’s latest hardware release is too much for too little. Finally, you can see full patch notes for both Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart below.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Update 1.004.000 Patch Notes

THE NEW GRAPHICS MODES

PERFORMANCE PRO (Default for PlayStation 5 Pro)

This mode targets a smooth 60 frames per second while retaining the image quality of the standard Fidelity mode through use of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). All ray-tracing (RT) features are on, including ray-traced reflections, ray-tracing on water, and ray-traced window interiors. This mode is recommended for most players.

FIDELITY PRO

This mode targets 30 frames per second for players who want to experiment with new ray-tracing graphical features. These new features can be tuned individually to reach higher intermediate frame rates, especially when using the “VRR” or “120 Hz Display Mode” options. Pedestrian and traffic density may be increased in some areas, and fine hair detail is increased.

NEW GRAPHICAL TOGGLES

RT Key Light Shadows : Off (Performance) / On (Fidelity default)
Use ray-tracing to calculate sun shadows at mid- to far-distance, replacing cascaded shadow maps. This improvement is most impactful on city views. Only available in the “Fidelity Pro” graphics mode.

RT Reflections & Interiors : Medium (Performance) / High (Fidelity default)
Set the quality level for ray-traced reflections and building window interiors. The “Medium” setting ray-traces at half render resolution, and the “High” setting ray-traces at full render resolution. The “High” setting will also improve smoothness of animation in reflections and interiors. Only available in the “Fidelity Pro” graphics mode.

RT Ambient Occlusion : Off (Performance) / Medium / High (Fidelity default)
Use ray-tracing to compute additional ambient occlusion lighting information. The “Medium” setting uses that information to augment screen-space ambient occlusion. The “High” setting also adds a screen-space GI bounce for additional ambient lighting information. The visual impact of this feature will vary greatly based on the scene.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Update 1.005.000 Patch Notes

THE NEW GRAPHICS MODES

PERFORMANCE PRO (Default for PlayStation 5 Pro)

This mode targets a smooth 60 frames per second while retaining the image quality of the standard Fidelity mode through use of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). All ray-tracing (RT) features are on, including ray-traced reflections, ray-tracing on water, and ray-traced window interiors. This mode is recommended for most players.

FIDELITY PRO

This mode targets 30 frames per second for players who want to experiment with new ray-tracing graphical features. These new features can be tuned individually to reach higher intermediate frame rates, especially when using the “VRR” or “120 Hz Display Mode” options. Pedestrian and traffic density may be increased in some areas, and fine hair detail is increased.

NEW GRAPHICAL TOGGLES

RT Reflections: Medium (Performance) / High (Fidelity default)
Set the quality level for ray-traced reflections. The “Medium” setting ray-traces at half render resolution, and the “High” setting ray-traces at full render resolution. The “High” setting will also improve smoothness of animation in reflections. Only available in the “Fidelity Pro” graphics mode.

RT Ambient Occlusion : Off (Performance) / Medium / High (Fidelity default)
Use ray-tracing to compute additional ambient occlusion lighting information. The “Medium” setting uses that information to augment screen-space ambient occlusion. The “High” setting also adds a screen-space GI bounce for additional ambient lighting information. The visual impact of this feature will vary greatly based on the scene.

MISCELLANEOUS FIXES

• Fixes missing fur wetness in some cinematics on Corson V that was introduced in a previous patch.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

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