Third-person shooters have long been a staple of action gaming, combining dynamic combat mechanics with a strong emphasis on spatial awareness and movement. With the power of the PlayStation 5, you have access to smoother framerates, faster load times, and more immersive experiences. But simply owning a PS5 doesn’t guarantee the best gameplay—you need to optimize your settings to truly elevate your performance and enjoyment in the world of third-person shooters.
TL;DR
To play third-person shooters at their best on the PS5, start by configuring your performance and display settings for higher framerates and better clarity. Adjust your controller settings for speed and precision, especially for aiming and movement. Use 3D audio and customize your HUD for increased situational awareness. Lastly, ensure your internet connection is stable for a seamless multiplayer experience.
1. Set Performance Mode as Default
Third-person shooters rely on fast reflexes and smooth gameplay, especially in competitive settings like Fortnite or The Division 2. By default, some games may favor resolution over framerate. You’ll want to flip that script.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets
- Select Performance Mode over Resolution Mode
This setting tells the PS5 to prioritize high frame rates (often targeting 60 FPS or more) to reduce input lag and deliver a snappier experience—crucial for fast-paced action where every millisecond counts.
2. Calibrate Display Settings for Better Visibility
In third-person shooters, visibility is half the battle. You need to clearly distinguish enemies from the environment, especially in dim or cluttered scenes. Your TV or monitor, paired with your display settings, play a massive role in combat effectiveness.
- Enable HDR if your display supports it, which offers a better contrast range
- Adjust in-game brightness sliders to brighten shadows without washing out details
- Use Game Mode on your display to reduce latency
Consider opting for a monitor with low input lag and a high refresh rate (at least 120Hz) for optimal performance, especially if you’re seriously into competitive gaming.
3. Customize Controller Settings for Precision
The DualSense controller is the heart of the PS5 experience, offering adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. However, every player’s preferences differ. Tailoring your controller settings to match your playstyle can provide better precision and quicker reactions in firefights.
Key adjustments to make:
- Adjust Aim Sensitivity: Find a level that lets you turn quickly without overshooting your target. Many shooters allow fine-tuning horizontal and vertical look speeds separately.
- Turn off Trigger Resistance: While immersive, adaptive triggers can create unwanted resistance during rapid aiming or shooting.
- Remap Buttons: Games like Fortnite let you assign key actions like crouch or sprint to more intuitive buttons, which can be critical in high-pressure situations.
Also, consider using the PS5’s support for back-button attachments from previous-generation accessories if you’re comfortable with alternate control schemes.
4. Use 3D Audio for Maximum Situational Awareness
What you don’t see can definitely hurt you, and this is where PS5’s 3D Tempest Engine shines. Games like Returnal and Resident Evil Village make full use of 3D audio to help players perceive threats around them.
- Plug in a high-quality headset (any stereo or Pulse 3D headset will do)
- Go to Settings > Sound > 3D Audio for Headphones and enable it
- Test and select a 3D audio profile that matches the shape of your ears
Being able to pinpoint where shots are coming from or which direction footsteps are approaching from gives you a distinct edge in tense close-quarters fights.
5. Optimize In-Game HUD and Reticle Settings
A cluttered HUD can distract you, and default crosshairs might not suit your targeting style. Most shooters give you granular control over your user interface—use it to your advantage.
Consider these changes:
- Enable hit markers and damage numbers for better feedback
- Color-blind mode or custom reticle colors for increased visibility in fast-paced scenes
- Minimize HUD clutter by hiding non-essential indicators like teammate names or minimaps when not in use
Mastering the HUD and visual cues sharpens your focus and keeps you locked into the action, not lost in icons.
6. Manage Game Storage for Speed
Another underrated edge lies in your SSD management. PS5’s built-in SSD offers lightning-fast load times, but when it fills up, performance may dip or lag may creep into older titles.
Tips to keep your storage optimized:
- Remove unused games or game modes you no longer play
- Transfer PS4 titles to an external HDD if you’re not using them regularly
- Keep your system firmware and game patches updated to ensure any performance fixes or enhancements are applied
Use the Storage tab under settings to manage and streamline your internal SSD storage for faster boot and load times during critical moments.
7. Use a Wired Connection for Online Stability
Lag can be your worst enemy in online third-person shooters. A slightly delayed click could mean the difference between a perfect headshot and respawning at a checkpoint. To ensure stable online play:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection to significantly reduce latency and packet loss
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on your router for gaming traffic
- Position your PS5 close to your router if you’re forced to use Wi-Fi, and use the 5GHz band when possible
Low-ping, high-speed connections are critical in battle royales and multiplayer titles like The Division 2, Red Dead Online, or GTA Online.
8. Fine-Tune Game-Specific Settings
No two games are the same, and many third-person shooters come with an array of settings designed specifically for enhanced performance or accessibility. It pays to dive into each game’s options menu to see what’s available.
Look for:
- Toggle Aim Assist: Especially useful with controllers in offline modes or cooperative PvE content
- Control Presets: Tactical layouts may provide faster access to commonly used actions
- Camera Sensitivity and Dead Zones: Tweaking these can help reduce aim drift or over-rotation
Keep a record or screenshot of preferred settings once dialed in—especially if you tend to play multiple games regularly.
Conclusion
Optimizing your PS5 for third-person shooters is about creating synergy between your hardware, your settings, and your style of play. From smoother framerates and better audio awareness to controller configurations and lag reduction, each step enhances your immersion and performance. With these tweaks and habits in place, you’ll be fully equipped to take on any skirmish, heist, or alien swarm at peak efficiency.
The PlayStation 5 offers incredible potential—you just need to unlock it strategically. Happy hunting!