Fortnite: New Unreal Engine 5.1 Graphics Update Looks Amazing On Xbox Series S

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Avinash Jaisrani

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The Xbox Series S is a divisive console. Many fans have come to love the console for its affordable price point, but it has also received a lot of criticism for its drawbacks compared to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

While the Xbox Series S is undeniably a step down from the other two consoles, Fortnite’s Unreal Engine 5.1 upgrade looks stunning on the Xbox Series S, giving fans some hope for the future of the Xbox Series S.

I recorded gameplay of Fortnite Chapter 4 on my Xbox Series S to show the new Unreal Engine 5.1 visualization features. You can see the ray traced reflections, detailed shadowing, and temporal super resolution. #Fortnite #FortniteFracture #Fortnitechapter4 pic.twitter.com/hS2KWGMpB3

— Rebs Gaming (@Mr_Rebs_) December 4, 2022

Fortnite on the Xbox Series S now supports brand-new features like Nanite, Lumen, Virtual Shadow Maps, and Temporal Super Resolution. 

Nanite allows for highly detailed architecture, drastically improving the game’s objects like buildings and towers. Lumen improves the lighting through real-time global illumination along with ray-traced reflections.

Virtual Shadow Maps further improve lighting through realistic and accurate shadows. Finally, the Temporal Super Resolution offers an upgrade over the previous Temporal Anti-Aliasing implementation in the game. 

As seen above, these features come together to offer a dramatically different experience compared to the previous iteration of Fortnite. Surprisingly, these new features run exceptionally well on the weaker Xbox Series S hardware at 60 frames per second.

Previously, Xbox Series S was subject to criticism from a Rocksteady developer after it was revealed that Gotham Knights runs at 30 fps on consoles. Soon after, another developer claimed that studios pushed to drop support for Xbox Series S hardware.

However, Epic Games has not disappointed Xbox Series S users. The game appears to utilize all the new features while maintaining a solid frame rate. While a more expensive PC will offer a superior experience, budget gaming fans will likely be pleased with this performance. 

The Xbox Series S might be inferior to the other consoles, but it is far from incapable. Evil West Lead Producer also stated that the console did not hold them back. 

Microsoft has seen great success with the Xbox Series S so far. The console starts at a $299 price tag but can often be found for much lower. As such, the console has already captured a sizable portion of the market, and fans will be glad to see titles like Fortnite utilizing the console to its full extent. 

Do you own the Xbox Series S? Do you play Fortnite? What do you think about the new update? Let us know in the comments. 

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Avinash Jaisrani

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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