Control HDR update is out now for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

Control’s October 2025 Update Unleashes HDR, Unlocked Frame Rates, and Exclusive Content on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

The highly anticipated October 2025 update for Remedy Entertainment’s acclaimed title, Control, has finally landed on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, ushering in a suite of transformative enhancements that elevate the supernatural action-adventure experience to new visual and performance heights. This substantial patch introduces long-awaited High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, offers an unlocked frame rate for unparalleled fluidity, and crucially, integrates previously platform-exclusive mission content for all players across the current generation of consoles. While the PC version of Control received these advancements earlier in March, the console debut marks a significant moment for players on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S, promising a more immersive and visually stunning journey through the enigmatic halls of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC).

A Visual Revolution: Embracing HDR and Enhanced Color Depth

One of the most impactful additions in this October 2025 update is the introduction of HDR support for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This technological leap dramatically expands the contrast ratio and color spectrum, allowing the game’s already striking visual aesthetic to truly shine. Players will now witness a more profound distinction between the deepest blacks and the brightest whites, bringing a new level of realism and depth to the oppressive yet captivating environments of the Oldest House. The vibrant neon lights of the Bureau’s architecture, the ethereal glow of paranormal phenomena, and the stark shadows cast by otherworldly threats will all benefit from this enhanced dynamic range, creating a more captivating and believable world.

Furthermore, the update addresses a key visual fidelity point by upgrading the SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) rendering to a 10-bit color space, moving away from the previous 8-bit standard. This technical refinement significantly mitigates the occurrence of color banding, a subtle but noticeable artifact where smooth gradients of color appear to have distinct steps. This means that sunsets that paint the sky in nuanced hues, the swirling energies of Jesse Faden’s powers, and even the detailed textures of the Bureau’s surfaces will be rendered with greater smoothness and fidelity. The overall result is a more polished and visually cohesive experience, reducing eye strain and enhancing the immersion for players.

Unlocking the True Potential: Unlocked Frame Rates and Next-Gen Display Technologies

Beyond graphical enhancements, the October 2025 update delivers a significant boost to performance with the inclusion of an unlocked frame rate. This feature, long requested by players seeking the smoothest possible gameplay, frees the game from the fixed frame rate targets of previous console iterations. For players with displays capable of higher refresh rates, this means the potential for significantly smoother motion, reduced input lag, and a more responsive gaming experience. Whether you’re dodging Hiss projectiles in a frantic firefight or navigating the intricate architecture of the Oldest House, the unlocked frame rate ensures that the action flows with an unprecedented level of fluidity.

Complementing the unlocked frame rate is the introduction of support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and 120Hz outputs on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the game’s output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a remarkably fluid visual presentation. This is particularly beneficial in fast-paced action games like Control, where split-second reactions are crucial. The inclusion of 120Hz support further amplifies this smoothness, providing a significantly higher frame rate that makes fast-paced combat and exploration feel incredibly crisp and responsive. Together, these display technologies ensure that Control performs at its absolute peak on modern gaming setups, making the most of the capabilities of current-generation hardware.

PS5 Pro: Embracing Enhanced Fidelity with PSSR and Optimized Visuals

For owners of the PlayStation 5 Pro, the October 2025 update introduces a set of specialized enhancements designed to leverage the console’s increased power. Foremost among these is the optional integration of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution). This advanced upscaling technology, when enabled, delivers a noticeable improvement in visual fidelity. Players can expect smoother edges on character models and environmental assets, improved hair rendering, and enhanced vegetation visual quality. PSSR achieves this by intelligently reconstructing detail and sharpening images, offering a refined visual experience that makes the world of Control appear even more detailed and polished.

While PSSR contributes to a superior visual output, Remedy acknowledges that it can have a marginal impact on performance. Therefore, the implementation is optional, allowing players to disable it if they prefer the original visual presentation or wish to prioritize raw frame rate performance. This flexibility ensures that players can tailor their Control experience to their specific preferences.

Beyond PSSR, the PS5 Pro benefits from improved Screen Space Reflections in Performance Mode. This enhancement leads to more accurate and detailed reflections on surfaces like polished floors and windows, further deepening the immersion within the Bureau’s sterile yet otherworldly interiors. Additionally, the update brings an update to Texture and Shadow resolution filtering (anisotropic). Anisotropic filtering is a technique that sharpens textures at oblique viewing angles, ensuring that surfaces like floors and walls remain clear and detailed even when viewed from a distance or at a sharp angle. This contributes to a more consistent and visually rich environment, reducing blurriness and pixelation across the board.

Bringing the Oldest House to All: Exclusive Content Now Universal

A cornerstone of this substantial update is the universal availability of the mission “Dr. Yoshimi Tokui’s Guided Imagery Experience.” This highly regarded piece of content, previously exclusive to the PlayStation 4 Digital Deluxe version of Control, is now accessible to all players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This inclusion significantly enriches the game’s narrative and lore, offering further insight into the FBC’s operations and the unsettling nature of the paranormal.

To access this mission, players simply need to locate and collect the Dr. Tokui Tapes collectible, which can be found within the Extrasensory Lab located in the Research Sector of the Oldest House. The mission itself features a captivating narrative with a notable voiceover contribution from the legendary game director Hideo Kojima, adding an extra layer of intrigue and appeal. This move by Remedy ensures that a vital piece of Control’s story and gameplay is no longer siloed to a specific platform or edition, fostering a more unified experience for the entire player base.

Beyond Missions: Unlocking Pre-Order and Digital Deluxe Outfits

Adding further cosmetic customization options, the October 2025 update also makes previously exclusive outfits available to all players. The Astral Dive Suit, the Tactical Response Gear, and the Urban Response Gear outfits, which were once tied to pre-order bonuses or specific editions of the game, can now be accessed and equipped by any player. These outfits can be found and changed at any active Control Point within the game, offering players new ways to personalize Jesse Faden’s appearance as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the FBC. This addition is a welcome gesture, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the full range of cosmetic content that was initially restricted.

Refinements and Fixes: Smoothing the Edges of Gameplay

The October 2025 update also addresses several smaller but significant gameplay and technical refinements that contribute to a more polished overall experience. For both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, grenade projectile indicators have been fixed. Previously, these indicators might only update at 30 frames per second, leading to visual discrepancies during fast-paced combat. Now, they update correctly at all frame rates, ensuring that players have accurate visual cues for their thrown explosives.

Additionally, the sorting of character and weapon mods has been improved. This quality-of-life enhancement makes it easier for players to manage their inventory and equip the most beneficial mods for Jesse’s abilities and weapons. Navigating through numerous upgrades can be tedious, and this streamlining makes the process more efficient, allowing players to spend less time in menus and more time engaging with the game’s compelling content.

The Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) quality has also seen improvements across both platforms. TAA is a technique used to reduce jagged edges and aliasing artifacts, and its enhancement will contribute to a sharper and cleaner image, further refining the visual presentation of Control.

Full Patch Notes: OCTOBER 2025 CONSOLE UPDATE (1.30) RELEASE NOTES

To provide a complete overview of the enhancements and changes, here are the official release notes for the October 2025 console update:

OUTFITS

The following outfits are now available to all players. The outfits can be accessed and equipped from the Control Point in the Central Executive Sector area.

MISSIONS

All players will receive the mission Dr. Yoshimi Tokui’s Guided Imagery Experience, featuring voiceover by Hideo Kojima. The mission is playable when you pick up the Dr Tokui Tapes collectible in the Extrasensory Lab of the Research Sector. (This mission was previously exclusive to the PlayStation 4 Digital Deluxe version of Control.)

GRAPHICS [PLAYSTATION 5]

[PlayStation 5 Pro]

GENERAL [PLAYSTATION 5]

GRAPHICS [XBOX SERIES X|S]

GENERAL [XBOX SERIES X|S]

Source: Control

This comprehensive update solidifies Control’s position as a must-play title for fans of narrative-driven action games and showcases Remedy Entertainment’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for its dedicated player base. The integration of HDR, unlocked frame rates, and previously locked content across all current-gen platforms marks a significant enhancement, offering renewed reasons for both new and returning players to step into the extraordinary world of the Federal Bureau of Control.

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