Testing Monster Hunter Wilds on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme reveals the device’s capability to handle the game, albeit with some graphical compromises. Initially struggling at high settings, the performance improved significantly at 900p resolution and medium graphics, achieving 30-35 fps. Various modes were tested, with Optimal Performance Mode offering fluid gameplay but with some visual artifacts. Overall, the experience is enjoyable with the right settings, making the ROG Ally a portable gaming option worth considering.
Testing Monster Hunter Wilds on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
Monster Hunter Wilds has finally made its debut on PC, and we couldn’t resist the temptation to put it to the test on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. The thought of embarking on thrilling hunts against legendary monsters from the comfort of our couch or while on the move is undeniably appealing. But the burning question remains: Can ASUS’s powerhouse handle such a demanding game? Let’s dive into the details of our testing experience.
Optimal Settings for a Smooth Gaming Experience
Our first instinct was to crank everything up to the highest settings. With the resolution set at 1080p and graphics on Ultra, it quickly became clear that the ROG Ally struggled, with the framerate plummeting between 10 and 20 fps. While the visuals looked stunning, the gameplay was far from playable. However, our curiosity drove us to explore different settings. We enabled AMD FSR 3, Image Generation, and switched to “Optimal Performance” mode. This adjustment took our framerate back up to around 30 fps, though not without some trade-offs, as the frame rate still exhibited fluctuations and certain details appeared slightly blurred. While it was playable, it wasn’t yet ideal.
After making a few tweaks and enjoying a coffee break, we struck a solid balance with the following settings:
- Resolution: 900p
- Battery: 25W
- Graphic quality: Medium
- Upscaling: AMD FSR 3
- Mode: Quality
- Image Generation: Activated
With these settings, the hunting experience became genuinely enjoyable. In the expansive open world, we achieved 30-35 fps (occasionally hitting 40 fps), with just a few micro stutters when colossal monsters made their appearance. Fixed elements like gauges or markers experienced slight trembling, but nothing too distracting. Once we ventured into confined spaces such as villages and caves, the framerate soared beyond 40 fps.
We also explored alternative modes, and here’s a quick summary of our findings:
- Performance Mode: Outdoors, it ran between 40 and 50 fps, while in closed areas, it easily exceeded 50 fps, albeit with slightly diminished sharpness.
- Optimal Performance Mode: This mode delivered excellent fluidity (between 45 and 50 fps) but introduced artifacts on edges, resulting in a blurred image.
- 720p Resolution in Optimal Performance: Surprisingly, this combination with minimum graphics settings achieved a smooth 60 fps, though the visuals took a hit, appearing more blurry.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter Wilds performs surprisingly well on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. While some basic visual issues persist and finding the right settings requires a bit of experimentation, the overall experience can be quite enjoyable once optimized. If you seek the best balance between aesthetics and framerate, the 900p with FSR 3 in Quality or Balanced mode is your best bet. For players prioritizing fluidity, scaling down to 720p while adjusting visual parameters can be a worthwhile trade-off. Just remember, if you’re gaming at home on your couch, plugging the device into a power source will enhance performance and stability. What a thrill it is to carry such a gaming experience in your pocket!
For more in-depth insights, check out our review: TEST Monster Hunter Wilds: a hunting ground wilder than ever.
You can purchase the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme for €499.99 at:
- Fnac
- Amazon
- Cdiscount