For a more immersive horror game on PS5, tune audio and picture on the console, then compare the result in the game itself. Start with the 3D-audio option that matches your headphones or TV speakers, calibrate HDR for your display, and choose a game preset that suits your preference for smoother motion or higher graphic quality. There is no universal best setup: your equipment, room, game, and comfort all affect what works.
Set up audio for your listening setup
Open Settings > Sound. Choose the path that matches how you play, then compare 3D audio with stereo in the horror game you want to play. The change should be judged by your own listening, not by a promise that one mode will sound better to everyone.
With headphones
- Open 3D Audio (Headphones).
- Create a personalized profile by listening to sounds from different positions and angles, or try one of the five preset profiles.
- Enable the profile you prefer and compare 3D audio with stereo in the game.
Sony describes 3D audio as sound that can make you feel like you are inside the game; that is the feature’s intended effect, not a guarantee that every player will prefer it. A compatible headset is optional. If you already own suitable headphones, try those first; Sony’s PULSE 3D headset manual explains selecting headphone audio output on PS5.
PS5 Audio Focus is another optional headphone setting to test if you want quieter sounds in certain frequency ranges to stand out. Its usefulness depends on the listener and game, so compare it rather than assuming it will reveal more cues.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
With TV speakers
- Open 3D Audio (TV) and follow the on-screen measurement using the wireless controller’s built-in microphone.
- Measure from your usual playing position, then compare 3D audio with stereo in the game.
- If you move the TV or seat, or change the room environment, measure again.
If the effect seems poor, check that the TV speakers are unobstructed. While troubleshooting, disable TV sound processing such as surround sound. A headset is not required to try PS5 3D audio: Sony documents both headphone and TV-speaker setup in its 3D audio setup instructions.
Match picture output and HDR to your display
Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. The PS5 detects the connected display and selects an available resolution automatically. You can inspect the HDMI device’s reported resolution and its VRR and HDR support; keep console settings within what both the display and the game support. Sony’s PS5 resolution and video-output guidance covers these output options.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Choose HDR behavior
- On When Supported: Games and apps that do not support HDR display in SDR.
- Always On: The console converts even non-HDR-compatible games and apps to HDR output.
Use Adjust HDR and follow the on-screen calibration steps to adjust brightness for optimized HDR rendering. Do not copy a numerical slider value from someone else: the right result depends on the display and your picture preferences. When checking a dark scene, aim to preserve its intended atmosphere rather than raising brightness by default.
Consider refresh and latency options only when supported
VRR, 120 Hz, and ALLM require compatible displays and supported games, and results vary by TV. These options primarily relate to motion smoothness or latency; they are not a universal recipe for horror-game atmosphere.
Rank #3
- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
Choose a game preset, then check the game’s own options
Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Sony lists Performance Mode and Resolution Mode: Performance Mode targets smoother motion, while Resolution Mode targets higher graphic quality. Choose based on which modes the particular title supports and which quality matters more to you. These presets apply only to PS5 games and may not apply to every game. Sony’s game preset instructions also cover first- and third-person camera movement, subtitles, audio language, and difficulty where those options are offered.
A game may expose additional picture controls in its own settings menu. If it does, you can test brightness, motion blur, film grain, or camera movement individually, but there is no universal value established for these settings. Change one option at a time and revisit a scene you know, so you can tell whether the adjustment improves readability or simply changes the intended look.
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Use accessibility and comfort options that help you play
Open PS5 accessibility settings to find options including color correction, text size, high contrast, and reduced motion. Closed captions can transcribe speech and provide text for audio cues in supported content; how they work depends on the game or media. These features are legitimate ways to make a session more comfortable without giving up the experience you want. Sony lists the available console options in its accessibility settings guide.
One interaction matters if you use HDR: color inversion reverses text and background colors, but turns HDR off. If you rely on both features, check the resulting picture after changing the setting.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Compare changes in the horror game you actually play
Use a familiar scene with a mix of quiet cues, dialogue, movement, and dark areas. Compare stereo and 3D audio at a comfortable volume; check HDR after calibration; and judge Performance versus Resolution mode in motion. If a setting makes sounds harder to locate, obscures detail, or causes discomfort, switch it back. Sony’s PS5 support hub provides general console support, while individual games may offer additional controls or compatibility limits.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
