Several high-profile games, including Black Myth: Wukong, Frostpunk 2, Palworld, Stalker 2, Tekken 8, Silent Hill 2, and Avowed, share a common thread: they were all developed using Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). However, another commonality among these games is their variable and somewhat confusing performance on PC. The performance issues in these games often manifest as stuttering, uneven frame rates, and significant disparities between average and 1% low frame rates. For example, Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, exhibits odd performance characteristics such as 1% low frame rates and wonky upscaling, despite generally running well and looking great. The root cause of these performance issues is often debated, with some attributing the problems to UE5 itself. However, it is crucial to consider how developers use the engine and the pressures of time constraints. The shader compilation stutter, a common issue in UE5 games, is particularly problematic, leading to stuttering and uneven performance, especially in large, open-world games. The experience with Avowed suggests that the engine itself may not be the sole culprit. Obsidian Entertainment, having previously used Unreal Engine for The Outer Worlds and Grounded, demonstrates that the engine can be used effectively. The performance issues in Avowed and other UE5 games may be more related to specific implementation choices and the challenges of optimizing complex game worlds. In conclusion, while UE5 is a powerful game development tool, its use in various games has led to variable and sometimes confusing performance on PC. The issues are multifaceted, involving both the engine's capabilities and how developers utilize it under time pressure.

Understanding these nuances is essential for both developers and gamers to navigate the complexities of modern game development and to appreciate the challenges involved in creating smooth, high-performance gaming experiences.

The ongoing discussion around UE5's performance highlights the need for continued optimization and refinement in game development, ensuring that the potential of powerful engines like UE5 is fully realized in future games.