Can I Run Returnal?
2023 · Action · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Returnal system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-6400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X | Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD Radeon RX 580 (8GB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8GB) / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 60 GB | 60 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Returnal FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 25-30 | not recommended | not recommended |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 55-70 | 35-45 | 20-30 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 90-115 | 60-80 | 40-50 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 125-160 | 85-105 | 50-65 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
Returnal is considered playable on Steam Deck. Users can expect around 27 FPS at 1280x800 resolution with reduced settings. The experience may vary but should be generally stable.
For a smooth 60 FPS experience at 1080p, a gaming laptop needs at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU represents the entry point for playable settings, delivering approximately 30 FPS. Keep in mind that laptop GPUs typically offer less performance than their desktop counterparts with the same name.
Returnal is Housemarque’s roguelike third-person shooter, brought to PC after its PlayStation 5 debut. The port is fairly demanding, with the minimum specification calling for a Core i5-6400 or Ryzen 5 1500X paired with a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 580 8GB, plus a high 16 GB of RAM even at the entry level.
The recommended tier steps up to a Core i7-8700 or Ryzen 7 2700X with an RTX 2070 Super 8GB or RX 6700 XT 12GB. The game features fast, particle-heavy combat that stresses the GPU, and it supports DLSS and FSR upscaling to help maintain a stable frame rate at higher resolutions. A solid-state drive is recommended, since the procedurally generated biomes stream assets continuously during runs.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does Returnal need?
Housemarque lists 16 GB as both the minimum and recommended figure. The game is best run with at least 16 GB available.
Does Returnal support upscaling like DLSS or FSR?
Yes. The PC version supports DLSS and FSR, which help maintain a stable frame rate during its particle-heavy combat at higher resolutions.
What graphics card do I need for Returnal?
The minimum is a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 580 8GB. The recommended card is an RTX 2070 Super 8GB or RX 6700 XT 12GB.