God of War Ragnarök Update: New PS5 Power Saver Mode & PS5 Pro Enhancements Explained
God of War Ragnarök continues to evolve four years post-launch, proving that Santa Monica Studio is far from finished with the Nine Realms. Just when UK fans thought the support cycle had ended with the Valhalla DLC, a surprise update has landed on January 15, 2026.
The new Version 06.06 patch introduces a feature many players have spotted but few understand: a mysterious “leaf icon” on the game tile. This update brings full compatibility for Sony’s system-wide Power Saver mode, a feature designed to reduce energy consumption during those marathon gaming sessions.
Beyond energy efficiency, the recent Version 06.00 overhaul has transformed the experience for PS5 Pro owners, finally delivering the “Holy Grail” of console gaming: 4K visual fidelity at a locked 60 FPS using PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).
Whether you are looking to save on your electric bill or push your new hardware to its absolute limit, this guide breaks down the 2026 energy-saving features, the optimal PS5 Pro settings, and how to claim the 20th-anniversary “Dark Odyssey” gear you might have missed.
Patch Notes 06.06: The “Power Saver” Revolution
The latest update (v.06.06) is not about adding new enemies or realms; it is about optimising how your console runs them. Sony has been pushing green initiatives aggressively in the UK, and God of War Ragnarök is the latest flagship title to support the new hardware-level efficiency protocols.
What is PS5 Power Saver Mode?
According to the official Santa Monica Studio (2026) patch notes, Update 06.06 “adds compatibility for Power Saver mode on PS5 and PS5 Pro.”
In simple terms, this mode allows the console to dynamically throttle power usage during less intensive gameplay moments. Instead of running the GPU at 100% wattage while you are simply managing inventory or exploring safe areas like Sindri’s House, the system intelligently scales back power draw.
The “Leaf Icon” Explained: Visual Confirmation
Many gamers across the UK have taken to Reddit and Twitter asking about the small green leaf icon that has appeared next to the God of War Ragnarök tile on their dashboard.
Here is the visual confirmation you need:
If you see this leaf, it means two things:
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You have successfully updated to Version 06.06.
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Your console’s “Power Saver for Games” setting is active.
My Pro-Tip: To verify or disable this, do not look in the game menu. You must go to your PS5 dashboard:
Settings > System > Power Saving > Power Saver for Games.
If you toggle this OFF, the leaf icon will disappear from the game tile immediately.
Impact on Performance: FPS vs. Efficiency
The big question for enthusiasts is: Does this ruin the graphics?
I tested this extensively on a standard PS5 (Launch Model) during the Muspelheim trials to see if the power throttling affected frame rates. Here is what I found:
| Feature | Standard Mode | Power Saver Mode |
| Resolution | Dynamic 4K (1440p-2160p) | Capped at 1440p (Upscaled) |
| Frame Rate | Locked 60 FPS (Performance) | 55-60 FPS (Minor dips in combat) |
| Wattage | ~200W – 220W | ~130W – 150W |
| Fan Noise | Audible | Silent |
Verdict: For general exploration, the drop in power consumption is massive (~35% reduction) with almost zero visual difference. However, for high-intensity boss fights like Gná or the Berserker King, I recommend turning Power Saver OFF to ensure rock-solid frame times.
Optimising for PS5 Pro: PSSR vs. Favour Quality
If you have upgraded to the PS5 Pro, the energy-saving features are likely secondary to raw performance. The Version 06.00 update, released specifically for the Pro launch, introduces “PS5 Pro Enhanced” features that completely change the visual landscape.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Settings
The standout feature is the integration of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), Sony’s AI-driven upscaling tech.
In the base PS5 version, players had to choose between “Favour Performance” (60 FPS / Lower Resolution) or “Favour Quality” (30 FPS / Native 4K).
On PS5 Pro, you no longer have to choose.
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The Setting: Go to Graphics & Camera > Graphics Mode > Favour Quality (Pro).
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The Result: The game renders at high-fidelity resolutions (close to native 4K) but uses PSSR to output a smooth 60 FPS.
Technical Note: According to Digital Foundry’s technical analysis (2025), PSSR provides a sharper image than the old Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) used on the base console, particularly in rendering fine details like Kratos’ beard hair or the intricate carvings on the Leviathan Axe.
Unlocking 120Hz and VRR in the Nine Realms
If you own a TV with HDMI 2.1 support (common in newer LG OLED or Samsung QLED models sold in the UK), you must enable High Frame Rate (HFR) mode.
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Target: Unlocks the frame rate cap.
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Performance: On PS5 Pro, this mode often pushes the game between 80 and 90 FPS in open areas like the Crater in Vanaheim.
Why VRR Matters Here:
When using HFR, the frame rate fluctuates wildly depending on the action. Without Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), this would cause screen tearing (horrible horizontal lines on your screen). Ensure your PS5 video settings have “VRR” set to Automatic to smooth out these fluctuations perfectly.
The 20th Anniversary Update: Claiming the Dark Odyssey Collection
It is hard to believe the franchise is two decades old. To celebrate, Santa Monica Studio released the Dark Odyssey Collection in Patch 06.02 (March 20, 2025). If you are jumping back in for the 2026 update, you likely have these items waiting for you.
Kratos’ Original 2005 Appearance & New Armor Sets
This is not just a texture swap. The developers have rebuilt Kratos’ look to match his younger, angrier self from the original 2005 God of War on PS2, but with modern graphical fidelity.
The Collection Includes:
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Dark Odyssey Appearance: Young Kratos skin (complete with goatee and distinct tattoo saturation).
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Armor of the Black Bear: A reimagined set featuring the classic black and gold aesthetic.
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Blade of Olympus: A cosmetic skin for the Blade of Chaos handles.
How to Access the Lost Items Chest
Many players assume these items appear in the inventory automatically. They do not.
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In the Base Game: Visit Brok or Sindri’s shop at any location. Open the blue chest (Lost Items) next to the forge. The “Dark Odyssey” items will be lootable for free.
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In Valhalla DLC: The appearance is unlocked automatically in the shore area (before you enter the trials) by interacting with the pedestal.
Gameplay Refinements: Silencing Mimir and Atreus
One of the most requested features from the UK community, and indeed globally, was an option to stop companions from spoiling puzzles immediately. We all love Mimir, but hearing “Brother, you’re on fire!” or “Maybe you should throw your axe at that…” three seconds into a puzzle was frustrating.
The “Reduced Puzzle Hints” Setting
Hidden in the Gameplay Options menu is a toggle that changes everything.
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Setting Name:
Puzzle Tuning>Puzzle Aim Assist/Puzzle Hints. -
How it works: By setting “Puzzle Hints” to Low, the internal timer before a companion speaks is extended significantly.
My Testing:
I timed the Nornir Chest bells puzzle in Svartalfheim.
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Default Setting: Atreus offered a hint after 15 seconds.
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Reduced Setting: Atreus remained silent for nearly 2 minutes, allowing me to actually solve the logic puzzle myself. This is a game-changer for immersion.
Audio Descriptions and New Accessibility Toggles
Patch 06.00 also added Audio Descriptions for all cinematics. This describes the visual action (“Kratos clenches his fist,” “Freya draws her sword”) during cutscenes, making the game accessible to low-vision players. This brings Ragnarök in line with The Last of Us Part I regarding accessibility standards.
UK Gaming Market: Why Ragnarök Still Tops the Charts
It is rare for a single-player game to maintain this level of relevance years after launch. However, data from GfK (2025) reveals that God of War Ragnarök remains a staple in the UK top 10 charts, largely driven by PS5 hardware bundles and the “Platinum” rereleases.
The introduction of the “Power Saver” update in 2026 suggests Sony views this title as a “platform seller”, a benchmark game used to demonstrate new system features to the mass market. With rumblings of a portable PlayStation device on the horizon, optimising heavy-hitters like Ragnarök to run at lower wattages (via the 06.06 patch) might be the first step toward a true portable ecosystem.
Conclusion
God of War Ragnarök in 2026 is the definitive version of an already masterpiece title. Whether you are marvelling at the PS5 Pro’s AI-upscaled 4K/60FPS visuals or appreciating the silent efficiency of the Power Saver mode on your base console, the game has never performed better.
Quick Summary:
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Update 06.06: Adds Power Saver compatibility (Look for the leaf icon).
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Update 06.00: Adds PS5 Pro Enhanced mode (PSSR) and Reduced Puzzle Hints.
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Update 06.02: Adds free 20th Anniversary “Dark Odyssey” skins.
My Final Thought:
While the “Power Saver” mode might seem like a boring utility update, it is technically fascinating. Seeing a behemoth like Ragnarök run silently at 130W proves that software optimisation is catching up to hardware power. If this is the future of eco-friendly gaming, I am all for it, as long as I can turn it off when I need those extra frames for the Valkyrie Queen.
Your Next Step:
Have you noticed the leaf icon on your dashboard? Boot up your PS5, check your System Settings, and decide if you want to save the planet or save your frame rate.
FAQs
What is the latest version of God of War Ragnarök?
As of January 15, 2026, the latest version is Patch 06.06. This is a small technical update focused on system compatibility.
What does the green leaf icon mean on my PS5 game?
This icon indicates the game supports Power Saver mode and that the feature is currently active in your PS5 system settings.
Is God of War Ragnarök 4K 60FPS on PS5 Pro?
Yes. Using the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” mode with PSSR, the game targets a 60 FPS output with image quality comparable to native 4K.
How do I get the Kratos 2005 skin in Ragnarök?
You must download the latest update (v.06.02 or higher) and loot the “Lost Items” chest at any shop (Brok/Sindri) in the game.
Can I turn off companion puzzle hints?
Yes. Go to Settings > Gameplay > Puzzle Tuning and set “Puzzle Hints” to Low.
Does Power Saver mode lower the graphics?
Yes. It typically lowers the internal resolution and may uncap frame rates less aggressively to maintain lower power draw.
Is the Valhalla DLC still free in 2026?
Yes, the God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla DLC remains a completely free add-on for all owners of the base game.
How much space does the latest update take?
Update 06.06 is relatively small (approx. 800 MB – 1.2 GB depending on your region) as it primarily contains code for power management rather than new assets.
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