Which version of Vampire Crawlers is worth it? Performance and loading by platform

Analysis of the differences, performance, and loading times of Vampire Crawlers across PS5, Xbox, Switch 2/1, Steam Deck, and PC.

Vampire Crawlers has received several versions for Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and more. This text compares performance, visuals, and loading times across platforms.

Differences between versions by platform

There are no content changes between platforms; what stands out are the specific features of each: touch control on Switch and Switch 2; mouse controls with Joy‑Con on Switch 2; Quick Resume and Play Anywhere on Xbox Series X and PC; and various input options on PC. Cross‑save is on the way, possibly linked to mobile versions, but not yet confirmed for PlayStation. Progress can be maintained between Switch, Steam Deck, iOS, and Xbox without major issues; it is unclear if there will be support across all Vampire Crawlers platforms.

Performance, visuals, and what to watch for on each screen

Graphics: The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are identical when played on television, with 4K quality in dock mode. The Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions seem to share the same docked resolution. In handheld, the native Switch 2 version may run at a lower resolution than the Switch 1 in boost mode, which appears to be a bug that should be fixed. PC performance is flexible, with an unlocked frame rate and ultrawide support. The ROG Ally and Steam Deck deliver excellent portable performance, and the Switch 2 also offers good gameplay in portable mode.

As for large screen modes, the PS5 and Xbox Series X version targets 120fps, which might not be essential in a grid-movement RPG, but it is a benchmark. The PC allows for unlimited frame rates and resolution scaling with ease.

Vampire Crawlers ultrawide PC

PC also offers support for 21:9 ultrawide monitors, keeping the interface optimized on most screens. Even so, the UI may not occupy the entire line, and future improvements for 16:10 would be welcome.

Loading time between platforms

To quickly compare the time from the title screen to entering the dungeon, and the loading time of a session, the observed average values were as follows:

• PS5: initial screen 3–4s; load dungeon 2–2.5s
• PS5 on PS5 Pro: 3s; 2–2.5s
• Xbox Series X: initial screen 12–13s; dungeon 3s
• Switch 2: initial screen 5–6s; dungeon 7–8s
• Switch 1 on S2: initial screen 6–7s; dungeon 6s
• Switch 1: initial screen 15s; dungeon 17s
• Steam Deck: initial screen 13–15s; dungeon 4s
• ROG Ally (Steam): initial screen 9–11s; dungeon 3s
• ROG Ally (Xbox App): initial screen 16–20s; dungeon 3s

Note: initialization time may vary due to account synchronization on the Xbox version, which tends to lengthen the first load, although subsequent loads maintain the pace.

Which version is the best?

For those playing on a TV, the PS5 version is usually the best option due to image quality and loading times. For those who prioritize portability, the suggestion is the Switch 1 version running on the Switch 2 with boost, as it delivers a clearer experience in portable mode. Until fixes are released, the Switch 1 running on the Switch 2 seems to be the most balanced path on the console.

Just like Vampire Survivors, the Steam version tends to be the most flexible and scalable, offering better ultrawide support and quick patch updates.

Upgrade between Switch 1 and Switch 2

Those who buy the Switch 1 receive the Switch 2 version for free on the same account, with the switch being recognized upon the first initialization of the Switch 2. It is unclear if the Switch 2 save can revert to the Switch 1, so it is worth choosing the Switch 1 to have access to both options without complications.

Which version to buy today?

Below is a summary of the advantages of each version:

• Switch 1/2: ideal for those who want to play on the move; the Switch 2 version is free when purchasing the Switch 1, with non-bidirectional saving between the two sessions confirmed
• Steam: best for high performance, ultrawide, and quick updates; it tends to offer the best balance between quality and cost on PC
• Xbox: Play Anywhere and Quick Resume are attractive, especially for those who already use PC or console; however, the initialization time may be longer
• PS5: best experience on a large screen, trophies, and reduced loading times

Vampire Crawlers is now available for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC. The iOS and Android version should arrive later this year. Which version would you choose first and why? Leave your comment below so we know.

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