How to clear cache on PlayStation?

If your game freezes, experiences performance issues or crashes, clearing the system cache is a great troubleshooting step. This process removes temporary files that might have become corrupted, without affecting your game saves or installed data.

1. Turn off your console completely. Do a full shutdown, not Rest Mode. Hold the PS button on your controller to open the Power menu, then select “Turn Off PS5”. Wait until the power indicator light goes off completely.
2. Enter Safe Mode. Once the console is fully off, press and hold the power button on the console itself. You will hear a single beep when you first press it. Continue holding the button for about 7 seconds until you hear a second beep. Release the button, and your console will boot into Safe Mode, which gives you access to various system maintenance tools for troubleshooting.
3. Connect your controller. Wireless features are disabled in Safe Mode, so connect the controller via USB cable and press the PS button to pair it.
4. Clear the System Software Cache. In the Safe Mode menu, use your controller to navigate to option 'Clear Cache and Rebuild Database'. Select it, then on the next screen, select 'Clear System Software Cache'.
5. Confirm and restart. When prompted, select “OK”. The console will clear the cache and restart automatically.

After the console restarts, you can launch S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and see if the performance has improved.