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For competitive FPS play, start with a game’s Performance or 120 FPS mode if that specific title and console support it. Set the console and display to a compatible refresh rate, then enable the game’s own performance option. A 120 Hz display and suitable HDMI connection are required for supported 120 FPS modes, but they do not make every shooter run at 120 FPS—or guarantee 4K at that frame rate.
What to change first
- Check the game. Look in its current video or graphics settings for Performance, 120 FPS, or a similar option, and confirm it is supported on your console. Xbox says optimized games can reach up to 120 FPS; that is a platform capability, not a promise for every game (Microsoft’s Xbox optimized-games catalog).
- Check the display and HDMI path. Verify the exact HDMI input supports the resolution and refresh rate you plan to use. Check the display manual for VRR and ALLM support if you want those features. A 120 Hz label alone does not establish that every input supports 120 Hz at every resolution.
- Set the console’s output. On PS5, open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, inspect the connected-device information, and set 120 Hz Output and VRR as supported. On Xbox Series X|S, open Settings > General > TV & display options and set Refresh rate to 120 Hz if the display supports it.
- Enable the game’s mode. Use that title’s own menu and apply or save the change if prompted. The console output setting alone cannot enable a game feature that the title does not offer.
- Test the result in the game. Check for smooth motion, tearing, or unexpected visual effects. VRR behavior can vary by display, title, and visual mode.
PS5: output, VRR, and 120 Hz settings
Sony says PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120 Hz video output, but this describes the console’s output capability—not a guarantee that every game renders at native 4K and 120 FPS. The PS5’s Video Output screen reports connected-device resolution, VRR, and HDR information, and the console detects display capabilities to select an available resolution automatically. You can inspect or change the output settings in Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output (Sony’s PS5 resolution guide).
120 Hz Output and resolution
Enable 120 Hz Output when the display and game support the intended mode. If the display does not support the target combination, select a supported resolution and refresh rate instead. Sony’s 1440p output test can check SDR or HDR, 60 or 120 Hz, and VRR where the display supports those features.
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VRR synchronizes a compatible display’s refresh rate with the console’s graphical output. Sony says it can minimize or eliminate screen tearing and frame-pacing artifacts, but results vary by display, game, and selected visual mode. PS5 can also apply VRR to unsupported games; turn that setting off if it causes unexpected visual effects. Sony’s explanation, published April 25, 2022, is in its PS5 VRR announcement.
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ALLM
ALLM can switch a compatible display into a low-latency mode automatically. Check the display’s support for the feature and the relevant input; Sony notes that not all displays with HDMI 2.1 support ALLM.
Xbox Series X|S: set the console refresh rate
On Xbox Series X|S, open Settings > General > TV & display options > Refresh rate and select 120 Hz if available for the connected display. Then enable the game’s own performance or 120 FPS option. Xbox’s “up to 120 FPS” statement applies to optimized titles, not every game in the catalog (Xbox optimized-games catalog).
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Game-specific settings: Fortnite and Apex Legends
Fortnite
- PS5: Set the console’s Game Preset to Performance Mode. In Fortnite, open Video settings and turn on 120 FPS Mode.
- Xbox Series X|S: First set the console refresh rate to 120 Hz in Settings > General > TV & display options. Then turn on the 120 FPS option in Fortnite’s Video settings.
Epic says Save the World is unavailable when enabling Performance mode. It also warns that the PS5 performance preset may affect output resolution if the TV and AV setup do not support 4K at 120 Hz. If Fortnite does not show the 120 FPS option, Epic says it is not available for that setup (Epic’s Fortnite 120 FPS instructions).
Apex Legends
EA’s instructions for Apex Legends require a 120 Hz display and an HDMI cable that supports 120 Hz for the 120 FPS mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. On Xbox, set the console refresh rate to 120 Hz using Settings > General > TV & display options > Refresh rate. In Apex, open Video > Graphics Mode, select Performance, and apply the change. On PS5, configure the console’s 120 Hz output as supported before selecting the game’s Performance graphics mode. These steps are Apex-specific, not a universal menu path for shooters (EA’s Apex Legends frame-rate instructions).
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How to choose between frame rate and image quality
A performance mode can trade resolution or visual detail for a higher frame rate. Fortnite’s support guidance specifically warns that its PS5 performance preset may affect output resolution when the TV and AV setup do not support 4K at 120 Hz. Do not assume a game delivers both native 4K and 120 FPS; check the current title-specific documentation and settings.
For a competitive shooter, prioritize the mode that gives you the responsiveness and consistent motion you want, provided the game and display support it. If you prefer higher image quality, use the game’s quality or resolution mode instead. The best balance depends on the title, display, and personal preference; no universal graphics preset fits every FPS game.
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When 4K 120 Hz is missing or unstable
If the PS5 does not offer or maintain 4K at 120 Hz, check the entire signal path before replacing hardware. Sony recommends checking the display’s stated capability, firmware, the HDMI port in use, the connection path, and the console’s video output settings.
- Confirm that the exact display input supports 4K at 120 Hz, not merely that the screen supports 120 Hz in some mode.
- Check whether the display needs a firmware update and whether another HDMI port is required for the feature.
- Connect the PS5 directly to the display where possible, bypassing an AV receiver or other device while troubleshooting.
- Use the HDMI cable supplied with the console or an Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cable rated for 4K 120 Hz. Replace a cable only if the existing one is inadequate for the signal path.
- Review PS5 resolution and video transfer rate settings under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
For Xbox, confirm that 120 Hz is available under Settings > General > TV & display options, then verify the game itself offers a 120 FPS mode.
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- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Which display features to compare
When choosing between displays you already own or are considering, compare the full set of capabilities rather than relying on a headline refresh-rate number.
- Refresh rate at your target resolution: Confirm the exact resolution and refresh-rate combination works through the input connected to the console.
- VRR: Check the display model’s compatibility and supported range; the effect also depends on the game and its visual mode.
- HDMI inputs and signal path: Identify which port supports the required mode and whether an AV receiver or other intermediary affects it.
- ALLM: Verify support on the display if automatic low-latency switching matters.
- Firmware and cable: Confirm the display is current and the cable is rated for the resolution and refresh rate in use.
- Your preferred trade-off: Decide whether frame rate, resolution, HDR, or visual detail matters most for the game you play.
Exact FOV, motion blur, HDR, aim, and sensitivity values are game- and preference-specific, and can change with updates. Use the current game menu and its documentation rather than assuming one set of values is best across all shooters.
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