Alan Wake 2 – Performance vs Quality mode

Alan Wake 2 is a next-gen game from Remedy Entertainment, which is known for pushing the boundaries graphically in their games. But not all platforms can run Alan Wake 2 at full specs; let's explore the difference between Performance and Quality mode below.

Should you choose Performance or Quality mode in Alan Wake 2?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but the answer depends on your platform, especially PC. Alan Wake 2 has demanding requirements, and most lower-end PCs will generally struggle to run the game. Selecting Quality mode will enhance the game's looks but may affect performance, while Performance mode puts focus on running better over visual fidelity. Higher-end PCs can opt for Quality mode, which should be better suited to running the game with better graphics.

Related: Does Alan Wake 2 have new game plus?

Console players have a bit more freedom in their choice. Alan Wake 2 is only a next-gen game, meaning it takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S power. You can select either option and run the game well, though you may occasionally notice issues with performance in Quality mode, but nothing drastic.

Alan Wake 2 Quality vs Performance - What's the difference?

Alan Wake 2 does not allow you to adjust most graphical settings freely; instead, you choose between Quality and Performance (I do recommend turning off Motion Blur, though.) Quality mode is the best choice for those who want the best looking graphics and don't mind performance suffering. Oppositely, Performance sacrifices graphics to enhance the game's performance. Below are the differences between Quality and Performance mode explained.

Quality Mode - Alan Wake 2

Quality brings higher resolution to Alan Wake 2 but does limit the game to 30 FPS. You may notice combat and movement aren't as smooth, but the game will look better than Performance mode. You may not notice a significant difference if your display can't match Alan Wake 2's visual fidelity.

Performance Mode - Alan Wake 2

Performance mode aims for 60 FPS but does not always hit this mark. Certain areas can cause frame drops to 50 FPS, but mostly while exploring open areas. Resolution is lower in Performance mode, but I find Alan Wake 2 is a beautiful game still.

For more information on Alan Wake 2, check out Is Alan Wake scary? – What to expect from Alan Wake 2 and All Alan Wake 2 Trophies & Achievements – how to get them on Pro Game Guides.