Horizon Forbidden West is a beautiful game that has absolutely stunning scenery, which also means that it is graphically demanding and intensive. These days, console players get the choice between frame rate and ultra HD graphics. So, which should you choose?
We will discuss the two options below so that you can make an informed decision on which is the best mode for you.
Performance
Performance mode is great for players who are more concerned with frame rate over resolution. By choosing this option, you will tell the game that you prefer to have constant 60 FPS (frames per second) whilst playing so that everything is nice and buttery smooth.
This does mean, however, that the resolution will dynamically and adaptively change to enable the constant frame rate. So, at times, you may not be seeing 4K visuals, but possibly 1080p, 1440p, or anything in-between, which ranges up to 4K.
Most 4K TVs these days upscale content anyway, so this should help to carry some weight when the console itself is focusing on the frames.
Related: Should you choose Explorer or Guided assistance in Horizon Forbidden West?
Resolution
This mode prioritizes the resolution over the frame rate. This means that you will get constant 4K graphics for those gorgeous scenic moments, but you may notice a few frame drops as a compromise.
The gold standard is currently at least 60 FPS, but with resolution mode turned on, your frames could drop to 30 FPS in some places. When this happens, you will notice that the gameplay isn't as smooth and that using the camera to look around will be more jittery in places.
That's not to say that it will definitely drop to 30 FPS. It may sometimes only dip to 50 FPS or so, but in high-crowd situations where the GPU is having to handle a lot of detail, it might get rough.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that it's really up to you which you prefer more. If you are a 4K aficionado, then you will want to choose the resolution option. But if you are a gamer that appreciates a smooth experience, then go for the performance mode.
In this situation we would recommend the resolution option as Horizon doesn't involve competitive combat, and is designed to be enjoyed at 4K. As we stated before, the frames may only drop by a small amount at points, so the graphics will be worth it for the trade off.
Looking for more content? Check out How to heal in Horizon Forbidden West on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Feb 17, 2022 08:14 am