As part of today’s May update reveal for Starfield, Xbox Series X players are being treated to some brand-new display options for Bethesda’s mammoth RPG. The big news here is that the game is getting a proper 60FPS Performance mode on Xbox Series X, although Xbox Series S appears to miss out for now.
There’s more, too. Those with 120Hz VRR displays will be able to take advantage of a new 40FPS option on Xbox Series X, which should improve performance while sticking with the visuals from the game’s Quality mode. Both of these new ways to play will be added to the game on May 15th.
Here’s the official word from Bethesda on these new Starfield display options on Xbox Series X:
“Frame Rate Target: You can now choose between 30, 40, 60 or an Uncapped frame rate on VRR displays. If you do not have a VRR display running 120hz, you will still be able to select from 30 or 60. Screen tearing may occur at times when selecting 60 on a non-VRR display.
Prioritize: You can now prioritize between Visuals and Performance while trying to maintain the frame rate target. If you’re choosing a frame rate target of 60 or above, we recommend changing this to Performance. Prioritizing Visuals keeps the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Prioritizing Performance lowers internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Both modes may adjust internal resolution dynamically when scenes or action get heavier as well. When switching between modes, you will see the lighting change briefly as the system catches up to the new mode.”
The team says that it “highly recommends a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Display running at 120Hz” for all of these new modes, because this type of screen will allow 40FPS playback and less visible frame rate drops overall. Still, even if you only have a standard 60Hz TV, you can of course take advantage of the game’s new 60FPS Performance mode on Xbox Series X later this month.
