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Is EA FC 24 120 FPS? Unveiling the Truth Behind Frame Rates and Refresh Rates

The short answer is: No, EA FC 24 does not natively support 120 FPS (frames per second) on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, nor is it typically configured for 120Hz on PC without specific user modifications. The game primarily targets 60 FPS on these platforms, with in-game cinematics often capped at 30 FPS. The PC version can exceed 60 FPS depending on your hardware, but the refresh rate is usually locked. Let’s dive deeper into the technical details and explore why this is the case.

Understanding Frame Rates and Refresh Rates

Before we delve further, it’s crucial to understand the difference between frame rate (FPS) and refresh rate (Hz).

Frame Rate (FPS): This refers to how many frames your gaming device is producing every second. A higher frame rate results in a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
Refresh Rate (Hz): This is the number of times per second that your display (monitor or TV) updates the image it shows. A higher refresh rate can display more frames per second, resulting in a smoother image, provided your device is producing those frames.

Ideally, you want your frame rate and refresh rate to be in sync. If your game is running at 120 FPS but your monitor has a 60Hz refresh rate, you’re only seeing 60 frames per second. Conversely, if your monitor has a 120Hz refresh rate but your game is only running at 60 FPS, you’re not taking full advantage of your display’s capabilities.

EA FC 24 Performance Across Platforms

Let’s break down the performance of EA FC 24 on different platforms:

PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X/S: The game targets 60 FPS during gameplay on these consoles. In-game cinematics, however, are often capped at 30 FPS. While the consoles themselves can output at 120Hz, EA FC 24 doesn’t typically utilize this capability without user configuration.
PC: The PC version’s performance is heavily dependent on your hardware. A capable gaming rig can certainly push frame rates well above 60 FPS. However, the game’s initial configuration may not be optimized for higher refresh rates and might require manual adjustments to the configuration files as detailed earlier.
Nintendo Switch: The Switch version of EA FC 24 runs at a stable 30 FPS. The lower frame rate is a compromise necessary to run the game on the Switch’s less powerful hardware.

Why is 120 FPS Not Standard?

Several factors contribute to why EA FC 24 doesn’t natively support 120 FPS on consoles:

Prioritization of Visual Fidelity: Developers often choose to prioritize higher resolution and graphical details over maximizing frame rate. Achieving a stable 120 FPS requires significant optimization, and sometimes graphical sacrifices, which might not align with the desired visual experience.
Target Audience: The majority of players may not have displays capable of 120Hz refresh rates. Therefore, focusing on a stable 60 FPS ensures a consistent experience for a broader audience.
Development Resources: Optimizing a game for multiple frame rates and resolutions across different platforms requires considerable development resources. Developers must weigh the cost and benefit of supporting higher frame rates against other priorities.

Optimizing EA FC 24 for Your System

Despite the lack of native 120 FPS support, there are steps you can take to optimize your EA FC 24 experience:

PC Optimization:
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering graphics settings can significantly improve frame rates on PC. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance.
- Update Drivers: Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Newer drivers often include performance optimizations for specific games.
- Modify Configuration Files: As mentioned previously, you can manually adjust the refresh rate setting in the fcsetup.ini file located in your Documents/FC 24 folder. Setting REFRESH_RATE = 0 might unlock higher refresh rates, but this is an unofficial workaround and may not work for everyone.
- Nvidia Control Panel: Add EAFC 24 to your list of games in the Nvidia GPU Control Panel and then set VSync to Adaptive.
Console Optimization:
- Ensure HDMI 2.1 Connection: To potentially benefit from 120Hz output on consoles (even if the game itself isn’t running at 120 FPS), make sure you’re using an HDMI 2.1 cable.
- Enable 120Hz Output: On PS5, go to Settings > Display and Video > Video Output and enable “Allow 120Hz Output.”
- Game Mode on TV/Monitor: Enable “Game Mode” or a similar low-latency setting on your TV or monitor to reduce input lag.

The Impact of Lag and Input Delay

Many players experience lag or input delay in EA FC 24. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially in a competitive game where split-second decisions matter.

Network Issues: A poor internet connection is a common cause of lag. Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
Outdated Drivers: As previously mentioned, outdated graphics and network drivers can contribute to lag.
Hardware Limitations: Your PC or console might not meet the minimum or recommended specifications for EA FC 24, leading to performance issues.
VSync Issues: VSync, while designed to eliminate screen tearing, can sometimes introduce input delay. Experiment with different VSync settings (Adaptive VSync in Nvidia Control Panel can be helpful) to find what works best for your system.

The Future of Frame Rates in Sports Games

As technology advances, we can expect to see more games, including sports titles like EA FC, embracing higher frame rates. The PlayStation 5 Pro and next-generation consoles will likely be capable of delivering a more consistent 120 FPS experience, provided developers prioritize optimization. Furthermore, the growing adoption of high-refresh-rate displays will further incentivize developers to target higher frame rates.

Ultimately, the ideal frame rate is a matter of personal preference and depends on your hardware and display. However, the trend towards higher frame rates is undeniable, and we can anticipate a smoother, more responsive gaming experience in the years to come.

The world of gaming is continuously evolving, and understanding the underlying technology helps players make informed decisions to improve their experience. Learning resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org play a pivotal role in educating gamers and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of game development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about frame rates, refresh rates, and EA FC 24:

What is the difference between FPS and Hz? FPS (Frames Per Second) is how many frames your game generates each second, while Hz (Hertz) is how many times per second your monitor refreshes the image.
Does EA FC 24 support 120 FPS on PS5? No, EA FC 24 primarily targets 60 FPS on PS5, although the console can output at 120Hz with proper setup. Native 120 FPS gameplay is not standard.
Can I get 120 FPS in EA FC 24 on PC? Yes, if your PC hardware is powerful enough, you can achieve frame rates above 60 FPS. However, the game’s initial configuration might not be optimized for higher refresh rates and might require manual adjustments.
How do I check my FPS in EA FC 24 on PC? You can use third-party software like Fraps, MSI Afterburner, or the built-in FPS counter in your graphics card driver software (Nvidia GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software).
What are the minimum PC requirements for EA FC 24? The minimum requirements typically include an Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570. However, these specs will only allow you to run the game at lower settings.
What are the recommended PC requirements for EA FC 24? The recommended specs usually include an Intel Core i7-6700 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 12GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT.
Why is my EA FC 24 lagging on PS5? Lag can be caused by a poor internet connection, outdated software, or issues with your console’s hardware. Try restarting your console, checking your internet connection, and ensuring your system software is up to date.
How do I reduce input lag in EA FC 24? Go into your Nvidia GPU Control Panel, add EAFC24 to your list of games in the “Manage 3D Settings” and then set VSync to “Adaptive”.
What is VSync, and should I use it? VSync (Vertical Synchronization) synchronizes your game’s frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate to prevent screen tearing. However, it can sometimes introduce input lag. Experiment with VSync settings to see what works best for your system.
How do I change the refresh rate in EA FC 24 on PC? You can manually edit the fcsetup.ini file in your Documents/FC 24 folder. Change the REFRESH_RATE value to 0 (or your monitor’s maximum refresh rate). Save the file and launch the game. However, do not touch this setting in-game.
What HDMI cable do I need for 120Hz on PS5? You need an HDMI 2.1 cable to support 120Hz refresh rates at 4K resolution on PS5. Sony includes one with the console.
How do I enable 120Hz output on PS5? Go to Settings > Display and Video > Video Output and enable “Allow 120Hz Output.” You also need a compatible TV or monitor.
Is a higher refresh rate monitor worth it for gaming? Yes, a higher refresh rate monitor (120Hz, 144Hz, or higher) can significantly improve your gaming experience, resulting in smoother visuals and reduced input lag, if your system can output enough frames to take advantage of the higher refresh rate.
What resolution is EA FC 24 on PS5? EA FC 24 runs at native 4K resolution on PS5.
Will next-generation consoles support 120 FPS gaming? Potentially, Yes! However, the actual frame rate will depend on the game and how well it is optimized for the console’s hardware.

Is EAFC 24 120 fps?