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Does Horizon Forbidden West Have 120 FPS? The Definitive Guide

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The short answer is yes, but with a huge caveat. While Horizon Forbidden West can technically output at 120 FPS on the PlayStation 5, it’s not a straightforward “set it and forget it” situation. It requires specific conditions to be met and understanding the game’s graphical modes is crucial. The primary thing to be aware of is that 120FPS is only attainable by taking advantage of a system that upscales the frame rate. It does not mean a true 120FPS rendering of new frames. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Understanding Horizon Forbidden West’s Graphics Modes

To understand how to potentially achieve 120 FPS in Horizon Forbidden West on your PS5, you need to familiarize yourself with the available graphics modes. The game offers several options, each prioritizing either resolution or frame rate. Here’s a breakdown:

Favor Resolution Mode: This mode targets a native 4K (2160p) resolution with a frame rate of 30 frames per second (FPS). It employs a combination of temporal anti-aliasing (TAA) and fast approximate anti-aliasing (FXAA) for image smoothing.
Favor Performance Mode: This mode prioritizes frame rate. It runs in a lower 1800p resolution using checkerboard rendering, targeting 60 FPS. This is the mode where you have a chance of approaching or hitting 120FPS.
Balanced Mode: Introduced in a later patch, this mode aims for a middle ground. It targets 40 FPS at a checkerboarded 4K resolution, ideal for displays with 120Hz refresh rates.

How to Potentially Unlock 120 FPS

Getting Horizon Forbidden West to display at a higher frame rate, potentially reaching or approaching 120 FPS, involves several steps and relies heavily on your display’s capabilities. Here’s what you need:

A 120Hz Compatible Display: This is the most critical requirement. Your TV or monitor must support a 120Hz refresh rate and, ideally, HDMI 2.1.
HDMI 2.1 Cable: While the PS5 comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable, ensure you’re using it. This cable is necessary to transmit the higher bandwidth required for 4K resolution at 120Hz.
PS5 System Settings: You need to enable 120Hz output in your PS5’s settings:
- Go to Settings (cogwheel icon at the top right of the home screen).
- Select “Screen and Video.”
- Select “Video Output.”
- Set “120Hz Output” to “Automatic”.
- Enable VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) if your display supports it, which is also found in Video Output settings. This helps smooth out frame rate fluctuations.
In-Game Settings: Select the “Favor Performance” graphics mode within Horizon Forbidden West’s settings. This mode targets 60 FPS, providing the foundation for potentially achieving a higher frame rate through upscaling.

Understanding the Limitations

It’s important to understand that even with the above settings, Horizon Forbidden West does not natively render at 120 FPS. The “Favor Performance” mode targets 60 FPS. What you’re seeing is the potential for your 120Hz display and the PS5 to upscale and smooth the image, approximating a 120 FPS experience with the caveat that you are not seeing that number of new unique frames rendered per second. VRR plays a crucial role here, synchronizing the display’s refresh rate with the game’s output to minimize screen tearing and create a smoother visual experience.

The perceived smoothness will depend on your display’s upscaling capabilities, VRR implementation, and personal sensitivity to frame rate variations. Some players find the difference significant, while others may not notice a drastic improvement.

The Impact of Patches and Updates

It’s also worth noting that game developers can release patches and updates that alter performance and graphics settings. Guerrilla Games has released several updates for Horizon Forbidden West that have tweaked the visual fidelity and performance of different graphics modes. It’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest patches to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience.

For example, Patch 1.16 significantly improved the visual fidelity of the 60fps Performance Mode, making it, in the opinion of some experts, the best way to play the game overall.

Beyond Frame Rate: The Complete Experience

While frame rate is important, it’s only one aspect of the overall gaming experience. Horizon Forbidden West excels in other areas, including:

Graphics and Visual Fidelity: Even in performance mode, the game is visually stunning. The world is incredibly detailed, with lush environments and realistic character models.
Gameplay: The combat is engaging and challenging, with a wide variety of weapons, skills, and enemy types.
Story: The narrative is captivating, with compelling characters and a rich lore.
Performance: For many players, the game’s performance in the modes other than Favor Resolution mode is often very high.

Ultimately, the best way to play Horizon Forbidden West depends on your personal preferences and the capabilities of your display. Experiment with different graphics modes and settings to find what works best for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does “checkerboard rendering” mean?

Checkerboard rendering is a technique used to improve performance by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using algorithms to upscale it to a higher resolution. It essentially fills in the missing pixels, creating a visually similar image to a native higher resolution but with less processing power required.

2. Is HDMI 2.1 really necessary for 120 FPS?

Yes, for 4K resolution at 120 FPS, HDMI 2.1 is essential. It provides the necessary bandwidth to transmit the large amount of data required. While you might get some benefit from a 120Hz display with an older HDMI version, you won’t be able to achieve the full potential.

3. My TV supports 120Hz, but I’m not seeing the option on my PS5. What’s wrong?

First, double-check your TV’s settings. Many TVs require you to manually enable HDMI 2.1 or a similar setting (sometimes called “Enhanced Format”) for the specific HDMI port you’re using. Also, make sure you’re using the HDMI cable that came with your PS5, as it’s certified for HDMI 2.1.

4. What is VRR, and why is it important?

VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate. It’s a technology that allows your display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate output by the PS5. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering, resulting in a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

5. Does Horizon Forbidden West have ray tracing?

No, Horizon Forbidden West does not have ray tracing. The game focuses on other graphical techniques to achieve its stunning visuals.

6. Is there a noticeable difference between 60 FPS and 120 FPS in Horizon Forbidden West?

The perceived difference varies from person to person. Some players are highly sensitive to frame rate and will notice a significant improvement in smoothness when approaching 120 FPS. Others may find the difference less pronounced.

7. Should I choose Resolution or Performance mode?

This depends on your priorities. If you prioritize visual fidelity and don’t mind a lower frame rate, choose “Favor Resolution”. If you prioritize smoother gameplay, even with some visual compromises, choose “Favor Performance”. A lot of players prefer performance.

8. Does the PS5 Digital Edition offer the same performance as the standard PS5?

Yes, both the PS5 Digital Edition and the standard PS5 offer the same performance. The only difference is the absence of a disc drive in the Digital Edition.

9. How much does Horizon Forbidden West cost?

The price of Horizon Forbidden West varies depending on the retailer and any ongoing sales. Check online stores or local retailers for the most up-to-date pricing.

10. Is Horizon Forbidden West a direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn?

Yes, Horizon Forbidden West is a direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, continuing Aloy’s story and expanding on the game’s lore and world.

11. Does Horizon Forbidden West require PlayStation Plus for online play?

Horizon Forbidden West is primarily a single-player game and does not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for the main campaign.

12. Can I transfer my save data from Horizon Zero Dawn to Horizon Forbidden West?

No, you cannot directly transfer save data from Horizon Zero Dawn to Horizon Forbidden West.

13. What is the best TV for Horizon Forbidden West on PS5?

The “best” TV depends on your budget and priorities. Look for TVs with 120Hz refresh rates, HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and good color accuracy and contrast. OLED TVs are generally considered to offer the best picture quality.

14. Will Horizon Forbidden West ever get a native 120 FPS update?

It’s possible, but unlikely. Developers sometimes release performance updates, but a native 120 FPS mode would likely require significant changes to the game’s engine and rendering.

15. Is Horizon Forbidden West worth buying?

Absolutely! Horizon Forbidden West is a critically acclaimed game with stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a compelling story. It’s a must-play for fans of action RPGs and open-world games.