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Does Modern Warfare 2 on PS5 Achieve 120 FPS? A Deep Dive

Yes, Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) can absolutely achieve 120 frames per second (FPS), provided you have the correct setup. This capability allows for smoother, more responsive gameplay, offering a significant advantage in fast-paced online matches. However, achieving this performance requires understanding some nuances regarding resolution, settings, and hardware compatibility. Let’s delve into the details to fully grasp how you can experience MW2 at its peak performance on your PS5.

Understanding 120 FPS on PS5

The PS5 is a powerful console designed to handle high refresh rates, and MW2 is optimized to take advantage of this feature. However, it’s not as simple as just launching the game and expecting 120 FPS. Several factors come into play:

Display Requirements

First and foremost, you need a display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate through an HDMI 2.1 connection. Standard HDMI cables and older displays might be limited to 60Hz, preventing you from experiencing the benefits of 120 FPS. Ensure both your TV/monitor and HDMI cable are rated for 120Hz at 1440p or 4K for the best results.

Game Settings

Within MW2’s settings, you should configure the game to run at 120Hz if it does not auto detect, and disable specific graphical settings which could hamper performance. The key setting you need to enable on your console is the “120Hz Output” option. Make sure it’s set to “Automatic” so that the console can output to the correct settings. In game you can check the FPS counter under the Telemetry tab, click on Show More to see it.

Resolution and Performance Trade-offs

While the PS5 is capable of 4K resolution, achieving 120 FPS often requires a compromise. You might find that running MW2 at a 1440p resolution will more consistently achieve 120 FPS than trying to maintain it at 4K. Many players opt for this slightly lower resolution to enjoy the smoothness and responsiveness offered by the higher frame rate. The game runs at a stable 60FPS in 4K, however, 120FPS is achievable in 1440p with slight dips.

Single-Player Campaign

It’s important to note that while multiplayer modes can be enjoyed at 120 FPS, the single-player campaign generally prioritizes visual quality. You will be able to play the campaign in 4k 60fps and 1440p 120fps with some slight dips.

Optimizing Your Setup for 120 FPS

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to optimize your setup for 120 FPS in Modern Warfare 2 on PS5:

Check your HDMI Cable: Ensure you are using the HDMI 2.1 cable that was included with your PS5.
Verify Display Compatibility: Confirm that your TV or monitor supports 120Hz refresh rates, and also its capable of outputting at 1440p or 4K resolution at 120Hz.
PS5 Settings:
- Go to Settings on the PS5 home screen.
- Scroll down to Screen and Video.
- Locate the “120Hz Output” option and set it to “Automatic.”
- Go to TV & Display options and make sure the resolution is set to 4K UHD, and the Refresh Rate to 120Hz.
MW2 In-Game Settings:
- Launch Modern Warfare 2.
- Go to the Graphics settings.
- Disable On-Demand Texture Streaming.
- Turn World Motion Blur and Weapon Motion Blur off.
- Set Film Grain to 0.00.
- Disable Depth of Field.
- Enable FidelityFX CAS and set the Strength to 50 or higher.
Test your setup: In game go to the Telemetry settings to enable an FPS counter to see if your system is outputting the desired FPS.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of achieving a consistently smooth 120 FPS experience in MW2 on your PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a special HDMI cable for 120 FPS on PS5?

Yes, you need an HDMI 2.1 cable to support 120Hz refresh rates at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. The HDMI cable that comes with the PS5 is already an HDMI 2.1 cable.

2. Can I run MW2 in 4K at 120 FPS on PS5?

While the PS5 is technically capable, running MW2 at a stable 120 FPS in 4K is challenging. You’ll likely get higher and more stable frame rates by lowering the resolution to 1440p.

3. Is 120 FPS available in Modern Warfare 2’s campaign mode on PS5?

Yes, the campaign can be played at 120 FPS at 1440p resolution. However it may drop frames during graphically intensive moments. For a consistent 60FPS, stick with 4k resolution.

4. What if I don’t have an HDMI 2.1 compatible display?

If your display does not support HDMI 2.1, you are not going to get 120 FPS and will be limited to 60FPS .

5. What are some settings I should change in MW2 to help get higher FPS?

To boost FPS, try the following:

Disable On-Demand Texture Streaming.
Turn off World and Weapon Motion Blur.
Set Film Grain to 0.
Disable Depth of Field.
Turn on FidelityFX CAS at a strength of 50 or higher.

6. How can I confirm if my PS5 is running at 120 FPS in MW2?

You can monitor your FPS with the built-in FPS counter. In the main menu, go to the telemetry tab, click on Show More, and you’ll find the FPS counter in the dropdown menu.

7. Is ray tracing available on MW2 for the PS5?

No, ray tracing is not supported in MW2 on the PS5, it was not in the beta and will not be in the final release of the game.

8. Is there a 120 FOV setting in MW2?

Yes, Modern Warfare 2 does have a Field of View (FOV) slider. This will impact the visuals and is personal preference, but can slightly impact performance if it is set too high.

9. Why is Fortnite not 120 FPS by default on PS5?

To enable 120 FPS in Fortnite on PS5, you must enable Performance Mode in the console’s settings under “Save Data and Game/App Settings.”

10. How do I get 120 Hz output on my PS5?

Navigate to Settings -> Screen and Video -> 120Hz Output and set it to Automatic. Then in the same menu, go to TV & Display options and set the resolution to 4k UHD, and the Refresh Rate to 120Hz.

11. Is there a significant difference between 60 FPS and 120 FPS?

Yes, the difference is noticeable. 120 FPS results in much smoother motion, more responsive controls, and reduced input lag, providing a competitive edge.

12. Does turning on VRR help with 120 FPS gaming?

Yes, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering, especially when frame rates fluctuate. If your TV or monitor supports it, enabling VRR can improve overall visual clarity.

13. What exactly does the PS5 do in 1440p 120hz mode?

The PS5 will cycle through tests for 1440p in both 60Hz and 120Hz. If it passes the tests, it will display in 1440p at up to 120Hz.

14. Is 120hz more likely to be achieved in 1440p than 4k on ps5?

Yes, this is correct. The PS5 is more likely to achieve 120hz in 1440p than in 4k.

15. Does MW2 support 4k 120hz in general?

Yes, Modern Warfare 2 is capable of supporting 4k 120hz. However, the PS5 may struggle to consistently achieve this, so 1440p 120hz is a more attainable output.

In conclusion, while there are multiple ways to configure your setup, if you want to run MW2 at 120 fps on the PS5, it is certainly achievable with the right configuration and hardware. Enjoy the enhanced, smooth gameplay!

Does MW2 PS5 have 120 fps?