God of War Ragnarok high frame rate mode – what is it and how to turn it on

God of War Ragnarok is finally here, bringing with it a plethora of graphics modes depending on what sort of experience you like.

These range from allowing you to favour performance, and run the game at a higher framerate at a lower resolution, or for those who want the highest possible visual fidelity, you’re able to run the game at a higher resolution at a cost of framerate.

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You can find a detailed breakdown of the GOW graphics modes right here. It’s worth noting that the High Frame Rate mode is only available for PS5 users. PS4 Pro users can opt for improved performance at expense of resolution, but there is no High Frame Rate mode for that platform.

Here’s how to turn on high frame rate mode in God of War Ragnarok

The High Frame Rate mode in God of War Ragnarok is a PS5 exclusive setting – which gives you a frame-rate boost at a slight cost of game resolution. It’ll result in a more ‘smooth’ experience, targeting 60FPS in performance mode, and 40FPS when balancing visual fidelity with performance.

To use the High Frame Rate mode, you’ll need a HDMI 2.1 cable and a TV that supports HDMI 2.1 and for those opting for the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), you’ll need a TV that supports that, too. VRR is another feature that looks to improve picture quality through the reduction of artefacts.

If you’re in doubt, or if you need of an upgrade, check out our best TVs for PS5 right here.

These are the High Frame Rate mode options in God of War Ragnarok:

• Favor Performance + High Frame Rate
  • Resolution: 1440p
  • Framerate: Unlocked 60 fps
  • What’s needed: HDMI 2.1 cable, 4K display with HDMI 2.1 port
    

• Favor Performance + High Frame Rate + VRR
  • Resolution: 1440p
  • Framerate: Unlocked 60 fps
  • What’s needed: HDMI 2.1 cable, 4K display with HDMI 2.1 port and Variable Refresh Rate support

• Favor Quality + High Frame Rate
  • Resolution: 1800-2160p
  • Framerate: 40 fps target (not locked, so will deviate)
  • What’s needed: HDMI 2.1 cable, 4K display with HDMI 2.1 port

• Favor Quality + High Frame Rate + VRR
  • 1800-2160p
  • Unlocked 40 fps (not locked, so will deviate)
  • What’s needed: HDMI 2.1, 4K display with HDMI 2.1 port that supports Variable Refresh Rate

Once you have decided what mode is best for you, please follow these steps:

• Head over to God of War Ragnarok on your games list
• Open the game and run it as per usual
• Press Options on the controller and click Settings
• Click Graphics & Camera
• Head over to Graphics Mode
• Select the desired graphics mode

The right settings come down to both personal preference and your hardware. If your hardware supports it, we would recommend opting for Favour Quality + High Frame Rate + VRR, which gives the perfect balance of visual fidelty at a responsive, smooth framerate.

This would be especially wise for those playing on larger TVs compared to smaller monitors. IF you are playing on a smaller screen, you may want to lean towards favoring performance as the difference in visual fidelity will be far harder to distinguish.

For those on PS4, who do not have these options, you can find out about how to upgrade your God of War Ragnarok here – should you be getting a PS5.

God of War Ragnarok high frame rate mode FAQ

Is God of War Ragnarok 60 FPS?

God of War Ragnarok runs at an unlocked 60 FPS in PS5 Performance Mode. If you look to Favour Quality, GOW Ragnarok will target 40 FPS.

Does the PS4 have High Frame Rate Mode GOW Ragnarok?

No, neither the PS4 Pro or the base PS4 have High Frame Rate mode in God of War Ragnarok.