Graphics vs Frame Rate Mode FF16: Which is best in Final Fantasy 16?

Graphics vs Frame Rate Mode FF16: Which is best in Final Fantasy 16?

When it comes to Graphics vs Frame Rate in FF16, choosing the right mode can be tough - so we'll help you decide which is best to use in Final Fantasy 16.

24th Jun 2023 09:09

Images via Square Enix Creative | Creative III

Available to pick right from the start of Final Fantasy 16, the graphics vs frame rate FF16 mode debate makes for a decision as hard as other titles. However, we'll give you the rundown of deciding whether Graphics Mode or Frame Rate Mode in Final Fantasy 16 is best for you. 

Graphics vs Frame Rate FF16: Which mode is best in Final Fantasy 16?

Clive after fighting Tiamut in Final Fantasy 16

The best game performance mode in the graphics vs frame rate FF16 comparison as of right now is Graphics Mode - even though the answer for each Final Fantasy 16 player comes down to their preference.

Simply put, this is because whilst Frame Rate Mode of course offers a higher FPS for smoother gameplay as the name implies, Graphics Mode provides more stability within the current state of the game - along with its higher resolution

What resolution & FPS does each performance mode provide?

Final Fantasy 16 combat sequence comparing graphics vs frame rate FF16 modes

Getting into the specifics of the graphics vs frame Rate FF16 discussion, the resolution and FPS with each Final Fantasy 16 game performance mode are as follows: 

FF16 Game Performance mode Resolution & FPS
Graphics Mode 1440 native resolution upscaled to 4K, target 30FPS
Frame Rate Mode 1080p native resolution upscaled to 1440p, target 60FPS

As you can see above, the true difference between which game performance option is best lies in how well each mode achieves its target FPS and the resolution it gets in return.

Whilst Final Fantasy 16's Frame Rate Mode will go as high as 60FPS, that's often not the case - with drops to between 40 and 50FPS, or as low as 33FPS during exploration. That's even after the Version 1.02 Day One patch, as reported by Digital Foundry

Meanwhile, despite Graphics Mode's 30FPS being targeted, the game achieves this consistently to the point where you may as well say it's locked - at most and very rarely dipping to 28FPS whilst retaining the sharper upscaled 4K resolution

However, combat is where the FF16 Frame Rate Mode is most effective - steadily hitting 60FPS in combat for smoother and more polished gameplay by dropping the resolution to as low as 720p. But then, the game will flip the two by upping resolution and lowering the frame rate as combat ends and exploration begins, as also suspected by Digital Foundry. 

All in all, the graphics vs frame rate FF16 comparison ultimately comes down to Graphics Mode being the best in general before any future patches. Nevertheless, if consistently high-frame-rate-combat is your top priority in Final Fantasy 16, the Frame Rate Mode as it is now is still fit for purpose. 

How do I switch between Graphics & Frame Rate Mode in Final Fantasy 16?

Switching Game Performance mode in Final Fantasy 16 when comparing graphics vs frame rate FF16 modes

Luckily, you can try out Graphics Mode and Frame Rate Mode in Final Fantasy 16 as much as you please since the game makes switching between the two incredibly easy. 

At any time in FF16, you can switch game performance modes by carrying out the following steps: 

  • Go to the main menu by pressing the Start button.
  • Go to the "System" section. 
  • Press R1/L1 to take you to the "Graphics Settings" tab.
  • Select "Game Performance".
  • Use left/right on the D-pad to select "Graphics" and "Frame Rate".
  • Leave the menu and return to the game.

Your chosen game performance mode should apply automatically. If you decide Graphics Mode or Frame Rate Mode isn't for you as you start playing FF16, you can easily switch to the other whenever you like. 

That's everything you need to know thanks to our graphics vs frame rate FF16 guide covering which game performance mode is best in Final Fantasy 16

For even more Final Fantasy 16 guides, you can be sure to find them right here at GGRecon. 

Ben Williams

About The Author

Ben Williams

Ben is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. Alongside his BA (Hons) in Business Management is a wealth of gaming and entertainment writing experience, having previously occupied roles as a Copywriter in e-commerce at Overclockers and Guides & SEO Writer at GameByte and FragHero. When not whipping up guides and reviews, Ben’ll be off playing the latest Pokemon games, Overwatch 2, Spider-Man, The Witcher, and Final Fantasy - all before reading manga and listening to Ice Nine Kills.

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