Final Fantasy XVI Quality vs Performance Mode Comparison

Muhammad Ali Bari June 13, 2023

The Final Fantasy XVI demo is now available for PS5 on the PlayStation Store, and if you’re looking to find out which of its two graphics modes, Quality and Performance, is right for you, read ahead.

Final Fantasy XVI offers two graphics modes, namely Quality and Performance. In Quality mode, the game runs at a native resolution of 1440p, which is scaled up to 4K (2160p). In Performance mode, it runs at a native resolution of 1080p, which is scaled up to 1440p. In terms of graphics settings, the Quality mode offers higher quality shadows, anisotropic filtering, and slightly more post-processing effects, such as the presence of light shafts, compared to the Performance mode.

With regards to performance, the Quality mode targets a frame rate of 30 fps, while the Performance mode targets a frame rate of 60 fps. The latter has difficulty in maintaining its target, and can drop as low as 40 fps. Meanwhile, cutscenes/cinematics are capped at 30 fps in both graphics modes. Lastly, load times are pretty much non-existent, and gameplay features like fast travel occur almost instantly.

It’s worth noting that the performance seen here is specific to the demo build of Final Fantasy XVI. The release build may end up receiving performance-related improvements. That said, based on the demo, the Performance mode is not very consistent, and the frame rate can drop below the PS5’s VRR threshold of 48 Hz. As such, those who are sensitive to judder are advised to play the demo in Quality mode. On the other hand, those who prefer quicker input response should undoubtedly opt for the Performance mode, as it does a good job of maintaining its target during combat sections.

Previously, it was reported that Update 1.03 Final Fantasy XVI is already available, and that the demo runs on an older 1.01 build. An eagle-eyed Final Fantasy XVI fan spotted that the demo is based on an earlier build of the game, as it was seen running on the more recent update 1.03 during its recent State of Play showing.