The Outer Worlds 2 Visual Modes Explained: Performance vs. Quality vs. Balanced

Modern console gaming comes with a choice that would’ve seemed impossible a generation ago: do you want your game to look amazing, or do you want it to run buttery smooth? Rarely can you have both maxed out simultaneously, and The Outer Worlds 2 is no exception to this hardware reality.

Obsidian has included a Visual Mode setting that lets you prioritize what matters most to your experience. But unlike some games that just slap generic labels on their graphics options and call it a day, the performance differences between modes in The Outer Worlds 2 are significant—and understanding what you’re actually getting on your specific console matters.

This guide breaks down exactly what each visual mode delivers on PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, including the framerates, resolutions, and trade-offs. Whether you’re a framerate purist, a pixel counter, or just want the best overall experience, I’ll help you make the right choice for your setup and preferences.

Before we dive into the technical specs, make sure you’re set up with our beginner’s guide and what to do first guide to maximize your experience once you’ve got your visual settings dialed in.

The Three Visual Modes: What They Actually Mean

Let’s start with the basics before we get into console-specific breakdowns.

Performance Mode: Framerate First

Philosophy: Smooth gameplay over visual fidelity

What you get:

• Higher framerates (typically 60 FPS)
• Lower native resolution (upscaled to higher output)
• Reduced visual effects (subtle lighting, shadow, and detail reductions)
• More responsive controls (lower input latency from higher framerate)

Best for: Fast-paced combat, players sensitive to framerate drops, competitive mindsets, anyone who prioritizes gameplay feel over screenshot quality

Quality Mode: Visuals First

Philosophy: Maximum graphical fidelity over smoothness

What you get:

• Lower framerates (typically 30 FPS)
• Higher native resolution (closer to 4K output)
• Enhanced visual effects (better lighting, shadows, draw distance, detail)
• “Cinematic” experience (if you’re being generous with that term)

Best for: Screenshot enthusiasts, players who don’t mind 30 FPS, exploration-focused gameplay, anyone playing on a large 4K TV where the resolution difference is noticeable

Balanced Mode: The Compromise

Philosophy: Find the sweet spot between visuals and performance

What you get:

• Middle-ground framerate (typically 40 FPS)
• Moderate resolution (better than Performance, not quite Quality)
• Good visual effects (most of Quality mode’s benefits with better smoothness)
• Requires 120Hz display for optimal experience (40 FPS works best on 120Hz panels)

Best for: Players who want both decent visuals AND acceptable smoothness, anyone with a 120Hz TV/monitor, the recommended option for most people

Console-Specific Breakdown: What You’re Actually Getting

Here’s where things get interesting—not all consoles offer the same options, and the performance targets vary significantly.

Xbox Series X: Full Option Access

The Series X is the most powerful Xbox console and gets the complete visual mode suite.

Performance Mode

• Framerate: 60 FPS (target)
• Resolution: Dynamic resolution (max 1280p native, can drop to 848p, upscales to 1800p output)
• What this means: You’re getting smooth gameplay, but the native rendering resolution is significantly lower than the output. The upscaling tech does decent work, but you’ll notice softer image quality compared to Quality mode.

Balanced Mode

• Framerate: 40 FPS (target)
• Resolution: Dynamic resolution (max 1440p native, lows of 1280p, upscales to 4K output)
• What this means: The sweet spot for Series X. Better resolution than Performance while maintaining noticeably smoother gameplay than Quality. Requires a 120Hz display to feel its best.

Quality Mode

• Framerate: 30 FPS (locked)
• Resolution: Dynamic resolution (max 1600p native, lows of 1440p, upscales to 4K output)
• What this means: Best visual fidelity for Series X, but locked to 30 FPS. The game looks great but can feel sluggish if you’re used to 60 FPS gaming.

My Series X recommendation: Balanced mode if you have a 120Hz TV, Performance mode if you don’t (or if you prioritize responsiveness for combat). Quality mode is fine for slow exploration but hurts during intense faction conflicts and combat scenarios.

Xbox Series S: Limited But Playable

The Series S is less powerful and shows it in the available options.

Performance Mode

• Not supported on Series S
• Why: The hardware simply can’t hit 60 FPS while maintaining acceptable visual quality

Balanced Mode

• Framerate: 40 FPS (target)
• Resolution: Dynamic resolution (max 900p native, lows 720p, upscales to 1440p output)
• What this means: Your best option on Series S. The 40 FPS feels decent, though the resolution can drop pretty low during demanding scenes. Image quality is noticeably softer than Series X.

Quality Mode

• Framerate: 30 FPS (locked)
• Resolution: Dynamic resolution (max 1080p native, lows 720p, upscales to 1440p output)
• What this means: Better image quality than Balanced, but the 30 FPS feels even more limiting on Series S than on other consoles for some reason (probably the lower overall visual fidelity making the framerate more noticeable).

My Series S recommendation: Balanced mode, no question. The 40 FPS makes a huge difference in how the game feels, and the resolution difference between Balanced and Quality isn’t dramatic enough to justify dropping to 30 FPS. Plus, you’ll want that extra smoothness when you’re hunting for Mag-Picks and hacking terminals.

PS5 Pro: The Premium Experience

The PS5 Pro is the most powerful console in the lineup and it shows.

Performance Mode

• Framerate: 60 FPS (target)
• Resolution: 1620p native (no dynamic resolution needed)
• What this means: This is the killer feature of PS5 Pro for this game. You get 60 FPS with a native resolution significantly higher than any other console’s Performance mode. The upscaling to 4K looks excellent, and gameplay is buttery smooth.

Balanced Mode

• Framerate: 40 FPS (target)
• Resolution: 4K native
• What this means: Full 4K at 40 FPS. Gorgeous and relatively smooth, though the framerate advantage over Performance mode isn’t as dramatic as the visual upgrade.

Quality Mode

• Framerate: 30 FPS (locked)
• Resolution: 4K native
• What this means: Maximum visual fidelity at the cost of smoothness. Looks identical to Balanced mode but runs at 30 FPS instead of 40 FPS.

My PS5 Pro recommendation: Performance mode is the star here. The 1620p native resolution at 60 FPS is the best overall experience in the game across any console. You get great visuals AND smooth gameplay—exactly what you paid the premium for. Only switch to Balanced if you’re doing a slow, exploratory playthrough where you want that native 4K for screenshots.

Base PS5: The Confusing Limitations

Here’s where things get weird.

Performance Mode

• Not supported on base PS5
• Why: No official explanation, but this is genuinely surprising given that Series X (which is roughly comparable in power) supports Performance mode

Balanced Mode

• Framerate: 40 FPS (target)
• Resolution: 4K (upscaled, native resolution not specified but likely dynamic)
• What this means: Your only “smooth” option on base PS5. The 40 FPS is acceptable but noticeably choppier than 60 FPS on other consoles.

Quality Mode

• Framerate: 30 FPS (locked)
• Resolution: 4K (upscaled)
• What this means: Maximum visual quality for base PS5, locked to 30 FPS.

The elephant in the room: It’s genuinely bizarre that base PS5 doesn’t support Performance mode when Xbox Series X does. The base PS5 is absolutely capable of running this game at 60 FPS with reduced resolution—The Outer Worlds 2 isn’t exactly pushing the boundaries of photorealism. This feels like either an optimization issue or a deliberate choice to make the PS5 Pro’s Performance mode more appealing by comparison.

My base PS5 recommendation: Balanced mode is your only real choice for decent smoothness. Quality mode at 30 FPS is functional but feels sluggish, especially during combat. Hopefully Obsidian patches in Performance mode support later, because base PS5 owners are getting a raw deal here.

PC Version: The Freedom of Customization

If you’re playing on PC, you can completely ignore this console discussion because you have granular control over every visual setting imaginable.

PC advantages: ✅ Adjust resolution, framerate cap, individual graphics settings ✅ Support for ultrawide monitors and higher refresh rates ✅ DLSS/FSR upscaling options for AMD and NVIDIA cards ✅ Mod support (eventually) for further visual enhancements ✅ No forced compromises between quality and performance

PC disadvantages: ❌ Requires tweaking and optimization knowledge ❌ Performance varies wildly based on hardware ❌ Potential for bugs and optimization issues (especially at launch)

If you have a decent gaming PC, that’s arguably the best platform for The Outer Worlds 2, but console is perfectly viable if you choose the right visual mode.

Which Visual Mode Should YOU Actually Use?

Let’s get practical with specific recommendations based on different player priorities and hardware.

If You Prioritize Smoothness Above All Else

Best choice: Performance mode (where available)

Why: 60 FPS makes combat more responsive, aiming more precise, and the overall experience more fluid. The resolution reduction is noticeable but not gamebreaking.

Ideal for:

• Players coming from PC gaming (used to 60+ FPS)
• Combat-focused builds (guns, explosives)
• Anyone sensitive to framerate drops or input lag
• Competitive mindsets who want every advantage

Console-specific:

• PS5 Pro / Xbox Series X: Performance mode all day
• Base PS5: You’re stuck with Balanced (sorry)
• Series S: Balanced is your closest option (no Performance available)

Check our best starting builds guide for combat-focused characters that benefit most from high framerate.

If You Prioritize Visual Fidelity

Best choice: Quality mode

Why: Maximum resolution and visual effects make the game look its best, especially on large 4K displays. Perfect for slow, exploratory gameplay where framerate matters less.

Ideal for:

• Screenshot enthusiasts
• Slow, methodical explorers
• Players who don’t mind 30 FPS (or are used to it)
• Anyone playing on a large 4K TV where resolution differences are obvious

Console-specific:

• PS5 Pro: Quality mode looks stunning at native 4K
• Base PS5: Quality mode is your “pretty” option
• Xbox Series X: Quality mode has good resolution but 30 FPS hurts
• Series S: Quality mode doesn’t look dramatically better than Balanced, skip it

If you’re the type to thoroughly explore every area and hunt down every faction quest, Quality mode makes sense.

If You Want the Best Overall Balance

Best choice: Balanced mode

Why: The 40 FPS sweet spot feels significantly smoother than 30 FPS while retaining most of Quality mode’s visual benefits. This is the Goldilocks option.

Ideal for:

• Most players (honestly, this is the default recommendation)
• Anyone with a 120Hz TV/monitor
• Players who want both decent visuals AND acceptable smoothness
• People who can’t decide between Performance and Quality

Console-specific:

• All consoles: Balanced mode is available everywhere and generally the best overall choice
• PS5 Pro: Balanced gives you native 4K at 40 FPS (amazing)
• Base PS5: Balanced is your ONLY smooth option
• Xbox Series X: Balanced is the sweet spot
• Series S: Balanced is mandatory for decent performance

The 120Hz requirement: Balanced mode works best on 120Hz displays because 40 FPS divides evenly into 120Hz (3:1 ratio), creating smooth frame pacing. On 60Hz displays, 40 FPS can feel slightly uneven due to imperfect frame timing. If you have a 60Hz display and your console supports Performance mode, that might actually feel smoother than Balanced despite the resolution downgrade.

Real-World Experience: What Actually Feels Best

After extensive playtime across different modes and consoles, here’s my honest assessment:

The Outer Worlds 2 Isn’t a Visual Showcase

Let’s be real: The Outer Worlds 2 is a good-looking game, but it’s not winning awards for photorealism or pushing the boundaries of what current-gen consoles can do. The art style is stylized, the environments are colorful and interesting, but you’re not getting The Last of Us Part II levels of visual fidelity here.

What this means: The visual difference between Performance and Quality modes is less dramatic than in more graphically demanding games. You’re not losing some breathtaking vista or mind-blowing lighting effect by dropping to Performance mode—you’re getting slightly softer textures and less precise shadows. That’s it.

The practical impact: You can easily play in Performance mode without feeling like you’re missing out on the visual experience Obsidian intended. The game looks and runs great at 60 FPS.

30 FPS Feels Rough in 2025

Gaming has moved on. While 30 FPS is technically “playable” and was the standard for decades, it feels noticeably choppier and less responsive in 2025, especially if you’ve been playing modern games at 60+ FPS.

In The Outer Worlds 2 specifically:

• Aiming feels less precise at 30 FPS
• Camera movement feels sluggish during exploration
• Combat encounters feel less responsive when dodging or reacting

This is particularly noticeable during intense combat situations when you’re dealing with multiple enemies and need to react quickly. Check our perks guide for builds that rely on precision and timing—they all benefit from higher framerates.

Exception: If you’re doing a slow, dialogue-heavy, exploration-focused playthrough with minimal combat, 30 FPS is perfectly acceptable. But for action-oriented builds, it’s a handicap.

40 FPS Is the Real Sweet Spot

The Balanced mode’s 40 FPS target is genuinely impressive. It’s not as smooth as 60 FPS, but it’s dramatically better than 30 FPS while retaining significantly better visuals than Performance mode.

Why 40 FPS works:

• 33% smoother than 30 FPS (mathematically)
• Retains most of Quality mode’s visual benefits
• Feels responsive enough for most combat situations
• Perfect middle ground for players who can’t decide

On PS5 Pro specifically, Balanced mode at native 4K and 40 FPS is borderline magical. You get gorgeous visuals with acceptable smoothness—it’s hard to ask for more.

Console-Specific Reality Check

PS5 Pro: You paid premium price, play in Performance mode and enjoy that 1620p/60 FPS goodness. You earned it.

Xbox Series X: Performance or Balanced depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or visuals. Both are great options.

Base PS5: You’re unfortunately stuck with Balanced or Quality, and Balanced is objectively better for 99% of players. Hopefully this gets patched.

Xbox Series S: Balanced mode is your only viable choice. Quality mode exists but isn’t worth the framerate sacrifice given the relatively small resolution bump.

Special Considerations & Edge Cases

If You Have a 60Hz Display

The problem: Balanced mode’s 40 FPS doesn’t divide evenly into 60Hz, potentially causing uneven frame pacing.

The solution:

• If your console supports Performance mode, use that instead (60 FPS divides perfectly into 60Hz)
• If you only have Balanced and Quality options, Balanced is still probably better despite imperfect frame pacing

If You Have a 120Hz Display

The advantage: Balanced mode’s 40 FPS divides perfectly into 120Hz (3:1 ratio), creating perfectly smooth frame pacing.

The recommendation: Balanced mode is IDEAL on 120Hz displays. Take advantage of your premium display and enjoy the best of both worlds.

If You’re Playing Stealth Builds

The consideration: Stealth gameplay is slower and more methodical, meaning framerate is less critical than visual clarity for spotting enemies and navigating environments.

The recommendation: Quality or Balanced mode work great for stealth. Performance mode is overkill unless you’re doing aggressive stealth with lots of combat.

Check our backgrounds guide for stealth-oriented character setups that benefit from visual clarity.

If You’re Doing Completionist Runs

The consideration: You’ll spend dozens of hours in this game hunting down every lockbox, faction quest, and secret area. Eyestrain and fatigue become real concerns.

The recommendation: Performance or Balanced mode for long sessions. The smoothness reduces eye fatigue over extended play periods.

Don’t forget to stock up on Mag-Picks and Bypass Shunts before those marathon exploration sessions.

Can You Change Visual Modes Mid-Game?

Yes, absolutely. Visual mode is a settings option you can change anytime from the pause menu. There’s no penalty for switching, no progress lost, no consequences.

My recommendation: Try all available modes on your console for 15-30 minutes each. What looks good in a screenshot might feel terrible in actual gameplay, and vice versa.

Testing methodology:

1. Start in Quality mode and play through a combat encounter
2. Switch to Balanced and repeat similar combat
3. Switch to Performance (if available) and repeat again
4. Choose whichever felt best to YOU (not to reviewers, not to your friends, to YOU)

Personal preference genuinely matters here. Some people can’t tell the difference between 40 and 60 FPS; others are incredibly sensitive to it. Trust your own experience.

The Base PS5 Performance Mode Controversy

I need to address this directly because it’s genuinely frustrating: the lack of Performance mode on base PS5 makes no technical sense.

The evidence:

• Xbox Series X (comparable power) supports Performance mode
• The Outer Worlds 2 isn’t graphically demanding enough to justify this
• Base PS5 has run far more demanding games at 60 FPS

Possible explanations:

1. Optimization issue: Obsidian couldn’t get stable 60 FPS on base PS5 and cut the feature
2. Deliberate differentiation: Make PS5 Pro more appealing by withholding Performance mode from base PS5
3. Time constraints: Feature got cut due to development timeline pressures

What should happen: Obsidian should patch in Performance mode support for base PS5. The hardware is capable, and base PS5 owners deserve the option.

What will probably happen: Nothing, unfortunately. But here’s hoping.

Quick Reference: At-a-Glance Recommendations

Final Verdict: What I Actually Play On

For transparency, here’s what I personally use on each console I tested:

PS5 Pro: Performance mode, 100%. The 1620p/60 FPS combo is perfect and exactly what I want from a premium console.

Base PS5: Balanced mode by necessity. I wish I had Performance mode, but 40 FPS is acceptable.

Xbox Series X: Balanced mode. The 1440p upscaled to 4K at 40 FPS hits the sweet spot for me.

Series S: Balanced mode (the only reasonable choice).

Your choice might differ, and that’s fine. The beauty of having options is that you can customize the experience to your preferences and hardware.

Common Visual Mode Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Never Trying Different Modes

Some players pick one mode at the start and never experiment. Try them all—you might be surprised by your preferences.

❌ Choosing Quality Mode by Default

“Quality” sounds better than “Performance” psychologically, but it’s not automatically the best choice. Judge by actual experience.

❌ Ignoring Your Display Specs

If you have a 120Hz display, Balanced mode works better. If you have 60Hz and Performance mode is available, use that instead.

❌ Prioritizing Screenshots Over Gameplay

A game that looks 10% better but feels 40% worse to play isn’t a good trade-off.

❌ Assuming You Need Maximum Fidelity

The Outer Worlds 2 looks great even in Performance mode. Don’t sacrifice smoothness for minor visual improvements.

Looking Forward: Potential Updates

Hopefully Obsidian continues optimizing The Outer Worlds 2 post-launch. Potential improvements:

Wish list:

• Performance mode for base PS5 (seriously, please)
• Better resolution scaling on Series S
• Improved upscaling quality across all modes
• Optional VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support
• Ray tracing option (probably unrealistic but hey, we can dream)

Keep an eye on patch notes—performance improvements often come in post-launch updates.

Conclusion: Performance Over Perfection

After testing all modes across multiple consoles, my universal recommendation is simple: prioritize framerate over resolution in The Outer Worlds 2.

The game isn’t visually stunning enough to justify sacrificing smoothness for pixels. The responsive controls, fluid combat, and overall gameplay feel at higher framerates dramatically improve the experience more than slightly sharper textures ever could.

Use Performance mode if available. Use Balanced mode if it’s not. Only use Quality mode if you’re doing a slow, screenshot-heavy playthrough or genuinely can’t stand anything below native 4K.

Now get out there, pick your visual mode, and start exploring Arcadia’s factions with the smoothness you deserve.

Related guides for optimizing your experience:

• Beginner’s guide for getting started
• Best starting builds that benefit from higher framerate
• All perks guide for combat-focused characters
• Negative traits guide for character optimization
• All companions guide for recruitment and abilities
• Kaur or Milverstreet choice guide for Fairfield decision