There is a multitude of ways that you can customize your God of War Ragnarok experience to best tailor it to your preferences. One such way is by altering the graphics mode.

Players can choose between six different graphics modes on PlayStation 5, two on PlayStation 4 Pro, and one on PlayStation 4. Here are how each one affects the game’s resolution and frame rate.

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All God of War Ragnarok PS5 Graphics Modes

There are a number of different PS5 graphics modes that range from favoring a higher frame rate and performance to maxing out the game’s gorgeous visuals and hitting 4K resolution. They are:

  • Favor Performance
  • Favor Performance + HFR*
  • Favor Performance + HFR + VRR*
  • Favor Quality
  • Favor Quality + HFR
  • Favor Quality + HFR + VRR

Here is how each one of them affects God of War Ragnarok’s visuals on PlayStation 5.

*HFR – High Frame Rate (Usually refers to 120Hz support and targets unlocked frames above 60 FPS)
*VRR – Variable Refresh Rate, technology that allows your screen to seamlessly change its refresh rate to ensure seamless and smooth gameplay.

Kratos and Atreus walking through the snow towards a tree made of ice in God of War Ragnarok

Favor Performance

The Favor Performance graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1440-2160p
  • Frame Rate: 60 FPS Target

Players using this performance mode can expect a perfect 60 FPS implementation and an approximate resolution of 1872p, pretty much most of the time. In some moments, the resolution might go up to 4K (2160p).

The sacrifice with this mode is basically a drop in the level of detail in some textures and shadows in comparison to the Quality Mode.

However, it does not make a drastic difference unless you compare them side by side, and the faster frame performance might be a better setting for most players.

Favor Performance + High Frame Rate

The Favor Performance + High Frame Rate graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1440p
  • Frame Rate: Unlocked 60 FPS

If you choose this performance mode, you won’t be hitting 4K resolution, but 1440p is still higher than standard HD (1080p).

More importantly, however, is that for this trade-off, you’ll frequently hit an average of 80-90 FPS.

There is one downside to this mode, if you have a 120hz monitor or TV that does not support VRR, this mode will introduce some judder.

For this reason, if your hardware does not support VRR, the 60 FPS Performance mode is a better choice if you are looking for smooth gameplay.

Favor Performance + High Frame Rate + Variable Refresh Rate

The Favor Performance + HFR + VRR graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1440p
  • Frame Rate: Unlocked 60 FPS

If you choose this performance mode, you’ll get not only the benefits of the previous performance plus HFR mode but also a Variable Refresh Rate.

What this means is that instead of your TV or monitor’s image refreshing at its own pace, it will refresh whenever your game changes frame rates. This is incredibly useful when you have unlocked FPS.

Having VRR will reduce screen tearing and any other nasty visual issues that come with an out-of-sync refresh rate. Basically, it’ll prevent your image from splitting in two and keep it looking nice and crisp.

This mode hits an average of 80 – 90 FPS, but VRR completely eliminates the judder introduced. For this reason, this mode is the best choice for smooth gameplay without a significant visual trade-off.

Kratos and Atreus looking at Fenrir in a forest in God of War Ragnarok

If you don’t own a PS5 yet, but want to make the most of its 60 FPS option, then why not check out how to pre-order a God of War PS5 bundle?

Favor Quality

The Favor Quality graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 2160p (Native 4K)
  • Frame Rate: 30 FPS Target

If you’re looking for the best visual quality in God of War Ragnarok, then you should choose this graphics mode.

While the frame rate is brought down to a completely flawless 30 FPS with a solid frame pacing, running the game at a guaranteed 4K resolution will be a visual spectacle.

However, it is worth noting that you’ll need a 4K-capable TV or monitor in order to be able to use this mode at all.

Favor Quality + High Frame Rate

The Favor Quality + High Frame Rate graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1800-2160p
  • Frame Rate: 40 FPS Target

With this graphics mode, you carry the same graphical fidelity as the “Favor Quality” mode but with a perfectly locked 40 FPS target.

The dynamic resolution drops up to 1800p in rare instances, which is still well above the standard HD. You will often hit 4K, but again, you’ll need a 4K capable TV to achieve this.

Additionally, the increase in frame rate is noticeable, although not as significant as the performance modes. This mode is really for people who want the best graphics level of detail while getting a higher FPS.

Favor Quality + High Frame Rate + Variable Refresh Rate

The Favor Quality + HFR + VRR graphics mode alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1800-2160p
  • Frame Rate: Unlocked 40FPS

This graphics mode is for players who really want to prioritize quality where they can while hitting higher frame rates. With an Unlocked FPS, you will hit 40 and above during less intense moments.

Additionally, you get the benefits of VRR, which will reduce screen tearing and improve visual clarity. It’s overall a great mode, especially for those with a 4K TV or monitor with VRR capabilities.

Atreus aiming his bow at a monster Kratos is holding down in God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok PS4 Graphics Modes

While there are fewer graphics modes on PS4 than on PS5, you’ll still get a range of options depending on whether you prefer a higher frame rate at standard HD or higher resolutions at 30 FPS.

These modes include:

  • PS4 Pro Favor Performance
  • PS4 Pro Favor Quality
  • PS4 Standard

Here is how each one of them affects God of War Ragnarok’s visuals on PS4 & PS4 Pro

PS4 Pro Favor Performance

The Favor Performance mode on a PS4 Pro alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1080-1656p
  • Frame Rate: Unlocked 30 FPS

This graphics mode is for players who don’t mind sacrificing a consistently clearer resolution for an overall higher frame rate.

Of course, you will need a PS4 Pro in order to be able to access this performance mode. It will not appear on the base PS4 consoles.

PS4 Pro Favor Quality

The Favor Quality mode on a PS4 Pro alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1440-1656p
  • Frame Rate: 30 FPS Target

If you want to hit a higher resolution and overall picture quality in God of War Ragnarok, then you’ll want to choose this mode.

Unfortunately, it will mean you’ll be capped at 30 FPS. So, if a higher frame rate is important to you, then you may want to consider the performance mode instead.

PS4 Standard

The Standard mode on PS4 alters the resolution and frame rate to the following:

  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Frame Rate: 30 FPS Target

Unfortunately, there is only one graphics mode on the base PS4. If you’re thinking of playing God of War Ragnarok on PS4, then you can expect standard HD resolution and 30 FPS.

This isn’t bad by any means, especially if you’re used to playing on a PS4 anyway. God of War Ragnarok will feel just as smooth and look as good as the top-tier games on the platform.

Kratos, Fenrir and Atreus looking up at an eclipse in God of War Ragnarok

Best God of War Ragnarok Graphics Modes on PS5

By far, the best graphics modes for God of War Ragnarok on PS5 are:

  • Favor Quality + HFR
  • Favor Performance + HFR + VRR
  • Favor Performance

However, the one you pick will depend on whether you prefer a higher resolution or frame rate. So keep reading to find out which one best suits you.

Favor Quality + HFR – Best graphical/FPS balance for those who want the full visual experience with rare 1800p resolution drops and a flawlessly locked 40 FPS.

Favor Performance + HFR + VRR – Best option for smooth gameplay at an 80 – 90 FPS range without judder thanks to VRR and locked 1440p resolution target.

Favor Performance – Best option for those who have a 60Hz 4K TV or monitor, offering perfect frame pacing and a locked 60 FPS with a pretty solid resolution averaging 1872p.

If you want to truly make the most of your God of War experience outside of the visuals, then you should check out the exclusive God of War Ragnarok PS5 DualSense controller.

How to Change Your Graphics Settings in God of War Ragnarok

To change your graphics settings in God of War Ragnarok, you will need to head to the options menu and select the graphics mode you wish to switch to.

It is the same method on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Simply follow these easy steps:

  • When in-game press the Options button to bring up the settings menu
    • Alternatively, you can access the settings menu from the game’s main menu before you load your save or start a new game
  • Head to Graphics
  • Choose the graphics mode you wish to select
  • Don’t forget to save your changes

Source for PS5 graphical analysis: Digital Foundry

Tom Wilson
Former Staff Writer
Whether it's an indie platformer or a 100-hour JRPG, Tom loves talking about games. So much so, he made it his career. Since starting in 2020, he's covered a wide range of topics at sites including TheGamer and The Game Crater.