The PlayStation 5 has redefined the baseline for next-generation performance, offering power that makes 4K gaming at high frame rates a tangible reality. For enthusiasts chasing the smoothest possible experience, understanding what games support 120hz on PS5 is the logical next step. This capability moves beyond standard 60fps to deliver fluidity that makes competitive shooters feel instantly responsive and open-world adventures visually immersive.
How 120hz Functionality Works on PS5 Hardware
To leverage high refresh rates, the console must output a signal matching that rate to a compatible display. The PS5 hardware supports this through its HDMI 2.1 port, which provides the necessary bandwidth. Televisions and monitors capable of 120hz at 4K or 1080p are required to view the benefit, as standard 60hz screens cannot utilize the setting. Sony designed the feature to work dynamically, often switching between 60hz and 120hz depending on the active game mode.
Performance Modes vs. Fidelity Modes
PlayStation 5 users encounter a choice between two primary UI settings that directly affect visual output. Performance Mode targets 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, prioritizing stability and often enabling temporary boosts to 120hz in specific scenarios. Fidelity Mode enforces a stable 4K resolution, generally targeting 60fps, but it is the Performance mode where developers most frequently enable the 120hz option for smoother gameplay.
Competitive Shooters and Fast-Paced Action
The most significant advantages of 120hz appear in genres where milliseconds matter. Competitive titles benefit from reduced motion blur and near-instantaneous response times, providing a critical edge. Developers for these specific games often prioritize high frame rates to ensure the multiplayer component feels as polished as the single-player campaign.
Key Supported Titles in this Category
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II & Warzone
Apex Legends
Destiny 2
Returnal
Resident Evil Village (VR mode)
Role-Playing and Adventure Games
While competitive titles are the most common beneficiaries, many narrative and exploration-focused games also support 120hz. For these experiences, the setting usually applies to the user interface and menu animations rather than the in-game cinematic sequences. This allows players to navigate complex inventories and systems with snappy precision without altering the developer's intended visual fidelity for story moments.
Catalog of Adventure and RPG Support
Horizon Forbidden West
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Baldur's Gate 3 (on Performance Mode)
God of War Ragnarök
Checking and Configuring Your Settings
Finding the option is straightforward, but the location depends on the specific game being played. Generally, you navigate to the PS5 Settings menu, then to Screen and Video, and finally to Output Settings. The console will run a test to detect if your television supports the 120hz signal. Once detected, the option appears in the game's individual title menu, allowing for quick activation or deactivation.
Not every television or game is equipped to handle the 120hz standard. If your display was manufactured before the widespread adoption of HDMI 2.1, it likely cannot receive the signal even if the TV has an HDMI port labeled "HDMI 2.1." Additionally, some developers choose not to enable the feature, particularly in games with complex visual effects that prioritize consistent 4K resolution over higher frame rates. Always verify the specific features of the television model before expecting the setting to appear.
