FF7 Rebirth Graphics vs Performance mode differences explained

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a great-looking game, but the combat feels buttery smooth at 60 frames per second. That’s why the choice between Graphics mode and Performance mode is so tough. You can’t go wrong with either one, but certain people will prefer one over the other.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Graphics Mode Explained

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Graphics mode prioritizes displaying graphics at 4K resolution. To achieve a 4K image, the game’s framerate is capped at 30 FPS. This is similar to how Final Fantasy 7 Remake was on PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro, so your experience will be mostly the same if you’re coming from last-gen hardware and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is one of your first next-gen titles.

However, if you’ve played Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on PlayStation 5 or PC, then you know how great the game’s combat feels at 60 FPS. Going back to 30 FPS can be rough, but if you want the sharpest possible picture, you’ll have to pick the Graphics mode and deal with the lowered framerate.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Performance Mode Explained

Thankfully, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has a Performance mode that boosts the framerate to 60 FPS. The graphical quality of the game remains the same, but the display resolution takes a huge hit to maintain the target framerate.

Even after a patch was released to address feedback from Rebirth’s demo, Performance mode is still incredibly blurry. It outputs at basically 1080p, which is a huge departure from the 4K image you get with the Graphics mode. The game does hit 60 FPS in the mode and doesn’t drop at all, however, so performance purists have the option available if they want it.

Which Graphics Mode Should You Choose in FF7 Rebirth?

Ultimately, if you have a 4K TV and want to see Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in its best form, then you should choose Graphics mode. If the framerate starts to bother you, you can always swap to Performance mode later down the line.

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If you’re dead set on playing Rebirth at 60 FPS, however, then you should start the game with Performance mode enabled. That way, you won’t spend any time getting used to the ultra-sharp 4K presentation featured in the Graphics mode and you can experience a smooth 60 FPS right from the beginning. The resolution downgrade is noticeable, but it’s not a dealbreaker considering the framerate is doubled as a result.

If you’re still having trouble deciding, then try swapping back and forth during the opening hours of the game and see which mode you end up liking more. After a short introduction, you’re let loose in the open world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the starting Grasslands region is the perfect testing ground for each mode. If you’re playing on a harder difficulty level, however, then you might just want to leave it on Performance mode most of the time.