A ‘nice to have’ feature is a game-changer on key titles.
So, before we go on, let’s explain what VRR is.
Typically, TVs operate at a fixed refresh rate - usually 60Hz.
For completely smooth performance, a game needs to run at 60fps: a new frame for every refresh.
A decent fall-back position is 30fps, where a new frame is presented every other refresh.
VRR works by tying the screen refresh to the game speed.
When the GPU has a new frame ready, the screen refresh begins.
This eliminates tearing and reduces judder.
On Xbox, 120Hz VRR with LFC ‘just works’.
Let’s consider a few of the games where we consider VRR as highly beneficial to the gameplay experience.
That starts withElden Ring, which recently returned to prominence via itsShadow of the ErdtreeDLC.
It features RT and quality modes which run unlock but tend to hover in 30fps territory.
Its frame-rate mode reduces resolution and employs dynamic resolution.
The idea seems to be to hit 60fps, but it rarely happens on any current-gen console.
However, right now, VRR is the only way to turn its lurching frame-rate into a smoother experience.
Next up is the case ofDragon’s Dogma 2.
In common with many RE Engine games from Capcom, it runs with an unlocked frame-rate.
Capcom took onboard our feedback - and it works!
Our next use case isStarfield’s recent performance mode upgrade, whichBethesda Game Studiosspecifically released with VRR in mind.
So, why is VRR becoming more important now?
A few reasons come to mind.
There is an honourable exception, however: PC.
