Starfield is Getting 60FPS and More Graphics Controls on Xbox Series X

The next patch for the Xbox-exclusive game Starfield will finally let Xbox players enjoy the game at a higher frame rate than 30FPS. On Xbox Series X, players will be able to choose a frame rate target of 60 or above and prioritize between Visuals and Performance, with the latter setting being intended for Variable Refresh Rate displays.

“We’ve heard from many that you’d like to have more control over the graphic fidelity and performance on Xbox, similar to how PC players can customize their experience,” developer Bethesda explained yesterday. “We’re now enabling that on Xbox Series X with a few options that you can use to find the best fit for your playstyle and display.

Here’s how the new Xbox Series X display settings will work in Starfield:

• On Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) displays running at 120hz, Starfield will default to 40FPS while prioritizing Visuals. However, players can choose between 30, 40, 60, or an Uncapped frame rate, but Bethesda recommends changing to Performance mode when choosing a frame rate target of 60 or above.
• On non-VRR displays running at 60Hz, Xbox Series X owners will still be able to select from 30 or 60FPS, though screen tearing may occur at 60FPS.
• The Visuals and Performance modes are available for all frame rate targets, and both modes use dynamic resolution scaling.

Unfortunately, it looks like the less powerful Xbox Series S is not getting these new frame rate targets options. The console currently runs the game at 1440p/30FPS, and Starfield director Todd Howard previously explained that locking the game to 30FPS on Xbox consoles was a design choice.

The next patch for Starfield, which is already available in beta on Steam, will also add some quality-of-life updates. Many players have been asking for improved surface maps to make the game’s cities easier to navigate, and they’re finally coming. There’s also a new option to disable the game’s Dialogue Camera, which means that the camera will no longer zoom in on NPCs you’re talking to.

Other notable updates include the ability to adjust the difficulty of ground and ship combat. There are also new features for ship customization, and players will also get to change the traits and appearance of their character after entering the Unity. Last but not least, the team also teased in the video above that it’s working on a new landing vehicle that will allow players to drive around the game’s 1,000 planets. There’s no ETA for this yet, but this has also been a top-requested feature from players.