Less than a week since launching onto Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has confirmed that five of Bethesda’s games have been updated to enable “FPS Boost” tech, bumping the original frame rates from 30 up to 60.
Introduced with the Xbox Series X/S consoles, FPS Boost can improve frame rates on backwards-compatible games using “a variety of new methods”, according to Xbox Wire. With some exceptions, most Xbox One gen games were limited to 30 – and even those exceptions were limited to some extent. Gears of War 4, for example, supported 60 in multiplayer modes, but only 30 in the campaign.
Higher, steadier framerates make games visually smoother, resulting in more immersive gameplay. We partnered closely with developers to enhance the experience while maintaining the game’s original intent. And while not applicable to all games, these new techniques can push game engines to render more quickly for a buttery smooth experience beyond what the original game might have delivered due to the capabilities of the hardware at the time. For the five titles we’ve shared today, gamers can expect to see an increase from 30 fps to nearly 60 fps while enabling FPS Boost.
FPS Boost is now available and automatically enabled for Prey, Skyrim, and Dishonored. For Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, however, it’s more complicated.
In some instances, because there are higher graphics requirements to enable FPS Boost technology, we’ve had to reduce a game’s resolution to ensure it both runs smoothly and plays great. In those select cases, such as Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 in this latest title announcement, FPS Boost is not automatically enabled for Xbox Series X gamers.
You can check whether or not a game has FPS Boost enabled by doing one of two things:
- From the Xbox Guide menu, find the game, go to “Manage games and add-ons” and select “Compatibility options”.
- With the Xbox Guide menu up, there’s an “FPS Boost” label at the top-right of the screen. EZPZ.
Besides these Bethesda games, other backwards-compatible games on Xbox Series X/S updated with FPS Boost include Far Cry 4, New Super Lucky’s Tale, Sniper Elite 4, UFC 4, and Watch Dogs 2.