Hogwarts Legacy Graphics Modes: Fidelity vs Performance Mode

Hogwarts Legacy, arguably one of the biggest games to be launching in 2023, is here. Fans and Potterheads around the world have finally got it in their hands, with excitement levels reaching that of a Harry Potter book or film release.

For console players, you’ll want the best experience possible, and to achieve that, you’ll need to know what graphics modes are available. Thankfully, with the game slowly releasing around the world, we now know what options are included.

If you’re curious to know what the graphic mode options for Hogwarts Legacy on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are, including the Fidelity and Performance modes, you’ve come to the right place.

• Ahead of its launch, check out all the achievements and trophies for Hogwarts Legacy.

Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform.

We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.

• UK:
  • Mermaids
  • Switchboard

• US:
  • The Trevor Project
  • Trans Lifeline

Hogwarts Legacy Graphics Modes: Fidelity vs Performance Mode

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Unlike most games, there are five distinct options here, all of which offer different experiences and enable players to take in the magic of Hogwarts Legacy as they best see fit. The confirmed PS5 and Xbox Series X|S graphic modes for Hogwarts Legacy are the following:

• Fidelity Mode: A high-fidelity rendering mode favouring resolution and graphical quality.
• Fidelity With Raytracing: A higher-fidelity rendering mode featuring Raytracing.
• Performance: A high-framerate mode favouring performance.
• Balanced: A rendering mode aiming for a balance between resolution, graphical quality, and performance. Will only work on supported monitors with VRR.
• HFR Performance: An ultra-high framerate mode favouring maximum performance. Will only work on supported monitors with VRR.

For which option you should use, each is dependent on what you value, frames or quality. It has been shown in gameplay footage that the Fidelity mode includes greater detail but you play with fewer frames, whereas the performance modes value your FPS, but with a hit on graphics. The choice is yours.

• Playing on PC? Things are a little different - check out our best PC settings guide.