Want Better PlayStation 5 Performance? Change These Settings

As console prices continue to climb and high-profile titles become more resource-intensive, many gamers are looking for ways to maximize their current hardware without shelling out for a "Pro" upgrade. While the PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse, it often hides its best features behind sub-menus to ensure it works on older television sets.

If you are playing on a modern 4K TV and haven't touched your settings since launch day, you are likely leaving performance on the table. Here is the definitive guide to "unlocking" your console's true speed.

1. Enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

This is the single most important setting for stability. VRR allows your TV to sync its refresh rate dynamically with the PS5's output. In graphically heavy scenes where the frame rate might usually dip and cause "stuttering," VRR smoothes out the motion in real-time.

• The Fix: Navigate to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Set VRR to Automatic.
• Pro Tip: Toggle "Apply to Unsupported Games" to On. This forces the console to try and stabilize older titles that weren't originally designed for VRR.

2. Activate Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

Input lag is the silent killer in competitive shooters. ALLM tells your TV to turn off its "Soap Opera Effect" and other image-processing features that add milliseconds of delay.

• The Fix: Under the same Video Output menu, find ALLM and set it to Automatic. This ensures that the moment you press "fire," the action happens instantly on-screen.

3. Toggle 120Hz Output

If your TV supports a 120Hz refresh rate, you aren't limited to the standard 60 FPS cap. Enabling this allows the PS5 to push for much higher frame rates, making fast-paced movement-like swinging through New York or racing at high speeds-look incredibly fluid.

• The Fix: In Video Output, set 120Hz Output to Automatic. (Note: If your screen goes black and stays black, your HDMI cable or TV port may not support the 2.1 standard).

4. Set System-Wide "Performance Mode"

Most modern games ask you to choose between "Fidelity" (better graphics) and "Performance" (better frame rate) every time you start a new save. You can skip this step and ensure your console always picks the smoother option.

• The Fix: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Switch the toggle to Performance Mode. This tells the PS5 to prioritize 60 FPS as the default for every game you play.

The "Crimson Desert" Formula

For those diving into 2026's biggest hits like Crimson Desert, players have found that combining these system tweaks with specific in-game adjustments creates the "definitive" experience. Beyond the dashboard, experts recommend turning Camera Shake and Motion Blur to zero, and ensuring V-Sync is enabled to prevent screen tearing during high-intensity combat.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 10:59 PM.