Infinity Ward Updates Performance Mode Requirements
New hardware requirements will impact how players run Performance Mode on current-generation consoles.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gaming
Live Poll
Do you support developers requiring specific display hardware features like VRR to enable high-performance gaming modes?
Infinity Ward has announced that players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S must use a display with 120 Hz and Variable Refresh Rate support to access Performance Mode. This requirement affects the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign and DMZ mode, with similar changes coming to Call of Duty: Warzone.
Why it matters
The change forces players to ensure their hardware meets specific technical standards to maintain high-frame-rate gameplay. Those lacking displays that support these features will be restricted to using Balanced or Quality modes.
Performance Mode requires a display that supports 120 Hz and Variable Refresh Rate to function. Players without this specific display capability are limited to using Balanced or Quality graphics modes.
The players
Infinity Ward
This American video game developer is best known for creating the Call of Duty franchise.
PlayStation 5
This is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Xbox Series X and S
These are home video game consoles developed by Microsoft.
The details
To utilize Performance Mode, users must manually enable Variable Refresh Rate within their console settings. The update standardizes display requirements across the platform to ensure consistent performance during gameplay.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The announcement of the Variable Refresh Rate requirement.
Season 1: The requirement goes into effect for Call of Duty: Warzone.
Culture Shift
The requirement follows a broader industry trend toward adopting the HDMI 2.1 specification for console gaming. This transition reflects a shift where developer support for high-frame-rate gaming is increasingly tied to specific hardware capabilities.
Players currently relying on standard monitors or older television sets may find their Performance Mode settings unavailable until they upgrade to compatible hardware. You must check your display specifications and console settings to ensure you meet the 120 Hz and Variable Refresh Rate requirements.
The takeaway
Gamers should verify that their display equipment supports advanced refresh rate technology to maintain access to top-tier performance settings. Always consult your hardware manual to confirm if your screen can handle the mandatory 120 Hz output required by these new standards.
Further reading
For more news on evolving play standards, visit the Gaming section.
Live Poll
Do you support developers requiring specific display hardware features like VRR to enable high-performance gaming modes?
