Modern Warfare 4 Requires VRR for 120Hz Mode to Function, Unlike Past Entries
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 introduces a significant technical requirement for console players seeking optimal performance: the game now mandates Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support to enable 120Hz Performance Mode on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles.
Unlike previous entries in the series, which supported 120Hz on older displays, Modern Warfare 4 requires VRR-compatible monitors or TVs to access the higher frame-rate mode. Without VRR enabled, players will be limited to 60Hz framerates in both campaign and DMZ modes. This requirement will also extend to Call of Duty: Warzone with its Season 1 launch.
The change could create hardware compatibility issues for players with displays that support 120Hz refresh rates but lack VRR capabilities—a common scenario with many older monitors and televisions. Such players will face either a hard cap at 60Hz performance or be forced to upgrade to newer, VRR-equipped displays to experience the game at its intended frame-rate. Additionally, some players may not realize 120Hz is unavailable if they haven’t enabled VRR at the system level, potentially creating confusion about the feature’s availability.