The best PS5 120 FPS games are shooters, racers, fighters, and action titles where faster response times actually change how the game feels. A 120 FPS mode can make aiming, turning, braking, dodging, and camera movement feel much smoother than standard 60 FPS play. The gain is most obvious on a 120Hz TV or monitor with the right settings enabled.
TL;DR: PS5 players who want smoother gameplay should start with games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, and Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition. At 120 FPS, each frame appears about every 8.3 milliseconds, compared with 16.7 milliseconds at 60 FPS. That cuts frame delay by roughly 50%, which can help in a match where a player spots an enemy, aims, and fires in under one second. A competitive player using a 120Hz display may feel quicker camera movement and cleaner input response, especially in shooters and racing games.
What 120 FPS Means on PS5
On PS5, 120 FPS means a game can render up to 120 frames per second. That only matters if the screen can refresh at 120Hz or higher. Without a 120Hz display, the console may still run the game well, but the screen cannot show all those extra frames.
The result is not just “better graphics.” It is mainly about smoother motion and lower input delay. When a player moves the right stick, presses jump, or pulls the trigger, the action can feel closer to instant. It will not turn a bad player into a pro. Still, it can remove that small sluggish feeling that makes some games feel heavier than they should.
The catch is that 120 FPS modes often reduce resolution, shadows, ray tracing, or visual detail. Honestly, it feels like every game hides the setting in a different menu, and players may spend a few annoying minutes hunting for “Performance Mode,” “120Hz Mode,” or “Frame Rate Mode.”
Popular PS5 Games That Support 120 FPS
The PS5 library has a strong list of games with 120 FPS support. Some run at or near 120 FPS often. Others use a 120Hz mode that may vary based on action, resolution, or VRR support. Players should check each game’s video options after updates, since settings can change.
- Call of Duty: Warzone – One of the most useful 120 FPS games on PS5. Faster camera sweeps and cleaner aiming make a clear difference in close-range fights.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Modern Warfare III – Both support 120Hz play on PS5. Multiplayer feels sharper, especially with high sensitivity settings.
- Fortnite – Its 120 FPS mode is great for fast building, editing, aiming, and tracking opponents during chaotic fights.
- Rocket League – A strong fit for 120 FPS. Cars move fast, aerial plays happen in seconds, and smoother motion helps with timing.
- Rainbow Six Siege – Tactical shooting benefits from faster feedback. Peeking corners and reacting to movement can feel more precise.
- Apex Legends – The performance mode adds 120 FPS support on PS5. It suits sliding, tracking, and quick squad fights.
- Overwatch 2 – Heroes with fast movement, aim skills, and short reaction windows benefit most from the higher frame rate.
- Destiny 2 – The Crucible supports 120 FPS, making PvP feel much more responsive than standard modes.
Action and Fighting Games With 120 FPS Modes
Not every 120 FPS game is a shooter. Some of the best examples are action games, slashers, and fighters. These games rely on timing. A smoother frame rate can make dodges, parries, and combos easier to read.
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition – Offers high frame rate modes and is one of the best showcases for smooth combat on PS5.
- Nioh Collection – Supports up to 120 FPS, which helps with quick enemy attacks, stance changes, and precise dodges.
- Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection – Includes a Performance+ mode targeting 120 FPS at a lower resolution.
- Ghostrunner – A fast first-person action game where one missed movement can mean death. The extra smoothness fits it well.
- Borderlands 3 – Supports 120 FPS in performance mode, making shooting and looting feel lighter.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 – The fast trick chains and movement feel excellent at higher frame rates.
Racing and Sports Games With 120 FPS Support
Racing games may gain a lot from 120 FPS because speed is constant. Corners arrive quickly. Small steering changes matter. Extra frames can make the road easier to read.
- Dirt 5 – One of the early PS5 games to offer a 120 FPS mode. It lowers visual quality, but the racing feels smoother.
- F1 23 and F1 24 – High refresh modes help with braking points, steering, and wheel-to-wheel racing.
- Gran Turismo 7 – Supports 120Hz output options, and VRR can improve smoothness on supported screens.
- WRC 9 – Includes a 120 FPS performance option, useful for rally stages with fast surface changes.
Sports games are more mixed. Some offer smooth performance but do not always target true 120 FPS gameplay across all modes. Players should check the current version before buying only for that feature.
How to Enable 120 FPS on PS5
Players need three things: a PS5, a display that supports 120Hz, and a game with a 120 FPS or 120Hz mode. For 4K at 120Hz, the display usually needs HDMI 2.1. For 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz, many gaming monitors can work with HDMI 2.0, depending on the model.
- Open Settings on the PS5 home screen.
- Go to Screen and Video.
- Choose Video Output.
- Set 120Hz Output to Automatic.
- Turn on VRR if the display supports it.
- Open the game’s own graphics settings.
- Select Performance Mode, High Frame Rate Mode, or 120Hz Mode.
Expect to waste time on TV settings too. Some screens need “Game Mode,” “Enhanced HDMI,” or a specific HDMI port before 120Hz works. If the PS5 says 60Hz only, the cable, port, or TV menu is usually the problem.
Does 120 FPS Always Look Better?
No. A 120 FPS mode often looks less sharp than a 60 FPS quality mode. Some games drop from 4K to a lower resolution. Others remove ray tracing or reduce effects. That trade feels worth it for competitive games. It may feel less useful for slower story games.
A player who mostly enjoys cinematic adventures may prefer Quality Mode at 30 or 60 FPS. A player who cares about ranked matches, lap times, or quick combat should choose Performance Mode. The right pick depends on the game and the screen.
Best Types of PS5 Games for 120 FPS
Some genres benefit more than others. The biggest gains appear in:
- Competitive shooters, where aiming and reaction speed matter.
- Racing games, where smooth motion helps with corners and speed judgment.
- Fighting games and action games, where timing can decide a fight.
- Sports games, when player movement and ball tracking feel clearer.
For relaxed exploration games, 120 FPS is nice but less critical. For games like Warzone, Fortnite, or Rainbow Six Siege, it can feel hard to go back to 60 FPS after a few matches.
FAQ
Does every PS5 game support 120 FPS?
No. Only selected games support 120 FPS or 120Hz modes. Many PS5 games target 30 FPS or 60 FPS instead.
Is a 120Hz TV required for 120 FPS on PS5?
Yes. A 120Hz screen is needed to see 120 frames per second. A 60Hz screen cannot display more than 60 frames per second.
Does 120 FPS reduce input lag?
Usually, yes. At 120 FPS, frames arrive about every 8.3 milliseconds. That can make controls feel more responsive than 60 FPS.
Does PS5 need HDMI 2.1 for 120 FPS?
For 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 is usually needed. For 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz, some HDMI 2.0 displays may work.
Which PS5 game shows 120 FPS benefits best?
Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Rocket League, and Rainbow Six Siege are strong examples because they reward fast reactions and smooth motion.
Is 120 FPS better than 4K graphics?
For competitive play, often yes. For story games and visual showcases, many players may prefer sharper 4K quality settings.