Frame rate

Moving pictures are an illusion created by showing still images in quick succession. A game’s frame rate is how many of those images, or frames, it produces each second, written as frames per second or fps. At 30 fps, the game draws a new picture every 33 milliseconds or so; at 60 fps, roughly every 17 milliseconds; at 120 fps, about every 8.

Note that “FPS” in capitals also stands for first-person shooter, a game genre. Context usually makes clear which is meant.

Smoothness and responsiveness

Higher frame rates make motion look smoother and make the game respond more quickly to your inputs, which is why fast competitive games often prioritise them. Lower frame rates can look choppier and feel slightly sluggish, though many slower-paced games play perfectly well at 30 fps. Just as important as the number is consistency: a game that holds a steady 30 fps can feel better than one that swings between 40 and 60. Sudden drops are called frame drops or stutter.

Quality versus performance modes

Many console games now offer a choice. A quality or fidelity mode typically targets higher resolution and visual effects at a lower frame rate; a performance mode lowers some visual detail to reach a higher frame rate. On PC, players can adjust individual settings to find their own balance. Frame rate is also limited by the screen: a display’s refresh rate sets the maximum number of frames it can actually show each second.

Choosing the right setting

There is no single correct choice. For fast action or competitive games, a higher frame rate is usually worth the slight loss in sharpness. For slower, story-led games, many people prefer the extra visual detail. Try both modes for a few minutes each and see which feels better to you. If a game stutters on a PC, lowering the most demanding settings, such as shadows or ray tracing, is often the quickest fix.