Cyberpunk 2077 Settings for Performance on Xbox and PC

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

For the smoothest play, choose Performance mode on Xbox Series X or Series S; on PC, start with ray tracing off and use the High preset, then adjust resolution scaling to match your graphics card. These settings prioritize consistent frame rates over costly visual effects, with the right choice depending on your display and hardware.

What to Look For

Cyberpunk 2077’s best performance settings depend on the platform. Xbox consoles use preset graphics modes, while PC offers controls for resolution, upscaling, ray tracing and individual effects. First decide whether you value responsiveness or visual detail, then make changes that your hardware can sustain.

Frame-rate target: Performance modes aim for smoother play, commonly around 60 frames per second, but the exact result can vary by scene and platform. A stable frame rate generally feels better than a higher rate that frequently drops.
Display resolution and refresh rate: A 4K television does not make every game mode render at native 4K. On PC, rendering at a lower resolution and upscaling can improve performance. Check that your monitor or TV supports the refresh rate you want.
Ray tracing: It can improve lighting and reflections, but it is demanding. Turn it off first if performance is the priority; enable it only if your PC has enough graphics headroom.
Upscaling and frame generation: NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR and Intel XeSS can increase performance on supported PC hardware. Availability and options depend on the GPU and current game version. Frame generation can raise displayed frame rates, but it does not make input response identical to native high frame rates.
Consistency: Crowded streets and busy combat can be more demanding than quiet interiors. Test settings in the areas where you notice slowdown, not just in a simple scene.
Visual compromises: Lowering shadows, volumetric effects and screen-space reflections can help, but reduce settings one at a time so you can see which changes matter on your system.

Xbox Series X: Performance Mode

Best for: Players who want responsive controls and smoother motion on a Series X.

Choose the Performance graphics mode in the game’s settings. It targets a higher frame rate than the quality-focused option, making driving, aiming and quick camera movement feel smoother. The trade-off is reduced visual detail or resolution compared with the quality mode; the game may use dynamic resolution to maintain performance.

Use Performance mode as the default if you have a 60 Hz or higher display and value fluid movement. If you prefer sharper presentation and do not mind a lower frame rate, try the other graphics mode instead. A display’s 4K label alone is not a reason to choose quality mode: personal preference and motion smoothness matter more.

Xbox Series S: Performance Mode

Best for: Series S owners who prioritize playability over maximum image detail.

Performance mode is the sensible starting point on Series S. The console has less graphics capacity than Series X, so expect a lower-resolution image and more compromises in detail. It still provides a smoother target than prioritizing visual quality, which can be helpful during fast movement and combat.

Choose the quality-focused mode if you prefer a more detailed image and accept less fluid motion. Do not expect Series S to match Series X output settings simply because both consoles offer similarly named modes. The hardware and resulting image quality differ.

PC: High Preset, Ray Tracing Off

Best for: Midrange gaming PCs and anyone seeking a straightforward balance.

Start with the High graphics preset and disable ray tracing. This retains a strong level of detail without paying the substantial performance cost of ray-traced lighting. If performance is already smooth at your monitor’s resolution, keep the preset and avoid changing settings for their own sake.

If frame rates dip, lower demanding effects such as volumetric fog, volumetric clouds, screen-space reflections and shadow quality in small steps. Exact setting names can vary with updates. Avoid dropping every option to Low immediately: some settings have a visible image-quality cost for only a modest performance gain, depending on your GPU.

PC: DLSS, FSR or XeSS Upscaling

Best for: Players whose graphics card supports a suitable upscaler and who need more performance at a chosen output resolution.

Enable the upscaler supported by your hardware, then begin with its Quality mode. If the frame rate is still too low, try Balanced; Performance mode can help further but usually makes the image softer or less stable in fine detail. NVIDIA DLSS is for compatible NVIDIA GPUs, while AMD FSR and Intel XeSS support varies by game version and hardware. Use the option actually offered in your graphics menu.

Upscaling renders the game internally at a lower resolution and reconstructs the output. It can be a better compromise than reducing the display resolution, especially on 1440p or 4K screens. If you notice shimmering, ghosting or blur, compare another quality level or turn the feature off.

PC: Lower Resolution and a Custom Medium/High Mix

Best for: Older or entry-level gaming PCs that cannot maintain a comfortable frame rate at native resolution.

Try 1080p output first if you are playing at 1440p or 4K and performance is poor. Keep textures at a level your graphics card’s memory can handle, and reduce heavier effects such as volumetrics and reflections before sacrificing every detail setting. A custom mix can look better than a blanket Low preset.

On a laptop, make sure the game uses the dedicated graphics processor, connect power, and use the manufacturer’s performance profile if available. Laptop hardware varies widely, and heat or power limits can lower sustained performance. Leave room for temperatures to stabilize before judging a setting change.

PC: Ray Tracing or Path Tracing for Visual Quality

Best for: High-end PCs where visual fidelity matters more than maximum frame rate.

Ray tracing can make lighting and reflections more realistic, while path tracing is an especially demanding lighting option. Enable these only after establishing a smooth baseline without them. Use an appropriate upscaler if available, and consider frame generation only if the underlying game already feels responsive.

The trade-off is substantial: these features can sharply reduce performance, and frame generation may add latency or visual artifacts. They are not the best choice for a PC that is already struggling, and console performance modes do not offer the same per-effect control.

How to Choose

Start with your hardware, not a universal preset. On either Xbox, select Performance mode for smoother play; use the quality option when image detail matters more. On PC, try High with ray tracing off, then use an upscaler or lower demanding settings if needed.

Match the choice to your display. If your screen is 60 Hz, a stable experience around that level is a practical goal. A higher-refresh display can make faster PC frame rates useful, provided your hardware can deliver them consistently. Check the console’s display settings and your TV’s capabilities if the expected refresh rate is unavailable.

Change one setting at a time. Make a change, revisit a busy area, and compare both smoothness and image quality. If the game looks blurry, restore resolution or choose a higher upscaling quality. If it stutters, reduce a demanding effect or lower the internal rendering resolution. Updates, drivers and hardware differences can change which option helps most.

For most players, the trade-off is simple: ray tracing and higher-quality modes improve presentation, while Performance mode, reduced effects and upscaling favor smoother play. Do not judge a setting solely by a displayed frame-rate number; input feel and consistency count too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mode for Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox Series X?

Performance mode is the top pick for smoother motion and responsive controls. Choose the quality-focused mode if you prefer image detail and accept a lower frame rate.

Should Series S players use Performance mode?

Yes, if smoothness is the priority. Expect more resolution and detail compromises than on Series X; choose the quality option only if you prefer visuals to motion.

What PC settings should I use first?

Start with the High preset and ray tracing off. Then adjust upscaling or demanding effects according to your graphics card and target resolution.

Is DLSS better than FSR or XeSS?

There is no best option for every PC. Support depends on your GPU and game version, and image quality varies by setting. Compare the options available on your system.

Does frame generation fix low performance?

It can increase displayed frame rates on supported hardware, but it cannot substitute for a responsive base frame rate. It may also introduce latency or artifacts.

Why does performance vary between areas?

Busy streets, combat, effects and scene complexity place different demands on the system. A quiet location may run better than a crowded area, so check settings in demanding gameplay.

Bottom Line

Choose Performance mode on Xbox Series X or Series S for the best general-purpose balance of responsiveness and smooth motion. On PC, begin with High settings, ray tracing off and Quality upscaling if needed; lower demanding effects gradually. Spend on hardware or pursue advanced visual effects only if your budget and priorities justify them.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.