Forza Horizon 6 takes the series to a stunning new Japan map, and it fully leverages 4K Ultra HD and HDR10 on current-generation consoles to make the world feel alive. But getting the best visuals while keeping smooth gameplay requires understanding how its performance modes work.

Console Performance Modes

Playground Games has built two main presets to balance visuals and frame rate:

Quality Mode (30 FPS)

  • Targets native 4K resolution.
  • Maximizes environmental density, draw distance, and detail.
  • On high-end hardware, it includes Ray Tracing for realistic vehicle reflections and global illumination, making lighting and shading feel more lifelike.
  • Best for players who prioritize stunning visuals over fluidity.

Performance Mode (60 FPS)

  • Aims for smooth 60 frames per second at 4K.
  • Uses Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS): in demanding scenes like Tokyo traffic or heavy rain, the game may temporarily lower internal resolution before upscaling to 4K.
  • Trade-offs include slightly reduced foliage density, lower LOD on distant objects, and turning off gameplay Ray Tracing.
  • Perfect for players who want buttery-smooth racing without sacrificing too much visual fidelity.

Hardware Specifics

Xbox Series X

  • Supports stable 4K output in both modes.
  • Uses a 52 CU GPU to maintain high average resolution, even with dynamic scaling in Performance Mode.

Xbox Series S

PlayStation 5

  • The full PS5 release is coming later in 2026.
  • PS5 Pro is expected to use PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) to hit 60 FPS closer to 4K quality and may allow enhanced Ray Tracing during gameplay.

Visual Technologies

HDR10 & Dolby Vision

  • Both consoles support high dynamic range, giving deeper blacks and vibrant neon lights, especially in Tokyo’s nightlife districts.

Ray Tracing

  • Ray-traced reflections and global illumination make cars and city streets look more realistic.
  • Most prominent in Quality Mode or dedicated Performance RT modes on Series X and PS5 Pro.

In short, if you’re chasing jaw-dropping visuals, Quality Mode is your pick. If smooth, competitive racing is your goal, Performance Mode is the way to go. Both take full advantage of HDR and 4K to bring Japan to life like never before.