Horizon Forbidden West Patch 1.17: VRR Support and a New Balanced Graphics Mode
The sprawling world of Horizon Forbidden West just got a significant visual boost with the arrival of patch 1.17. This update injects new life into Aloy’s adventure, delivering Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for compatible displays and introducing a brand new ‘balanced’ graphics mode designed to bridge the gap between performance and fidelity. This enhancement promises a smoother, more visually pleasing experience for gamers seeking the optimal way to explore the Forbidden West. The arrival of VRR support is great news for players seeking to minimize screen tearing during intense combat and exploration.
VRR Support: A Smoother Visual Experience
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of your display to match the frame rate output of your PlayStation 5. This eliminates screen tearing, a distracting visual artifact that can occur when the display’s refresh rate and the game’s frame rate are out of sync. With VRR enabled, Horizon Forbidden West delivers a noticeably smoother and more fluid visual experience, particularly during action-packed sequences.
The New ‘Balanced’ Graphics Mode
Patch 1.17 introduces a ‘balanced’ graphics mode, offering a compelling alternative to the existing ‘Resolution’ and ‘Performance’ options; This mode aims to strike a balance between visual fidelity and frame rate, providing a sharper image than the ‘Performance’ mode while maintaining a smoother gameplay experience than the ‘Resolution’ mode. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Graphics Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Highest | Target 30 FPS | Prioritizes visual detail and clarity. |
| Performance | Lower | Target 60 FPS | Prioritizes smooth gameplay and responsiveness. |
| Balanced | Mid-Range | Target 40 FPS (with VRR) | Offers a balance between visual quality and performance. |
Benefits of the Balanced Mode
- Improved visual clarity compared to ‘Performance’ mode.
- Smoother gameplay compared to ‘Resolution’ mode.
- Optimal experience for displays with VRR support.
Beyond VRR: General Improvements and Fixes
In addition to VRR support and the new graphics mode, patch 1.17 includes a variety of general improvements and bug fixes designed to enhance the overall gameplay experience. These improvements address minor graphical glitches, improve stability, and refine gameplay mechanics based on player feedback. Guerrilla Games is committed to continually refining Horizon Forbidden West and delivering the best possible experience for players;
The release of patch 1.17 demonstrates Guerrilla Games’ dedication to optimizing the player experience in Horizon Forbidden West. With the addition of VRR support and the ‘balanced’ graphics mode, players now have even more options to tailor the game to their preferences and hardware. For those who have been enjoying this title, there will surely be even more to look forward to in future releases.
My Personal Experience with the Update
I spent the better part of yesterday diving back into the Forbidden West after downloading patch 1.17, and I have to say, I’m impressed. I’ve always been torn between the beautiful clarity of the ‘Resolution’ mode and the buttery-smooth gameplay of ‘Performance,’ but neither felt quite right for my setup. I run the game on a 55-inch OLED TV with VRR, so I was particularly eager to test out the new ‘balanced’ mode.
Initially, I was skeptical. Could it really offer a noticeable improvement? The answer, for me, is a resounding yes. Switching to ‘balanced,’ I immediately noticed a sharper image than I was used to in ‘Performance’ mode. The foliage in the jungles felt denser, and the details on the machines seemed crisper. More importantly, the frame rate felt significantly smoother than when I played in ‘Resolution’ mode. I did some side quests with my character, Alex, and they felt much better.
Combat Improvements with VRR
The biggest difference, though, came during combat. I specifically sought out some challenging encounters with a Thunderjaw and a few Tremortusks. With VRR enabled and the ‘balanced’ mode active, the action felt incredibly responsive. The screen tearing that I occasionally noticed during fast-paced battles was completely gone. I was able to dodge, weave, and fire my arrows with much greater precision, leading to more satisfying victories. I used the tearblaster to rip off components and felt the haptic feedback more intensely thanks to the smoother frame rate.
Minor Annoyances and Lingering Questions
Of course, no update is perfect. I did encounter a couple of minor graphical glitches – a brief texture pop-in here and there – but nothing game-breaking. I also noticed that the ‘balanced’ mode seems to push my PS5 a little harder, as the fan noise was slightly more noticeable. But these are minor complaints compared to the overall improvement in visual fidelity and gameplay smoothness. I think it is worth the upgrade.
Overall, patch 1.17 has significantly enhanced my experience with Horizon Forbidden West. The VRR support and the new ‘balanced’ graphics mode are welcome additions that make an already stunning game even more enjoyable. If you have a VRR-compatible display, I highly recommend giving this update a try. I personally found that it was the perfect addition to the game, and it made the entire experience much more enjoyable and immersive. Now with VRR support, this has really elevated Horizon Forbidden West to the best version possible!
