DOOM Eternal became Optimized for Xbox Series X|S with free Update 6 on June 29, 2021. It added console-specific performance modes, dynamic resolution scaling and new gameplay content. The modes differ by console: Series X has a ray-tracing option, while Series S does not have one listed in Xbox’s specifications.
Xbox Series X|S mode specifications
Xbox’s Update 6 announcement gives these resolution and frame-rate targets. All modes use dynamic resolution scaling, so the listed resolutions are not guarantees of a locked native resolution in every scene.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Doom Eternal - For Xbox Series X | $39.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
No More Heroes 3 – Day 1 Edition - Xbox Series X | $21.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder - Xbox | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War – Ultimate Edition and Rare Replay – Xbox One | $27.27 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II - Xbox One/Xbox Series X | $41.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| Console | Mode | Official target | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | Performance | 1800p at 120 fps | Prioritizes frame rate; a compatible 120 Hz display is required for the full target. |
| Xbox Series X | Balanced | 2160p at 60 fps | Prioritizes resolution at a 60 fps target. |
| Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing | 1800p at 60 fps | Adds ray-traced lighting effects, with a lower resolution target than Balanced and a lower frame-rate target than Performance. |
| Xbox Series S | Performance | 1080p at 120 fps | Prioritizes frame rate; a compatible 120 Hz display is required for the full target. |
| Xbox Series S | Balanced | 1440p at 60 fps | Prioritizes resolution at a 60 fps target. |
These figures come from Xbox’s Update 6 announcement. Because the game uses dynamic resolution scaling in every mode, Balanced is best described as targeting 2160p on Series X—not as a promise of native 4K at all times.
What the modes mean for your display
Performance: prioritize responsiveness
Performance Mode targets up to 120 fps on either console. Xbox says a 120 Hz-compatible display is required. A 60 Hz screen cannot show the full benefit of that frame-rate target; the console, display and HDMI connection must all support the refresh rate.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience fast-paced first-person shooter combat and movement.
- Battle a wide variety of powerful and challenging enemies.
- Wield an arsenal of devastating weapons and abilities.
- Explore epic locations across a thrilling single-player campaign.
Frame rate describes how often the game can produce a new frame; refresh rate describes how often the display can update its image. They are related, but a 120 fps target alone does not make a 60 Hz television a 120 Hz display.
Balanced: prioritize resolution
On Series X, Balanced targets 2160p at 60 fps; on Series S, it targets 1440p at 60 fps. It is the straightforward choice for a 60 Hz display or for players who prefer the higher listed resolution to the faster Performance target.
Rank #2
- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
Ray Tracing: Series X lighting option
Series X Ray Tracing Mode targets 1800p at 60 fps. It trades away the 120 fps target of Performance and the higher listed resolution of Balanced in exchange for ray-traced lighting effects. Xbox’s official Update 6 mode list does not include a ray-tracing option for Series S.
What Update 6 added beyond optimization
Update 6 was more than a graphics and performance update. Xbox’s June 29, 2021 announcement also describes gameplay enhancements, balance changes and quality-of-life improvements, as well as new content:
Rank #3
- Ghost Recon just got an all-new jungle warfare experience. In Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Island Thunder, you lead an elite team of U.S. Army Green Berets in a mission to stop a drug-funded warlord from sabotaging Cuba's free elections. Island Thunder takes you deep into the heart of Cuba with eight missions, plus five desert missions you can download via Xbox Live. Compete in 12 expansive maps against your friends on split-screen multiplayer, system link, and enhanced Xbox Live play.
- Taras Nabad Master Level: A remixed, more difficult challenge based on the Taras Nabad level, available across platforms.
- Corrosion Battlemode arena: A new arena for Battlemode, the game’s 2-versus-1 multiplayer mode.
Which mode should you choose?
- Choose Performance if you have a 120 Hz-compatible display and value smoother motion and responsiveness over the higher resolution targets.
- Choose Balanced if your display is 60 Hz or resolution matters more to you. On Series S, it is the highest-resolution mode listed by Xbox.
- Choose Ray Tracing on Series X if you prefer its lighting effects and are content with a 60 fps target and an 1800p resolution target.
These recommendations follow the published mode trade-offs; they are not independent measurements of image quality or frame-rate stability.
How to access the optimized version
- Install or update DOOM Eternal on an Xbox Series X or Series S.
- Confirm that the installed game is the Xbox Series X|S version or has received its Smart Delivery upgrade.
- Open the game’s video or display settings and select the mode that suits your console and display. Xbox’s announcement confirms the modes but does not specify a current menu path.
- If you want Performance Mode’s 120 fps target but cannot use it, check that your display and HDMI connection support 120 Hz and that the display is configured for that refresh rate.
Is the upgrade free, and does it include the expansions?
Xbox described Update 6 as a free next-generation upgrade; the upgrade did not make the underlying game free to own. Access still depends on owning the game or having a current entitlement to it. Xbox’s announcement mentioned Game Pass availability at the time, but subscription catalogs and terms can change, so check the current listing before relying on that access.
The Xbox Store listing for The Ancient Gods – Part One identifies that product as Optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery-enabled, and lists compatibility with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. An expansion is a separate product from the base game unless it is included in the edition or subscription entitlement you have. Check the listing for your specific edition and entitlement before buying DLC: Xbox Store: DOOM Eternal – The Ancient Gods – Part One.
The “now” in the original announcement headline refers to June 29, 2021, not a new release. The Xbox Store continues to identify the listed content as Optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery-enabled.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II - Xbox One/ Xbox Series X
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
