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For most players, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is best played in Performance mode: Ubisoft lists a 60 FPS target on both PS5 and PS5 Pro, which prioritizes responsive movement, combat and ship aiming. Choose Balanced if you have a 120 Hz display and want a 40 FPS middle ground with extended ray-tracing features; choose Fidelity if you prefer the highest visual-quality presentation and accept a 30 FPS target.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Responsive play | 60 FPS target | PS5, PS5 Pro | Oct 2026 |
| Balanced | 120 Hz display owners seeking a middle ground | 40 FPS target; 120 Hz display required | PS5, PS5 Pro | Oct 2026 |
| Fidelity | Visual quality over responsiveness | 30 FPS target | PS5, PS5 Pro | Oct 2026 |
Those three choices cover the central trade-off: frame-rate target versus visual treatment. Performance is the straightforward recommendation for a normal 60 Hz television or monitor. Balanced is not a hidden 60 FPS mode; it is a 40 FPS presentation designed for a 120 Hz-capable display. Fidelity is the deliberate 30 FPS, image-quality-first option.
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Use Performance unless you have a specific reason to choose something else. A 60 FPS target gives the quickest-feeling camera movement and input response of the three modes, which is valuable when Edward is climbing, turning during a fight, or lining up a shot from the Jackdaw. It is also the least complicated choice for a conventional 60 Hz screen.
Choose Balanced when your display supports 120 Hz and you want a visual step up from Performance without moving all the way down to Fidelity’s 30 FPS target. Choose Fidelity when you knowingly prefer the highest visual-quality presentation and are comfortable with the slower response associated with a 30 FPS target. On PS5 Pro, Performance becomes an even stronger default because the Pro keeps extended ray-traced specular reflections in every mode and adds PSSR 2 reconstruction.
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What the three modes actually target
Ubisoft describes Performance as a 60 FPS target, Balanced as a 40 FPS target, and Fidelity as a 30 FPS target. These are developer specifications for the intended graphics modes, not independent measurements of every location, cutscene or combat encounter. They also are not promises that the game will remain perfectly locked to the stated number in every scene.
The numerical difference is meaningful in play. A 60 FPS target presents twice as many frames per second as a 30 FPS target, so camera pans, rapid direction changes and aiming generally feel more immediate in Performance. Balanced sits between those two presentations. It is not as responsive as 60 FPS, but it is intended to avoid the full 30 FPS compromise while allowing a broader visual feature set.
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Fidelity’s 30 FPS target is not a defect; it is a conscious allocation toward image quality. If you spend most of your time sightseeing, exploring coastlines, or taking screenshots rather than demanding quick reactions, that trade can be worthwhile. The important point is to select it for that reason, not because the label implies a higher frame-rate target.
Which graphics mode should I use on a base PS5?
Performance is the best default for a base PS5, particularly if you play on a standard 60 Hz screen. Its 60 FPS target favors quick camera movement and responsive inputs, which matter during parkour, combat and naval aiming. It is the mode to start with if you are unsure which compromise you will notice most.
Choose Balanced for a compatible 120 Hz display
Balanced targets 40 FPS and requires a 120 Hz-capable display. It is the compromise for players who want more visual richness than Performance offers on base PS5 without choosing Fidelity’s 30 FPS target. The 120 Hz requirement is part of Ubisoft’s specification, so a regular 60 Hz panel is not the intended environment for this mode.
On base PS5, Ubisoft describes ray-traced global illumination as available in every mode. It also identifies ray-traced specular reflections as available in Balanced and Fidelity, giving those modes a broader reflection treatment than the standard ray-tracing level used by Performance. Balanced therefore combines that wider feature set with a 40 FPS target, but only when the display can accept the 120 Hz presentation.
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Fidelity targets 30 FPS and prioritizes the highest visual-quality presentation, including extended ray-tracing effects on base PS5. That makes it a deliberate preference rather than the all-purpose recommendation: the lower target means slower-feeling response than the 60 FPS option.
There is no need to select Fidelity merely to obtain ray tracing on a base PS5. Global illumination is present in every mode, while the broader ray-traced specular-reflection feature set is also available in Balanced. Select Fidelity when the 30 FPS presentation is acceptable because the image-quality priority matters more to you.
What changes on PS5 Pro?
Performance is also the strongest general-purpose choice on PS5 Pro, but the visual trade-off is different. Ubisoft says extended ray-traced specular reflections are available in every PS5 Pro mode, and the console uses PSSR 2 reconstruction. As a result, Pro players can select the 60 FPS target while retaining the Pro’s extended ray-tracing feature set.
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That does not make Balanced or Fidelity pointless. Balanced remains a reasonable personal preference for someone with a 120 Hz display who wants a 40 FPS presentation and values its different frame-rate feel. Fidelity remains the niche choice for a player who specifically values its 30 FPS visual-quality priority. The key Pro difference is that you do not have to leave Performance to access extended ray-traced specular reflections.
PSSR 2 is part of the Pro’s reconstruction approach. The published specifications identify it as a Pro feature, while the base PS5 uses its own reconstruction path. Do not interpret that distinction as a guaranteed resolution number or as proof that every scene has identical sharpness; the official information establishes the reconstruction technology and mode targets, not a frame-by-frame image-quality test.
Base PS5 versus PS5 Pro: the practical comparison
| Question | Base PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Best default | Performance for the 60 FPS target | Performance for 60 FPS plus extended ray-traced specular reflections |
| Balanced target | 40 FPS; 120 Hz display required | 40 FPS; 120 Hz display required |
| Fidelity target | 30 FPS with highest visual-quality priority | 30 FPS with highest visual-quality priority |
| Ray-traced global illumination | Available in every mode | Extended ray-tracing feature set across modes |
| Ray-traced specular reflections | Broader treatment in Balanced and Fidelity; standard level in Performance | Extended treatment in Performance, Balanced and Fidelity |
| Reconstruction noted by Ubisoft | Base PS5 reconstruction | PSSR 2 |
If you own the base console, the decision is mainly whether responsiveness or the broader reflection treatment matters more. If you own a Pro, Performance removes more of that compromise because the extended reflection feature set is available without dropping to 40 or 30 FPS.
Does Balanced mode need a 120 Hz TV or monitor?
Yes. Ubisoft specifies a 120 Hz-capable display for Balanced mode. A regular 60 Hz display should generally be paired with Performance or Fidelity instead. The requirement concerns the display’s refresh capability; it does not mean the game outputs 120 frames per second.
Balanced is listed as a 40 FPS target. A 120 Hz panel provides the display environment intended for that mode, but the game remains a 40 FPS presentation. Do not confuse refresh rate and frame rate: the first describes how often the screen can refresh, while the second is the game’s target for rendered frames.
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A step-by-step way to choose your mode
- Identify the console. On a base PS5, Balanced and Fidelity are the modes associated with the broader ray-traced specular-reflection treatment. On PS5 Pro, extended ray-traced specular reflections are available in all three modes.
- Check the display. If the panel is not 120 Hz-capable, set Balanced aside and compare Performance with Fidelity. If it is 120 Hz-capable, Balanced is available as the middle-ground option described by Ubisoft.
- Decide what you notice first. Players sensitive to camera smoothness, aiming and input response should begin with Performance. Players who mainly judge the game by lighting, reflections and overall image quality can try Fidelity, or Balanced when 120 Hz is available.
- Apply the mode in the game’s graphics options. Ubisoft’s published mode explanation does not specify an exact menu path, so use the graphics or display settings presented by your installed version rather than following an assumed button sequence.
- Play a representative section. Test the activities that matter to you: climbing and free-running, close combat, ship steering and naval aiming. The official numbers are targets, so your preference should come from how the presentation feels on your equipment.
- Change modes if the compromise is wrong. There is no reason to remain in Fidelity if 30 FPS feels too slow, or in Performance if you strongly prefer the broader visual treatment. Revisit the same graphics options and compare again.
How each mode fits different play styles
Parkour and exploration
Parkour places frequent demands on camera movement and directional input. Performance’s 60 FPS target is the safest recommendation when you want turns, jumps and camera adjustments to feel as immediate as possible. Balanced can suit a 120 Hz owner who accepts a slower target in exchange for a richer visual presentation. Fidelity is best reserved for players who value the look of the world more than quick response.
Combat and stealth
Combat timing and rapid camera corrections favor Performance. The 60 FPS target is especially relevant when you are switching targets or reacting to an attack. Balanced is the compromise for a compatible display, while Fidelity makes sense only when you are comfortable with its 30 FPS target and intentionally prioritize visual quality.
Naval travel and aiming
Ship steering and aiming benefit from responsive camera and control feedback, so Performance is the practical starting point on either console. On base PS5, Balanced and Fidelity add the broader ray-traced specular-reflection treatment. On PS5 Pro, Performance already retains the extended reflection feature set, reducing the visual reason to leave the 60 FPS target.
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Scenic exploration and image quality
If your priority is the richest visual presentation rather than quick reactions, Fidelity is the explicit choice. Balanced offers a less severe frame-rate compromise when you have a 120 Hz display. Pro owners can also choose Performance for 60 FPS while keeping extended ray-traced specular reflections, which makes it the more balanced visual option on that console.
Ray tracing explained by platform
Ray tracing is not an all-or-nothing switch across these modes. On base PS5, ray-traced global illumination is available in every mode. Ubisoft’s technical explanation distinguishes the specular-reflection treatment: Balanced and Fidelity provide ray-traced specular reflections, while Performance uses the standard ray-tracing level. This is why a base-PS5 player may choose Balanced or Fidelity for visual reasons even when Performance is the better responsiveness choice.
PS5 Pro changes that allocation. Ubisoft says extended ray-traced specular reflections are available across all Pro modes. Therefore, switching from Performance to Balanced or Fidelity on Pro is primarily a decision about the 40 or 30 FPS presentation and the overall visual-quality priority, not a requirement to unlock the extended reflection feature.
These descriptions establish feature coverage, not a promise that every reflection or lighting interaction will look identical in every scene. They also do not provide a universal resolution, sharpness or image-quality ranking beyond the stated mode priorities and reconstruction differences.
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Common display and setup pitfalls
- Mistaking 120 Hz for 120 FPS. Balanced requires a 120 Hz-capable display but targets 40 FPS.
- Choosing Balanced on a 60 Hz panel. Ubisoft specifies 120 Hz for this mode, so use Performance or Fidelity on a normal 60 Hz setup.
- Assuming Fidelity is mandatory for ray tracing. Base PS5 has ray-traced global illumination in every mode, and broader specular reflections are available in Balanced as well.
- Assuming Pro Performance has the base-PS5 compromise. Pro keeps extended ray-traced specular reflections across all modes and uses PSSR 2 reconstruction.
- Reading a target as a lock. The published 60, 40 and 30 FPS figures are targets, not independent scene-by-scene measurements.
- Buying a cable on an unverified promise. A 4K/120 Hz chain depends on the display, console output settings and cable compatibility. No particular model is established as universally required.
- Following an outdated menu guide. The exact graphics-menu path is not specified in the mode documentation. Use the options shown by your installed build.
Are these still the latest published settings?
Ubisoft published Title Update 1.0.8 notes on October 26, 2026, for release on October 27. Ubisoft called it the final major content update and said smaller quality-of-life updates would follow. The notes mention stability improvements and visual fixes, including fixes for damaged Jackdaw visuals and enemy animation snapping.
Those notes do not explicitly say whether the PS5 graphics-mode targets or rendering allocation changed. The 60, 40 and 30 FPS targets and mode-specific ray-tracing details above are Ubisoft’s latest published specifications identified here; the update notes do not establish that every rendering behavior was unchanged. Treat the mode table as the latest stated specification, while recognizing that a later technical note could revise it.
Update 1.0.8 also includes a separate Nightmare Mode figure of 1.8x enemy damage. That gameplay value is unrelated to choosing Performance, Balanced or Fidelity and should not influence your graphics-mode decision.
What version and edition do you need?
The official PlayStation Store lists a PS5 Standard Edition of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. The graphics recommendations here concern the PS5 and PS5 Pro versions and their published display modes. No accessory purchase is required by the mode specifications themselves, and no universal cable model or retailer program is established for this setup.
A 120 Hz-capable 4K television or monitor is a relevant equipment category only if you want Balanced. If your current display is 60 Hz, Performance remains the straightforward choice and Fidelity remains available for an image-quality-first preference. Check your own equipment’s specifications before spending money on a display upgrade.
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Final decision guide
Base PS5, 60 Hz display: choose Performance for the 60 FPS target, or Fidelity if you consciously prefer the highest visual-quality presentation at 30 FPS.
Base PS5, 120 Hz display: choose Balanced for the 40 FPS middle ground and broader ray-traced specular-reflection treatment, or Performance if responsiveness is more important.
PS5 Pro, any display: choose Performance for the strongest overall balance of 60 FPS and extended ray-traced specular reflections with PSSR 2 reconstruction. Choose Balanced only when a 120 Hz display and a 40 FPS preference justify it; choose Fidelity for an explicit 30 FPS visual-quality priority.
In every case, remember that Ubisoft’s figures are targets. Your final choice should reflect the display you actually use and the activities you play most, not an assumption that one mode is universally superior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 40 FPS target mean Balanced runs at 120 FPS?
No. A 120 Hz display is a compatibility requirement for Balanced, not a promise of 120 frames per second from the game. Ubisoft lists Balanced as a 40 FPS target.
Does an FPS target guarantee that the game stays at that rate in every scene?
No. A target describes the intended mode, not a verified result for every scene. Ubisoft’s published mode specifications do not provide independent measurements of frame-rate consistency.
Do I need a particular HDMI cable for Balanced mode?
No particular cable model is established as a universal requirement. A 4K/120 Hz setup depends on the display, console output configuration and cable chain, so confirm compatibility for your own equipment.
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What is the best PS5 setting for most players?
Performance mode. Ubisoft lists a 60 FPS target on both PS5 and PS5 Pro, making it the strongest default for responsive parkour, combat, camera movement and ship aiming.
Should I use Balanced on a normal 60 Hz television?
No. Ubisoft specifies a 120 Hz-capable display for Balanced. On a standard 60 Hz screen, choose between Performance’s 60 FPS target and Fidelity’s 30 FPS visual-quality target.
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Is Fidelity the only mode with ray tracing on base PS5?
No. Ray-traced global illumination is available in every base-PS5 mode. Ubisoft identifies ray-traced specular reflections in Balanced and Fidelity, while Performance uses the standard ray-tracing level.
Does PS5 Pro Performance include extended ray tracing?
Yes. Ubisoft says extended ray-traced specular reflections are available across all PS5 Pro modes, so Pro Performance keeps that feature set while targeting 60 FPS.
What does PSSR 2 change on PS5 Pro?
PSSR 2 is the reconstruction technology Ubisoft identifies for PS5 Pro. It supports the Pro’s image-reconstruction approach, but the published specifications do not provide a universal resolution or guarantee identical sharpness in every scene.
Which mode is best for naval aiming?
Performance is the practical starting point because its 60 FPS target prioritizes responsive camera and control feedback. Balanced or Fidelity can be chosen when visual treatment matters more, with Balanced requiring a 120 Hz display.
Can I choose Balanced just for 120 FPS?
No. Balanced targets 40 FPS. The 120 Hz requirement describes the display environment needed for that mode, not the game’s frame-rate output.
Did Title Update 1.0.8 change the graphics targets?
The October 27, 2026 update notes mention stability and visual fixes but do not explicitly state whether the PS5 graphics-mode targets or rendering allocation changed. The published 60, 40 and 30 FPS specifications remain the latest stated figures here.
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Is the 1.8x Nightmare Mode enemy-damage figure related to graphics settings?
No. It is a gameplay value in the current-update context and does not affect the choice between Performance, Balanced and Fidelity.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: choose Performance for the 60 FPS target on either PS5. Use Balanced only with a 120 Hz-capable display when you want a 40 FPS middle ground. Choose Fidelity for a deliberate 30 FPS, highest-visual-quality preference. On PS5 Pro, Performance is especially compelling because extended ray-traced specular reflections and PSSR 2 are available without giving up the 60 FPS target.
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