Activision has confirmed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will require a display supporting Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and at least 120Hz to access its high frame rate Performance Mode on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5.
The requirement applies to the game's campaign and DMZ modes. It will also extend to Call of Duty: Warzone when Season 1 launches.
Players using televisions or monitors without VRR support will be limited to a 60Hz output in the affected modes, even if their displays otherwise support higher refresh rates.
The announcement was made on October 20, 2026, just three days before Modern Warfare 4's scheduled October 23 release. The timing has prompted criticism from players who expected to use high refresh rate displays without needing VRR functionality.
Modern Warfare 4 Needs Both 120Hz and VRR for Performance Mode
The developers confirmed the display requirements through an announcement on X, explaining that VRR must be enabled for high refresh rate Performance Mode support.
This means that owning a 120Hz or 240Hz monitor is not enough by itself.
Your display must also support VRR, and the feature must be enabled in the console's display settings.
If either requirement is missing, the affected game modes will remain limited to 60Hz output.
The requirement applies to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5.
Here is how the display configurations affect the announced modes.
| Display configuration | Expected result |
|---|---|
| 60Hz display without VRR | Limited to 60Hz |
| 120Hz display without VRR | Limited to 60Hz |
| 120Hz display with VRR enabled | High refresh rate Performance Mode available |
| 144Hz display with VRR enabled | High refresh rate Performance Mode available |
| 240Hz display without VRR | Limited to 60Hz |
| 240Hz display with VRR enabled | High refresh rate Performance Mode available |
The restrictions concern the campaign and DMZ modes, with Warzone receiving the same requirement in Season 1.
The announcement does not establish that every multiplayer mode will operate under identical restrictions.
It is also important to distinguish between display refresh rate and actual rendered frame rate. A 120Hz output setting does not guarantee that the game will maintain 120 FPS during demanding gameplay.
Why VRR Matters for Modern Warfare 4
Variable Refresh Rate allows a compatible monitor or television to adjust its refresh timing to match the frames produced by a gaming system.
Without VRR, differences between the display's refresh rate and the game's frame rate can produce visual problems such as screen tearing or uneven frame delivery.
VRR helps reduce these issues by allowing the display to refresh when new frames are ready.
This can be particularly useful in demanding games where performance changes frequently.
For example, a game targeting 120 FPS may occasionally fall below that figure during complex scenes.
A VRR display can adjust its refresh behavior to accommodate those fluctuations, helping maintain smoother motion.
However, VRR does not directly increase the graphics processor's rendering capabilities.
Its primary purpose is to improve the presentation of frames when the game's output rate varies.
Modern Warfare 4's developers have not provided a detailed technical explanation of why VRR is mandatory for the affected Performance Mode configurations.
Players Criticize the Announcement Ahead of October 23 Launch
The timing of the announcement has become a major point of criticism.
Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, leaving little time between the confirmation of its display requirements and the game's launch.
Some players have questioned why the restriction was not communicated earlier.
The requirement could particularly affect people using older gaming monitors that support high refresh rates but lack compatible VRR functionality.
For example, a monitor capable of operating at 240Hz will still be restricted to the game's 60Hz output mode if VRR is unavailable.
This means the monitor's advertised maximum refresh rate alone does not determine whether it can access Modern Warfare 4's faster Performance Mode.
The restriction may be especially disappointing for competitive players who prioritize higher frame rates and lower input latency.
However, players comfortable with 60 FPS will still be able to access the campaign and other affected modes without purchasing a new display.
Xbox and PS5 Players Can Check Their VRR Settings
Before purchasing additional hardware, players should confirm whether their existing television or monitor already supports VRR.
Some displays support the technology but require it to be enabled through their settings menus.
On Xbox Series X and Series S, VRR can be configured through the console's display options when connected to compatible hardware.
PlayStation 5 also includes VRR settings for supported displays.
Players should verify both their console settings and the specifications of their connected screen.
Depending on the device, VRR support may be associated with technologies such as HDMI VRR or AMD FreeSync.
Compatibility can also depend on the connection being used, so a display's support for a particular VRR standard does not automatically guarantee that every console can use it.
The developers specifically recommend checking that the connected display supports 120Hz and VRR, and that VRR is enabled.
VRR Gaming Monitor Options for Modern Warfare 4
For players considering a display upgrade, several gaming monitors provide the refresh rate and VRR capabilities needed for the announced Performance Mode requirements.
The available options range from relatively affordable gaming monitors to premium OLED displays.
| Monitor | Key features | Listed US price |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 | 240Hz, AMD FreeSync, curved display | $218.54 |
| HP Omen 27qs | 1440p, up to 280Hz, FreeSync Premium | $249.99 |
| HP Omen 27 | 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR support | $609.99 |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQWMS | 32 inch 4K OLED, 240Hz | $755.99 |
The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 is among the more affordable listed options. It supports AMD FreeSync and offers a refresh rate of 240Hz, increasing to 280Hz when overclocked.
The HP Omen 27qs provides a 1440p display with a refresh rate reaching 280Hz and FreeSync Premium support.
For customers interested in 4K gaming, the ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQWMS offers a 32 inch OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate.
However, these monitors have different specifications, and customers should verify console compatibility, supported HDMI modes, and VRR functionality before purchasing.
A monitor capable of refreshing at 240Hz does not mean that Xbox or PlayStation games will run at 240 FPS.
Warzone Season 1 Will Introduce the Same VRR Requirement
The developers have also confirmed that the VRR restriction will extend to Call of Duty: Warzone with Season 1.
This means players who want to use the affected high refresh rate Performance Mode in Warzone will need compatible displays.
The announcement establishes that the requirement applies across multiple Call of Duty experiences rather than being limited to Modern Warfare 4's campaign.
However, it does not provide a specific explanation of why the feature is necessary or whether the restriction could change through future updates.
For players using standard 60Hz displays, the practical gaming experience may remain largely unchanged.
Those who have invested in high refresh rate monitors without VRR support face a different situation, as their hardware may not qualify for the faster output mode.
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026, with its standard edition listed at $69.99 in the United States.
The new display requirement makes VRR compatibility an important consideration for console players who want to access high refresh rate gameplay in the campaign, DMZ, and eventually Warzone.
For now, checking your existing display's VRR capabilities and console settings is the most practical step before considering any hardware upgrade.
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