The Blood of Dawnwalker Offers Three Graphics Modes on Xbox Series X

The Blood of Dawnwalker gives Xbox Series X players three graphics modes, while Xbox Series S has a single 1080p option.

The open world dark fantasy RPG targets 30fps, 40fps, and 60fps on Xbox Series X, with all three modes using a dynamic 4K resolution. Early testing suggests the 40fps and 60fps options are generally the strongest choices, although neither is completely free of performance issues.

Xbox Series S has a much simpler setup, targeting 30fps at 1080p.

Console	Mode	Resolution	Frame rate target	Early observations
Xbox Series X	Graphics	Dynamic 4K	30fps	Frame pacing issues reported
Xbox Series X	Balanced	Dynamic 4K	40fps	Generally stable
Xbox Series X	Performance	Dynamic 4K	60fps	Can fall into mid 50s
Xbox Series S	Standard	1080p	30fps	Occasional drops

Xbox Series X Gives Players Three Choices

The Series X version offers the widest range of options.

The 30fps mode places greater emphasis on image quality while still using a dynamic 4K resolution. However, early footage indicates that frame pacing can be inconsistent.

That means the game may not always feel as smooth as a locked 30fps presentation should, even when the reported frame rate itself is close to the target.

The 40fps mode provides a middle ground.

It is designed for displays capable of 120Hz output and can offer noticeably smoother motion than the 30fps option without pushing the console as hard as the 60fps mode.

For players with compatible televisions or monitors, this mode may provide the most balanced experience.

Performance Mode Targets 60fps

The highest frame rate option on Xbox Series X targets 60fps.

Early testing suggests it performs reasonably well in many situations, but the frame rate can drop into the mid 50s.

Those dips are less noticeable on a display with variable refresh rate support.

VRR allows the screen to adjust its refresh timing to better match the console's output, reducing visible judder and tearing when performance moves below the target.

Xbox consoles also support low frame rate compensation, which can further improve presentation on compatible displays.

Because of that, the 60fps mode appears especially suitable for players using a 120Hz VRR screen.

Without VRR, the drops may be easier to notice.

The 30fps Mode Has Frame Pacing Problems

The most notable technical concern on Series X is currently the 30fps graphics mode.

The problem is not simply a lower frame rate.

Instead, testing points to uneven frame delivery, which can make movement look less consistent even when the average frame rate remains close to 30fps.

Frame pacing problems can make a game feel rougher than expected because individual frames are not displayed at evenly timed intervals.

This is the kind of issue that can potentially be improved through later patches, but no specific fix has been confirmed in the supplied information.

Xbox Series S Targets 1080p at 30fps

Xbox Series S does not offer multiple graphics presets.

The console instead runs The Blood of Dawnwalker at 1080p with a 30fps target.

Testing suggests the frame rate can fall below 30fps during demanding scenes, particularly in combat and cutscenes.

There is also some unusual footage showing performance moving above the expected target in certain situations, although the intended mode is still described as a 30fps presentation.

Overall, the Series S version appears playable, but it provides considerably less flexibility than Series X.

VRR Makes the Series X Performance Mode More Attractive

For players with the right display, the 60fps mode appears to be the strongest option at launch.

The occasional drops into the mid 50s are less disruptive when VRR is active, and the higher frame rate is useful in an action RPG where camera movement and combat responsiveness matter.

The 40fps mode is another strong option for 120Hz displays.

It can provide smoother motion than 30fps while potentially maintaining more visual detail than the 60fps setting.

Players without VRR may have a more difficult choice, especially because the 30fps mode currently has frame pacing issues.

Performance Could Improve Through Updates

The Blood of Dawnwalker launched on Xbox Series X and Series S on September 2, 2026.

The game has already received attention for its console performance options, including the addition of a requested 60fps mode on Series X.

The current results should therefore be treated as an early look rather than a permanent measure of performance.

Future patches could improve frame pacing, stabilize the 60fps mode, or address some of the dips seen on Series S.

For now, Series X provides considerably more flexibility, with its 30fps, 40fps, and 60fps options giving players the ability to prioritize image quality or smoother gameplay depending on their display.