Call of Duty: MW4 requires VRR monitors for 120Hz performance on Xbox and PS5

Activision and Infinity Ward announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 requires Variable Refresh Rate support on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for optimal performance. The developers stated on X that this hardware requirement is necessary to achieve 120Hz framerates in Performance Mode.

This policy affects the single-player campaign, DMZ modes, and Call of Duty: Warzone Season 1. According to Windows Central, players using monitors without VRR enabled or lacking at least a 120Hz refresh rate will see framerates locked at 60Hz. The announcement came just days before the game's full launch on October 23, 2026.

View the original post on X

Hardware Requirements and Compatibility

The requirement means that even if a display supports high refresh rates like 240Hz, it must specifically have VRR technology enabled to unlock the higher framerate tier. Windows Central reports that this last-minute change impacts players who may not have updated their peripheral hardware recently.

Players who do not wish to upgrade their monitors can still access the game. However, they must play in Performance Mode at 60fps or switch to Resolution Mode for 4K visuals. Windows Central notes that Resolution Mode offers greater cinematic immersion but sacrifices the competitive advantage of higher frame rates.

Player Reaction and Market Context

Hardcore competitive fans expressed significant frustration on X regarding the timing of the announcement. Windows Central highlights that asking console players to purchase expensive new monitors just days before launch is viewed as problematic by the community. Many users feel they should have been warned months in advance about these specific hardware dependencies.

The situation is compounded by current market conditions for gaming peripherals. Windows Central states that gaming monitors have become more costly and rarer to find for gamers on a tight budget. The outlet attributes these market pressures partly to a worsening RAM crisis affecting the broader electronics supply chain.

What should you do?

Players who wish to experience Modern Warfare 4 at 120Hz should verify that their current monitor supports VRR and is capable of at least 120Hz refresh rates. If the display lacks these features, users must decide between upgrading their hardware or accepting the 60Hz framerate cap in Performance Mode.

What to do and how to stay safe: Call of Duty

• Check your monitor specifications to confirm it supports Variable Refresh Rate and a minimum 120Hz refresh rate.
• Verify that VRR is enabled in both your monitor's on-screen display settings and your console's video output settings.
• If your hardware does not support VRR, prepare to play in Resolution Mode for 4K or accept 60fps in Performance Mode.
• Monitor official channels from Activision for any future patches or changes to these hardware requirements.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 require VRR for multiplayer?

The requirement for VRR applies to Campaign, DMZ, and Warzone Season 1 to achieve 120Hz in Performance Mode.

What happens if I play without a VRR monitor?

Your framerate will be locked at 60Hz in Performance Mode if your monitor lacks VRR or a 120Hz refresh rate.

When does this requirement take effect?

The requirement is in effect for the game's full launch on October 23, 2026, and Warzone Season 1.