When Gears of War: Reloaded dropped, the first question fans asked wasn’t just about the graphics overhaul—it was “What’s the best way to play it?” If you’re torn between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, or simply want to fine-tune your console settings for max performance, this guide breaks it all down.
We’ll cover the big comparisons—Series X vs PS5, campaign vs multiplayer, and how features like VRR and HDR make a real difference. Think of this as a Digital Foundry-style breakdown in plain English.
Series X vs PS5: Performance Breakdown
Both consoles handle Reloaded impressively, but there are a few subtle differences:
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Xbox Series X
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Campaign: Runs at a rock-solid 60 FPS in native 4K.
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Multiplayer: Offers a 120 FPS Performance Mode (requires a VRR-compatible display for best results).
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Extras: Dolby Vision HDR support makes dark areas like the Imulsion Mines pop with contrast.
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PlayStation 5
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Campaign: Locks to 60 FPS, with occasional dynamic resolution scaling (around 1800p–2160p).
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Multiplayer: 120 FPS option is available, but VRR support is limited to HDMI 2.1 displays.
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Extras: Standard HDR10 only, but color grading remains faithful to the original’s gritty style.
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👉 Verdict: The Series X holds a slight edge for multiplayer due to broader VRR and Dolby Vision support. For campaign purists, both consoles are nearly identical.
Best Settings for Campaign (Cinematic 60 FPS)
If you’re here for the story—the brutal Locust battles, Marcus’ gravelly one-liners, and those emotional beats—stick to Quality Mode on both consoles.
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Resolution Mode (Default Campaign Setting):
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Locks to 60 FPS, with maximum textures and shadows.
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Ideal for cinematic immersion.
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HDR/brightness calibration recommended for darker set pieces.
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Pro Tip: On Series X, enable Dolby Vision if your TV supports it—it adds extra detail in shadowed areas like Emergence Holes.
Best Settings for Multiplayer (Fast 120 FPS)
Competitive players know every frame counts. Both Series X and PS5 offer Performance Mode, pushing up to 120 FPS—but it’s not automatic.
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Enable 120Hz in Console Settings:
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Xbox: Settings > General > TV & Display > 120Hz Output.
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PS5: Settings > Screen & Video > Video Output > Enable 120Hz.
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In-Game Settings:
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Switch to Performance Mode in Reloaded’s Video Options.
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Turn off motion blur—it looks cinematic, but adds visual clutter during intense firefights.
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Adjust brightness/contrast to slightly above default for better enemy spotting in dark maps like Gridlock.
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VRR Tip: If your display supports it, turn on Variable Refresh Rate—it smooths frame pacing during chaotic multiplayer matches.
Final Thoughts – Which Console Wins?
If you’re all about multiplayer dominance, the Series X edges ahead with more robust VRR support and Dolby Vision HDR.
If your focus is campaign immersion, you won’t notice a big difference—both Series X and PS5 deliver a faithful, polished take on one of gaming’s most iconic campaigns.
At the end of the day, your choice comes down to:
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Series X: Better for competitive multiplayer.
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PS5: Solid all-around, especially if you’re already in the PlayStation ecosystem.
Quick Settings Cheat Sheet (Series X vs PS5)
| Mode | Xbox Series X | PlayStation 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | 4K / 60 FPS (Quality Mode) | 4K / 60 FPS (Quality Mode) |
| Multiplayer | 1080p–1440p / 120 FPS (Perf Mode, VRR on) | Dynamic Res (≈1080p–1440p) / 120 FPS (Perf Mode, VRR on) |
🔥 Community Take:
On Reddit and Xbox forums, many fans argue the real magic of Reloaded isn’t in FPS modes, but in reliving Gears with smoother controls and HDR lighting. Still, if you want every technical edge, Series X pulls ahead—if only slightly.
✨ Community Links & Further Reading
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