Microsoft’s backwards compatibility features are the best out of all modern consoles, and they’re only getting better. FPS Boost is the latest optimization coming to the Xbox Series X and Series S platforms, bringing with it stable heightened framerates for a variety of new and old Xbox titles. Bethesda fans are benefiting right away from this, as half of the games available in the first round of FPS Boost upgrades are Bethesda titles, likely stemming from Microsoft’s recent acquisition of the company.
FPS Boost is a new system-level feature designed to improve performance across backwards-compatible titles. This feature alters how games play, apparently without any developer input or code changes, unbinding titles from their previously locked framerates. A title may have targeted 30 frames per second on Xbox One consoles, but with the strength of the Series X/S, FPS Boost tweaks it to run at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. More titles are expected to join the program over the coming months, but for now, here are the first 10 games that benefit from FPS Boost.
Dishonored: Definitive Edition — 60 FPS
From Arkane Studios and Bethesda, Dishonored: Definitive Edition has come to Xbox Game Pass with FPS Boost. The stealth-action game won many accolades, and players will be able to enjoy this game with a stable framerate of 60 frames per second. This will go a long way towards keeping players entertained while they wait for Arkane Studios to release its next game, Deathloop.
Fallout 4 — 60 FPS
Another Bethesda hit, Fallout 4 has also received a firm 60 frames per second via FPS Boost, and fans are no doubt giving it a second look with such an upgrade. From launch, Fallout 4 was plagued with performance issues on consoles, and the chance to go back to it without them is one to be treasured, for sure. To top it all off, it’s not the only Fallout immediately receiving an FPS buff.
Fallout 76 — 60 FPS
Fallout 76 is the most recent game in the Fallout series, but was also plagued with performance issues and bugs at launch. Bethesda has remained committed to improving it, however, and the results of its DLC are showing. Thanks to the Series X/S, the game can finally hold 60 frames per second, which seemed impossible at launch.
Far Cry 4 — 60 FPS
Getting away from the Bethesda games, Ubisoft’s Far Cry 4 also received a 60 frames per second upgrade. While the game was not in desperate need of an upgrade, it will definitely help players when they’re having a hectic firefight in the game’s open world.
New Super Lucky's Tale — 120 FPS
New Super Lucky’s Tale is unique amongst all of the current FPS Boost games, as it is currently the only one that hits 120 frames per second. The cheery 3D platformer has never seen any notable framerate issues, but this makes the experience of playing it the smoothest it's ever been.
Prey — 60 FPS
Returning to Bethesda titles, the 2017 Prey reboot has also been upgraded to run at 60 frames per second. Whether this will help with spotting mimics is anyone’s guess, but the first-person shooter RPG should be a much more pleasant experience on the Series X/S than it has been on Xbox One.
Sniper Elite 4 — 60 FPS
Sniper Elite 4 is a third-person tactical stealth shooter developed and published by Rebellion Developments. Released in early 2017, the game was designed to be a paradise for snipers. To that end, the size and scale of the game's maps and levels were tuned to make shots at extreme distances possible. The animation system, artificial intelligence, and the game's rendering technology were also reworked compared to its predecessors. Now, all of that can be experienced at a smooth 60 frames per second.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition — 60 FPS
Bethesda’s final game from the first FPS Boost batch needs no introduction. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition is the upgraded version of the multi-million selling Skyrim, and is now upgraded even further with a solid framerate of 60 frames per second. One of the most famous open world RPGs out there, this upgrade is a good reason for Skyrim fans to jump back in for another run around the countryside.
EA Sports UFC 4 — 60 FPS
EA Sports UFC 4 is a mixed martial arts fighting video game developed by EA Vancouver and published by EA Sports. Serving as the sequel to the 2018 EA Sports UFC 3, it released in the middle of 2020, making it the most recent game on this list by a fairly large margin (setting aside the fact that Fallout 76 is an ongoing live service title). The game now supports 60 frames per second, something fitting for a fighting game.
Watch Dogs 2 — 60 FPS
The final game on this list, as of March 2021, is Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs 2. This 2016 action-adventure brings players on a journey alongside DedSec to take down their city's advanced surveillance system known as ctOS. There are multiple ways to complete missions, and combining that with cooperative multiplayer and an open city to explore means FPS Boost’s 60 frames per second can be a lifesaver.