“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” is widely regarded as one of the most intense and difficult action-adventure games ever made. Developed by FromSoftware and released in 2019, it has captured the imagination of gamers with its punishing combat system and stunningly crafted world. However, one technical concern often raised by PC gamers is whether Sekiro is limited to 60 frames per second (FPS) and if there’s any way to raise that cap for smoother gameplay.
TL;DR
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is natively locked to 60 FPS due to its game engine and physics system. This limitation applies to both console and PC versions. Although unofficial mods allow the FPS to go higher, doing so can impact game physics and animations. Proceeding with caution is advised when modifying the FPS cap to avoid unintended gameplay issues.
Why Is Sekiro Locked to 60 FPS?
The 60 FPS cap in Sekiro is not an arbitrary choice. The game’s engine links the frame rate directly with the game’s internal timing and physics systems. This means the speed at which the game plays out—from character movements to enemy attacks—is tied directly to a fixed frame rate of 60.
Unlocking the frame rate without adjusting other core systems can lead to a number of problems including faster character actions or unpredictable physics responses. For example, jumping, dashing, or evading may behave differently, ultimately altering the intended experience.
Console Performance: Is It Also 60 FPS?
Sekiro runs at 30 FPS on last-gen consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. However, on newer platforms such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X (via backward compatibility), players can enjoy a more stable 60 FPS performance. Despite the hardware improvements, higher frame rates such as 90 or 120 FPS are still not supported on consoles.
Image not found in postmetaThis is due to both hardware limitations and the aforementioned engine restrictions. FromSoftware has not officially updated the game to support higher frame rates on next-gen consoles, choosing instead to maintain stability and consistency.
PC Performance: Can You Go Beyond 60 FPS?
On PC, where hardware diversity and customization are much greater, players have experimented with unlocking the FPS cap. Technically, it is possible to exceed 60 FPS using community-created mods and patches. The most well-known mod for unlocking FPS in Sekiro is part of the “Sekiro Fps Unlock and More” package. This mod offers the following features:
- Unlocked frame rate capabilities
- Custom resolutions and aspect ratios
- GUI and HUD scaling
- Increased Field of View (FOV)
However, while these mods do unlock higher frame rates like 120 FPS or even 144 FPS, they come with caveats. Players have reported bugs and inconsistent behavior when running the game beyond 60 FPS. These include:
- Game physics breaking (e.g., jumping distances are longer)
- Animations running faster than intended
- Desynchronization in parrying and dodging timing
- Issues with online mechanics, like mods for PvP
Therefore, although it is technically feasible to break the 60 FPS barrier, it is not officially supported by the developers and may harm the core gameplay experience.
Why FromSoftware Limits Frame Rate in Their Games
FromSoftware has a history of locking the frame rates in its titles. Other games like “Dark Souls III” and “Bloodborne” also faced similar limitations. This usually stems from their engine design, where FPS is tied to game timing and not handled separately. Their focus lies more on game mechanics, artistic presentation, and balance, rather than pushing hardware boundaries for ultra-smooth experiences.
In recent years, however, the studio has begun to show more willingness to optimize for modern hardware. Games like “Elden Ring” aim to maintain 60 FPS on newer platforms, although issues around frame stability still exist.
Should You Attempt to Unlock the FPS Limit?
That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re a purist who wants to enjoy Sekiro as it was designed, sticking with the default 60 FPS is the safest route. This ensures intended gameplay mechanics, balanced difficulty, and consistent animations.
If you’re a PC enthusiast with a high-refresh-rate monitor and want to test the visual limits of the game, using a mod may enhance the visual fluidity. However, this comes at the risk of disrupting the game’s logic and performance.
Before trying any mod, backup your save data and ensure you understand the implications of potential bugs. This is particularly crucial since game saves can become corrupted due to timing changes introduced by higher FPS rates.
Is There an Official Patch Incoming for Higher FPS Support?
As of now, FromSoftware has made no announcements regarding a patch to unlock FPS beyond 60 for Sekiro. Given that the game was released in 2019 and development has likely shifted focus toward newer projects, it seems unlikely that such an update will occur in the future.
Fans and modding communities remain the only sources for higher FPS support. While impressive, these solutions come with their own set of challenges and are not supported in competitive or online play.
Conclusion: The FPS Dilemma in Sekiro
“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” remains a legendary game with or without high frame rates. Its meticulously designed combat system and compelling world-building do not require ultra-high FPS to be appreciated. Yet, for technical enthusiasts seeking to push boundaries, mods offer a tempting but risky pathway.
Ultimately, the decision to break the 60 FPS cap should be made with an understanding of how it impacts gameplay, system stability, and user experience. For most players, the default settings are more than sufficient to enjoy one of FromSoftware’s finest titles.
FAQs
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Q: Is Sekiro locked at 60 FPS by default?
A: Yes, both the PC and newer console versions of Sekiro are locked to 60 FPS due to how the game’s physics and timing systems are designed. -
Q: Can I unlock the frame rate in Sekiro?
A: Yes, using third-party mods like the “Sekiro Fps Unlock and More” mod, but it is not recommended for all players due to potential bugs and gameplay changes. -
Q: Will unlocking FPS affect gameplay?
A: It can. Higher frame rates may alter game physics, animation timing, and even interfere with save data integrity. -
Q: Do the PS5 or Xbox Series X versions support more than 60 FPS?
A: No, while they support 60 FPS more consistently than the older consoles, there is no official support for frame rates higher than 60 FPS. -
Q: Is it likely that FromSoftware will release an official high-FPS patch?
A: Currently, there is no indication of an upcoming patch to increase the frame rate limit officially.
