Is Arkham Knight 60 fps?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

No, Batman: Arkham Knight is locked at 30 frames per second (fps) on consoles including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and current-gen systems via backwards compatibility. However, with sufficiently powerful hardware, the PC version can run at 60 fps or higher with the frame rate cap disabled.

Arkham Knight‘s Frame Rate on Consoles

Across all consoles, Arkham Knight has a capped frame rate of 30 fps in its standard display mode. This includes:

  • PlayStation 4 and Xbox One: Locked 30 fps
  • PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (backwards compatible): Capped at 1080p/30fps

Rocksteady did not create a performance mode or patch to enable 60 fps gameplay on consoles. So whether you are playing Arkham Knight via native last-gen hardware or current-gen backwards compatibility, the frame rate will remain at 30 fps.

Achieving 60+ fps on PC

In contrast to the console versions, Arkham Knight‘s frame rate is highly scalable on PC and can surpass 60 fps given powerful enough components. By editing the BmSystemSettings.ini file, players can remove the cap and let frame rates reach as high as their hardware allows.

Here are some PC hardware recommendations targeting 60 fps for Arkham Knight‘s campaign at high settings:

  • 1080p/60fps: GTX 1070 or RX Vega 56, Core i7-4790K or Ryzen 5 1600
  • 1440p/60fps: RTX 2070 Super or RX 5700 XT, Core i7-9700K or Ryzen 7 3700X
  • 4K/60fps: RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT, Core i9-10850K or Ryzen 9 3900X

With this level of GPU and CPU muscle, Arkham Knight can deliver very smooth 60 fps gameplay at various resolutions.

Why Arkham Knight is Locked at 30 fps on Consoles

There are a few reasons why Rocksteady capped Arkham Knight at 30 fps on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles:

  • CPU-Bound Game: The complex physics, destructibility, and enemy AI place heavy load on console CPUs. This bottlenecked efforts to reach 60 fps.
  • Demanding Graphics: Cutting-edge effects like tessellation, enhanced rain/smoke, and detailed textures strain console GPU resources.
  • Prioritizing Fidelity: Rocksteady likely favored maximizing visual quality at the cost of lower frame rates.

Game director Sefton Hill stated they "wanted to go as far as they could" visually despite hardware limitations at the time.

Is a 30 fps Cap Noticeable and Still Playable?

Personal preference and sensitivity to frame rate varies from player to player. Some may find 30 fps completely unplayable and choppy. But many others consider it very much enjoyable despite some loss in fluidity compared to 60 fps.

Ultimately it depends on the specific game and genre too. Slower paced or cinematic games can potentially mask lower frame rates better than fast-paced competitive titles.

Will Arkham Knight Ever Get a 60 fps Update?

At over 7 years old now, don‘t expect any major performance patch or upgrades to come to Arkham Knight on consoles. Rocksteady has moved on to new projects, so resources likely won‘t be allocated to revisiting older titles.

There is an outside chance frame rates could improve in a future backwards compatible enhancement patch timed with new console generations. But 60 fps on 2015‘s Arkham Knight is highly improbable at this stage. Enjoy smooth high frame rates on PC, but 30 fps remains the reality on PlayStation and Xbox.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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