For GTA 6, turn on your TV's Game Mode, turn off motion smoothing, enable VRR and 120 Hz if your TV supports them, use an HDMI 2.1 port, and run the console's HDR calibration. These changes cut input lag and make 30 fps feel steadier.
A 30 FPS game feels very different on a TV with heavy processing turned on than on one set up for gaming. Most TVs ship in a mode designed for films in a bright shop, not for games. Five minutes of setup is the cheapest upgrade you can make before GTA 6 unlocks.
The five settings that matter
- Game Mode on. It switches off most picture processing and can cut input lag dramatically. Many TVs enable it automatically when they detect a console (ALLM).
- Motion smoothing off. Frame interpolation adds lag and makes the image look artificial. Game Mode usually disables it, but check.
- VRR on if supported. Variable refresh rate keeps the TV in sync with the console when the frame rate dips, which reduces stutter and tearing.
- 120 Hz output on if supported. Even for a 30 FPS game, a 120 Hz signal can lower input lag, and it is needed for any 40 or 60 FPS mode a game might offer.
- HDR calibrated. Use the console's HDR tool so highlights and dark scenes are not clipped.
Setting names by TV brand
| Brand | Game mode | Motion smoothing (turn off) | VRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | Game Optimizer / Game picture mode | TruMotion | VRR and G-Sync |
| Samsung | Game Mode (Game Bar) | Picture Clarity / Auto Motion Plus | VRR / FreeSync Premium |
| Sony | Game picture mode | Motionflow | VRR (in HDMI signal format) |
| TCL / Hisense | Game Mode | MEMC / Motion Clarity | VRR / FreeSync |
Also set the TV's HDMI input to full bandwidth (called HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour on LG, Input Signal Plus on Samsung, Enhanced format on Sony), and use the HDMI cable that came with your console.
Console settings
PS5 and PS5 Pro
- Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output: set Resolution to Automatic, VRR to Automatic, and Enable 120 Hz Output to Automatic.
- Settings, Screen and Video, Adjust HDR: follow the three steps until the symbol is just invisible.
Xbox Series X|S
- Settings, General, TV and display options: set Refresh rate to 120 Hz if available, and tick Allow variable refresh rate and Allow auto low-latency mode under Video modes.
- Run the HDR Game Calibration app from the same menu.
Playing on a monitor instead?
Gaming monitors usually have lower input lag than TVs out of the box and no motion smoothing to switch off. For GTA 6 on PS5 or Xbox, look for HDMI 2.1 if you want 120 Hz and VRR from the console, since many monitors only reach their top refresh rate over DisplayPort, which consoles do not use. A 27-inch 1440p or 4K monitor is a good match for the PS5 and Series X. Check whether the monitor supports HDR well: many cheaper "HDR" monitors look better with HDR turned off. Our best monitor for GTA 6 guide covers this in more detail.
Sound tip
Turn off the TV's "virtual surround" or sound processing when you use headphones through the controller, and use the console's own 3D audio (Tempest on PS5, Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos on Xbox) for directional sound.
Does any of this change how GTA 6 performs?
The console renders the same frames either way. What changes is how quickly those frames reach your eyes and how smooth they look. Lower input lag makes driving and aiming feel more responsive at 30 FPS. Rockstar has not announced per-console modes yet. When it does, we will add the best in-game settings for each console. Read the GTA 6 FPS guide and PS5 Pro page for the latest.
FAQ
Should I use Game Mode for GTA 6?
Yes. It cuts input lag, which matters most at 30 FPS.
Does a 120 Hz TV help a 30 FPS game?
It can lower input lag and makes VRR possible, and it is needed for any 40 or 60 FPS mode. It does not make 30 FPS look like 60.
Do I need a 4K TV for GTA 6?
No. Any TV or monitor with HDMI works. A 4K HDR TV shows the game at its best on PS5, Series X and PS5 Pro.
Sources
- PlayStation and Xbox support: video output, VRR, 120 Hz and HDR calibration settings.
- LG, Samsung, Sony and TCL user manuals: game mode, motion smoothing and VRR setting names.
- Rob Nelson via TechPowerUp: GTA 6 at 30 FPS on consoles.