What FPS Should You Target for Your Game Type?
Chasing 144 FPS in every game is a hardware and settings decision that only makes sense for some game types. A turn-based strategy game at 30 FPS is completely playable. A competitive shooter at 60 FPS puts you at a disadvantage against players at 144 FPS. This guide tells you the right FPS target for each category and why the number varies.
Check what you are currently getting with the FPS Test before adjusting game settings.
FPS Targets by Game Type
| Game Type | Minimum Acceptable | Recommended Target |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive FPS (CS2, Valorant, Apex) | 60 FPS | 144 FPS or above |
| Battle royale (Fortnite, PUBG, Warzone) | 60 FPS | 144 FPS |
| Action RPG (Elden Ring, Diablo) | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Open world RPG (Skyrim, Cyberpunk) | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Racing games | 60 FPS | 120 FPS (motion matters) |
| Fighting games | 60 FPS | 60 FPS (most run at fixed 60) |
| Real-time strategy (StarCraft, AoE) | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Turn-based strategy and RPG | 24 FPS | 30 to 60 FPS (action pace is low) |
| Idle games and clicker games | 30 FPS | 60 FPS (browser performance relevant) |
| Casual / puzzle games | 30 FPS | 30 to 60 FPS |
Why FPS Targets Differ by Genre
Competitive FPS: Maximum FPS Matters
In CS2, Valorant, and Apex Legends, higher FPS provides two real advantages. First, with a 144Hz monitor, 144 FPS means the monitor shows the most recent available frame every refresh, reducing visual latency between real-world events and what you see. Second, at 144 FPS, each frame represents 6.9ms of game time. At 60 FPS, each frame represents 16.7ms. An enemy moving at the same speed appears in more positions per second at 144 FPS, making tracking aim easier.
Action and Story Games: 60 FPS is the Practical Ceiling
In games where you are exploring, using abilities, or following a story, the difference between 60 and 144 FPS is visible but does not affect performance. 60 FPS is smooth enough for comfortable play. The hardware savings from running at 60 FPS in demanding games (Cyberpunk, Alan Wake 2) allow you to turn up graphic quality settings for better visual fidelity.
Racing Games: Motion Matters More
Racing games at high speeds generate a lot of motion blur from scene movement. Higher FPS reduces the perception of stuttering in peripheral vision and makes fast-paced visual sequences smoother. 120 FPS is noticeably better than 60 FPS in a racing game in a way that it is not in a turn-based RPG.
Turn-Based and Strategy: FPS Almost Irrelevant for Gameplay
In turn-based games, game actions happen on command, not in real time. 30 FPS is completely playable because there are no reaction-time demands. Smoother is nicer but not meaningful for results.
How to Hit Your Target FPS
If your FPS in a game is below the target:
- Lower graphics preset first (Medium instead of High, or High instead of Ultra). This is the single biggest FPS gain.
- Disable ray tracing. Ray tracing is the most performance-expensive feature in modern games and often not visible in fast gameplay.
- Reduce resolution scaling or use FSR/DLSS if available. These technologies render at a lower resolution and upscale, recovering significant FPS.
- Check background applications. Close browsers, streaming software, and Discord video to free GPU resources.
For more context on how your monitor's refresh rate relates to these FPS targets, see the FPS vs Refresh Rate guide. To see a full breakdown of what makes an FPS good or bad, read What Is a Good FPS for Gaming. You can also verify your current monitor refresh rate to make sure your display can show the FPS you are targeting.