Finding the best graphics and performance settings for Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox Series X and Series S can make the Wizarding World a spellcaster’s paradise. If you’re after gorgeous visuals, there’s an ideal setting for that. If you’re after steady frames for smoother exploration and combat, there’s a setting for that, too.
Before you begin tweaking your graphics and performance setting on Xbox, however, you’ll need to double check that you have the right setup to take advantage of each platform’s capabilities. This includes the correct HDMI cables (which should have come with both the Series X and Series S), as well as the proper television or gaming monitor capable of providing the desired results.
With that said, the best graphics and performance settings on Xbox for Hogwarts Legacy ultimately come down to personal preference and the capabilities of your setup. Series S users just can’t hit certain thresholds (e.g. the console can only hit 1440p max), while a 120hz television or monitor is required to even access several of the graphics and performance modes Hogwarts Legacy has to offer. Further, you’ll need a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) compatible screen to use the technology.
Hogwarts Legacy has 5 graphics and performance settings on Series X and 2 on Series S.
- Fidelity (Series X|S)
- Performance (Series X|S)
- Fidelity with Ray Tracing (Series X)
- Balanced (Series X)
- High Frame Rate Performance (Series X)
If you have a Series X and 120hz screen, I’d try for balanced mode first, which hits a sweet spot between both graphics and performance. Of course, HFR is also an option if frames matter most, though you’ll take a pretty decent hit to graphics. Otherwise, here are some graphics and performance settings to try.
Hogwarts Legacy Best Xbox Series X|S Graphics Settings
With Hogwarts Legacy installed, you’ll be met with a few screens asking you to tweak a gamut of settings before creating your witch or wizard. If you’re looking for the best general graphics settings (which you can always change later), here’s what we generally recommend:
- Graphics Mode: Fidelity
- Cap Frame Rate: On
- Motion Blur: Off
- Depth of Field: On
- Chromatic Aberration: On
- Film Grain: On
Adjust the brightness until the image is barely visible, then one or two ticks back from that for what’s likely a more accurate setting for your display.
As I mentioned in our guide to PS5 settings, the Fidelity with ray tracing option truly makes Hogwarts Legacy pop, especially while roaming the halls of the school itself and running through the various open-world landscapes. The framerate is simply too inconsistent for me at launch, and uncapping the framerate can lead to unwanted graphical glitches, not to mention putting unneeded stress on your hardware. It’s hard to recommend overall.
Hogwarts Legacy Best Xbox Series X|S Performance Settings
If you want the steadiest performance without dropping too many frames in Hogwarts Legacy, try these settings:
- Graphics Mode: Performance (or HFR if you can)
- Cap Frame Rate: (Locked in this graphics mode)
- Motion Blur: Off
- Depth of Field: On
- Chromatic Aberration: On
- Film Grain: On
As with the best graphics settings, adjust the in-game brightness until the image is barely visible, then one or two ticks back from that.
It’s worth reiterating that Performance mode reduces resolution, especially for those playing on Series S. However, I find Performance mode makes the game actually look better despite the upscale work being done on the backend, and the loss in fidelity isn’t too noticeable from moment to moment.
Best Xbox HDR Settings
Again, as with most of these suggestions, the best HDR settings for Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox Series X|S come down to your monitor or television, plus your system level calibration. The TL;DR is that you’ll simply have to toy with the settings on your HDR-compliant device to dial in something that suits your fancy. It may also require fiddling with the settings on your screen, as well. What works for me on my TV won’t likely work for you on yours.
Though I’m not particularly a fan of HDR, I admit that the functionality makes Hogwarts Legacy look better when adjusted correctly. One main advantage is that it makes the lighting appear more natural, keeping it from washing out other environmental details like windows. It can be a decent (pseudo) substitute for ray tracing if you’re truly after frames, or if you’re on Series S and don’t have access to Balanced Mode.
The best graphics and performance settings for Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox Series X|S provide some nice options, though they aren’t as meticulous as those on PC. All things considered equal: Fidelity is best fir graphics since ray tracing can bog the system down, resulting in jarring frame drops and stuttering, while Performance is best for those going after silky-smooth gameplay, just at the loss of a higher resolution. Anyone with a 120hz display can achieve different results, and there, balanced is a recommended starting point. For more, head over to our Hogwarts Legacy guides hub.
