The Blood of Dawnwalker Performance Guide: Xbox Series X vs Series S

The Blood of Dawnwalker is out now, and early technical details are clarifying how its open-world RPG performance differs between Microsoft’s current consoles. The biggest gap is on Xbox Series X, where players can choose among multiple graphics targets—while Xbox Series S is locked to a single preset.

Key takeaways

• The Blood of Dawnwalker is already available, with technical differences now confirmed between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
• Xbox Series X includes three selectable graphics modes targeting 30, 40, and 60 FPS using dynamic 4K resolution with stability differences.
• Xbox Series S uses one configuration: 1080p with a 30 FPS target.
• The 30 FPS Series X option shows issues related to frame pacing, while the 60 FPS mode can dip frequently toward the mid-50s.
• On Xbox Series X, the 60 FPS mode is especially useful if you have a VRR-compatible TV or monitor.

Xbox Series X: three modes, dynamic 4K, and different stability trade-offs

Xbox Series X is the more flexible version, offering three different performance profiles so players can match the game to their preferences and display. All three modes rely on dynamic resolution with a target of “4K,” but they behave differently in terms of smoothness and consistency.

• Graphics mode targets 30 FPS on Xbox Series X with dynamic 4K, but it currently has some frame pacing problems.
• Balanced mode targets 40 FPS on Xbox Series X with dynamic 4K.
• Performance mode targets 60 FPS on Xbox Series X with dynamic 4K, and it can see frequent drops into the mid-50 FPS range.

For players with a VRR-compatible TV or monitor, the 60 FPS performance mode may be the most appealing choice. While dips from the 60 FPS target still occur, VRR can help make those fluctuations less noticeable. If you want a middle ground between visuals and smoothness, the 40 FPS balanced option is positioned as the compromise profile, while the 30 FPS graphics mode still needs refinement due to the detected frame pacing irregularities.

Xbox Series S: a single 1080p / 30 FPS profile

Xbox Series S takes a more restrictive approach. There’s no option to switch between multiple graphics profiles, and the game runs on a single target configuration: 1080p aimed at 30 FPS.

Even with that baseline, performance can drop below the target during certain moments—particularly in some sequences and during combat. Still, the overall behavior is described as generally staying within playable ranges based on the current reported technical state.

In short, Xbox Series X provides three clearly distinct options, with the 60 FPS mode standing out for smoother play when paired with VRR—and the 40 FPS mode serving as a potential balance choice. Xbox Series S doesn’t offer that flexibility, so players are limited to 1080p at 30 FPS, with occasional drops that could be addressed in future updates.