With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 set to launch on October 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch 2, players can begin to fine-tune their experience. Hands-on time during the beta has informed a set of recommended settings aimed at enhancing aim, movement, and overall visual and auditory clarity for console players.
Controller and Input Settings
When configuring controller inputs, the choice between default and tactical button layouts often depends on personal preference and controller type. The tactical layout is suggested for standard controllers, enabling quicker crouch, slide, and dive maneuvers by mapping them to the thumbstick. For controllers with remappable back buttons, the default layout can be maintained, assigning actions to those additional buttons. For PS5 players, disabling the 'Trigger Effect' is recommended to ensure more precise aiming, despite its immersive potential.
Stick drift is a common variable between controllers, making the in-game 'Test Stick Deadzone' feature invaluable. Players should start with the default deadzone settings and then utilize the test feature. Adjust the minimum stick drift for each stick to be at least one number higher than the value indicated by the test. For instance, if the left stick shows a drift of 3 and the right stick shows a 2, set the minimum drift for the left to 4 and the right to 3, then re-test. Lowering the L2/R2 deadzone to 5 is also advised for quicker activation, particularly when R2 is used for firing.
Aiming sensitivity can be adjusted with multipliers for third-person, ground vehicles, air vehicles, and tablets, all set to 1.00 by default. The ADS (Aim Down Sight) sensitivity multiplier is also 1.00, with a slightly lower setting of 0.90 for the ADS Focus state. Aim response curves can be set to 'Standard,' and a 'Custom sensitivity per zoom' option is available. Aim assist should be turned on, with motion sensor functions for weapon and camera control generally recommended to remain off unless specifically desired as an accessibility option.
Intelligent movement settings offer several adjustments. 'Sprint assist,' 'mantle assist,' and 'active roll assist' can be turned off based on preference. 'Corner Slice,' which adjusts weapon angle near cover, can be toggled on or off. For movement behaviors, 'Slide maintains sprint' should be on, and 'Parachute automatic behavior' set to 'Free Fall.' Tactical sprint activation is best set to a 'Single tap sprint.' 'Automatic airborne mantle' and 'Grounded mantle' can be turned off. Underwater plunging is triggered by a specific input, and vehicle camera recentering can be set to a short delay with a free look initial position.
Combat behaviors include options like 'Hold' for Aim Down Sight and 'ADS + melee' for Weapon mount activation. 'Melee' can be set to 'Hold' for dedicated melee weapons. 'Apply all' is recommended for armor plates. C4 detonation and equipment behavior can be set to 'Hold,' while manual fire is 'Press.' Advanced combat behaviors like 'Focus' behavior are also set to 'Hold.' Akimbo behavior is recommended to be 'Independent' for individual weapon firing. 'Prioritize reload' is advised for interact/reload behavior, with 'Mantle cancels reload' enabled.
Graphics Settings
For optimal graphics on console, several settings should be considered. If your display supports it, enabling the '120 HZ refresh rate' is recommended. The 'Eco mode preset' can be set to 'Efficiency' or 'Quality.' For core graphics quality, turning off 'World motion blur,' 'Weapon motion blur,' 'World depth of field,' and 'Weapon depth of field' will yield sharper visuals. Enabling 'FIDELITYFZ CAS' with a strength between 50-80 is suggested. While Infinity Ward has improved the depth-of-field setting, it's generally advised to keep it off for maximum sharpness.
Texture settings include 'On-Demand texture streaming' set to 'Optimized' and 'Allocated texture cache size' to 'Auto.' 'Download limits' can be turned on or off based on data usage considerations.
Field of View (FOV) is a critical setting, with recommendations typically falling between 90-120. While the maximum is 120, this can make targets appear smaller. Testing within the 90-120 range is advised. ADS FOV should be 'Affected,' and '3rd person FOV' set to 90. Vehicle FOV defaults to standard. For players sensitive to motion sickness, reducing first-person and third-person camera movement to 50% and potentially lowering FOV to 100 can help. The 'Inverted flashbang' setting, which replaces bright flashes with a black screen, can also be beneficial for those sensitive to light.
Audio Settings
Audio settings are crucial for situational awareness, especially for crucial elements like footsteps. Master game volume should be at 100%. Gameplay music volume can be lowered to 25-30%, dialogue to 80-100%, and effects volume at 100%. Cinematic music volume should be kept at 50% or less. 'Effects volume' is vital as it includes footstep audio, which should never be turned down. Dialogue volume is important for announcer callouts.
The Global Audio mix can be set to 'Home Theater' or 'Headphones,' depending on the player's setup. Mono audio should be off. If streaming or uploading content, 'Mute licensed music' should be enabled to avoid copyright issues. 'Reduce Tinnitus Sound' can be turned on or off based on personal preference for mitigating the intensity of grenade effects.
Adjusting these settings across controller, graphics, and audio should provide a more optimized and enjoyable experience in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.