Following widespread complaints, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth patch takes another stab at improving the RPG's muddy graphics in Performance Mode

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth hero Cloud shown against purple light
(Image credit: Square Enix)

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's new patch, out today, takes another stab at improving the graphical and frame rate aspects of the game.

Freshly announced, patch 1.020 improves the RPG sequel's frame rate and overall graphical stability while also improving overall game stability for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

The 'Sharp' and 'Soft' options have also been added to Rebirth's Performance Mode. Without further details on what these two new settings actually do in the Performance Mode, we're left guessing as to how they improve the game. It sounds as though it could have something to do with Rebirth's individual textures, which have been the subject of some criticism from players. 

Graphics and performance complaints have dogged Rebirth since its demo launched early last month in February. Rebirth's demo had some fans in particular worrying about the game's graphics, as some images appeared blurry and a little muddy. Players were positive about the game's performance, though, from the demo.

Game director Naoki Hamaguchi even addressed players' criticisms of Rebirth's performance mode not long after launch. "We hear you and we are currently working on an update," Hamaguchi said at the time, speaking about Rebirth's muddy textures in the Performance Mode. This would be the patch that we're now seeing today. 

This isn't the first time Rebirth's Performance Mode has been patched. Back in February, Square Enix announced that Rebirth's demo would receive a patch to improve the Performance Mode and that the improvements would be available in the full game at launch. The patch was specifically targeting improvements for the graphics quality in the performance mode, which is what we're seeing being patched here again today.

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Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.