Best LG OLED Gaming Settings: Game Optimizer, HDR and VRR

Recommended baseline

Use Game Optimizer for a console or PC game, then verify the source is actually delivering the intended HDR, refresh and VRR mode. Keep panel-specific calibration controls at default. Adjust SDR brightness for the room, and calibrate HDR through the source rather than copying fixed television values.

Low latency and ALLM

Game Optimizer reduces or disables processing that would add latency. ALLM allows a compatible source to request a low-latency mode automatically. It does not increase frame rate or enable VRR.

If the TV does not enter gaming mode, check the source's ALLM setting and the LG input configuration. You can also select Game Optimizer manually. Do not enter a service menu to solve ordinary input-mode behavior.

High refresh rate

Frame rate and refresh rate are different. A 120 Hz signal helps only when the game and source output an appropriate mode. Many games offer a choice between visual-quality and performance modes.

LG model capabilities differ. C1–G3 generation guides should not inherit the C4/G4's supported 144 Hz PC claims. Consoles and PCs also use different output paths. Check HFR explained and the documentation for the exact model.

VRR, G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync

VRR changes display refresh timing to follow a compatible source, reducing tearing and uneven frame delivery. Enable it at both ends where supported. Certification and range vary by model, port, resolution and firmware, so this guide does not publish one universal VRR window.

VRR may restrict motion processing or other picture controls. Near-black appearance can also change with frame rate on some OLED workflows. Avoid raising a dark-area control globally to fix one game; compare the game's own black-level and HDR setup first.

HDR10 gaming

For source-led calibration:

1. Start HDR content in Game Optimizer.
2. Select HGiG on the TV.
3. Run the platform HDR calibration.
4. Adjust the game's HDR patterns last.

HGiG avoids blindly stacking the TV's dynamic mapping over a calibrated source. Dynamic Tone Mapping is an alternate brighter preference. If you switch modes, the earlier calibration may no longer describe the same presentation.

Dolby Vision gaming is a separate path and should not be described as ordinary HDR10 HGiG.

Console and PC calibration order

Put the TV in Game Optimizer and pick HGiG (or deliberately pick Dynamic Tone Mapping) before running any source calibration. Re-run the source calibration whenever you change the TV's tone mapping. HGiG is a TV tone-mapping choice, not a console switch, and menu names vary by LG model and firmware.

Prepare the television

1. Connect the source to a port that supports the intended resolution and refresh mode on your model.
2. Enable the LG input option required for enhanced HDMI signals if the TV presents one.
3. Start an HDR game or calibration screen so HDR settings are active.
4. Select Game Optimizer.
5. Choose HGiG for a source-led HDR10 calibration, or deliberately choose Dynamic Tone Mapping as a different preference.

Do not adjust white balance or color-management controls from internet values. Game calibration is not panel calibration.

PS5

In PS5 settings, enable HDR and run Adjust HDR while the TV remains in the intended Game Optimizer/HGiG state. Follow Sony's on-screen visibility instructions rather than copying a fixed number of button presses: display capabilities and firmware differ.

Set 120 Hz Output and VRR according to the game and television support. The PS5 can request these modes, but each title decides whether it renders a compatible performance mode. Confirm the active state through the console and TV rather than assuming the home screen proves the game output.

PS5 HDR calibration does not configure every game's independent HDR sliders. Use game-provided reference screens afterward.

Xbox Series X|S

Use the Xbox 4K TV details page to see which features the complete chain reports. Then run Calibrate HDR for Games with the LG in the chosen HDR gaming mode.

Enable Allow 4K, HDR, VRR and high-refresh modes only where the TV, port and title support them. Dolby Vision for Gaming is a separate output path from HDR10 HGiG. If you enable Dolby Vision gaming, configure and evaluate that mode separately.

If a mode disappears, check resolution, refresh rate, video format and the selected TV input configuration before replacing hardware.

Windows 11

1. Select the correct display and enable HDR in Windows.
2. Set resolution and refresh rate in Advanced Display.
3. Enable the intended VRR technology in Windows/GPU settings where supported.
4. Keep the LG in Game Optimizer and HGiG.
5. Run the official Windows HDR Calibration app.
6. Configure each game's HDR controls last.

Windows desktop SDR brightness inside HDR mode is a separate comfort control and does not replace HDR calibration. Auto HDR and native HDR are also different rendering paths.

SDR gaming

Use Game Optimizer and set OLED Pixel Brightness for the room. There is no defensible universal “40–70” value. Leave white balance and color management alone without measurements. Match the source and TV's video-range interpretation to avoid raised or crushed blacks.

Motion clarity and BFI

OLED Motion Pro/black frame insertion can improve perceived motion clarity, but lowers brightness and may flicker. Availability varies with model, HDR, VRR and refresh rate. Test it only after the base signal is stable, and leave it off if brightness or comfort suffers.

Safer long-session habits

Keep LG's documented OLED protection enabled. Avoid leaving a paused game, map or bright HUD on screen indefinitely. Use console screen dimming, vary content and lower sustained SDR output when it is brighter than the room requires. Disabling TPC/GSR is not part of a normal gaming setup.

Fast troubleshooting

• No HDR: confirm game support and enhanced HDMI/input configuration.
• No VRR: verify support at source and TV, then test without other optional formats.
• No 120 Hz: choose the game's performance mode and inspect the console/PC output status.
• Washed-out blacks: match range at both ends.
• Flicker: disable BFI first; then test VRR behavior and the game frame rate separately.

OLED Control can operate supported TV controls after pairing. It cannot reduce latency below the TV mode's behavior, generate frames or change console/GPU output.

Sources

• HDMI Licensing Administrator — HDMI 2.1 gaming features
• HGiG — For Better HDR Gaming
• PlayStation — Enable and adjust HDR on PS5
• Xbox — Configure 4K gaming at 120 Hz

Diagnose latency before changing picture quality

Use a game with a consistent input test or training area. Confirm Game Optimizer/ALLM is active and disable motion interpolation, noise reduction and other processing that can add delay. Compare controller wired/wireless behavior separately; television settings cannot repair a congested Bluetooth connection or a game's internal queue.

At 60 Hz, one refresh interval is about 16.7 ms; at 120 Hz it is about 8.3 ms. That does not mean every 120 Hz mode has exactly half the total system latency—game engine, controller, render queue and display processing all contribute. Avoid publishing one input-lag number without model, mode, resolution and measurement method.

VRR setup and dark-scene flicker

Enable VRR only after fixed 60/120 Hz is stable. On PC, cap a few frames below the refresh ceiling using one reliable limiter; stacked caps can worsen pacing. On console, verify the title supports VRR and the system status reports it.

Near-black luminance can fluctuate when frame intervals change. If dark menus pulse, compare the same checkpoint with VRR off, inspect frame-time spikes and avoid repeated Low Frame Rate Compensation transitions. Fine Tune Dark Areas can shift visibility but may lift or crush shadows. Full blackouts and colored sparkles belong to HDMI diagnosis.

Competitive versus cinematic profiles

Competitive play favors low latency, stable high frame rate, neutral Black Stabilizer and enough visibility for the room. Raising Black Stabilizer can expose opponents but changes intended shadow depth. Treat it as a game preference, not calibration.

Cinematic single-player games may benefit from HGiG, accurate color and a 60 Hz quality mode. If VRR flicker is severe and the title holds 60 fps, fixed refresh with V-Sync can be the more comfortable choice. There is no requirement to enable every gaming feature simultaneously.

Model-generation caveats

C1/G1 and C2/G2 target up to 4K120 and expose different Game Optimizer layouts. C4/G4 can offer 144 Hz PC modes on supported sizes/configurations, but consoles remain 120 Hz-class sources. Do not transfer C4 PC advice to C1 or assume every screen size has identical limits.

Firmware can move genre, dark-area and VRR controls. Use console/PC capability pages and the TV information display rather than a menu screenshot from another generation.

Gaming FAQ

Does ALLM enable VRR?

No. ALLM requests low latency; VRR changes refresh timing.

Is 120 Hz useful in a 60 fps game?

It can reduce presentation interval in some engines, but it does not create 120 unique source frames.

Should Dynamic Tone Mapping be on?

HGiG offers a repeatable source-led HDR workflow. DTM is a valid brighter preference; calibrate after the final choice.

Can OLED Control lower input lag?

It can select supported TV states, not change game-engine or controller latency.

Additional sources

• HDMI Licensing Administrator — gaming features
• NVIDIA — Set up G-SYNC
• PlayStation — PS5 4K/120 Hz output