5 Best Photo Modes in Video Games (2022)

Video games have the ability to take our breath away at times. So much so that we just need a screenshot to marvel at the moment. This is frequently the case with single-player, action, and adventure games, which have begun to really propel their photo mode to new heights. Thus, granting you all the options you could want and more, for capturing your favorite in-game moment. Some games have really begun to exploit this, and as a result, have raised the bar for the best photo modes in video games.

You'll be surprised at just how advanced the photo modes in these video games really are. Each one competes with a variety of features that allow you to bring their in-game screenshots to life in any way you want. Posing your character, changing the environment, and even turning it into a full comic book cover are all possibilities. And that's only scratching the surface. So, if you're ready to obsess over your next wallpaper background, here are the five best photo modes in video games.

5. Death Stranding

Death Stranding may not have been as exciting as we had hoped, with many players dubbing it a “walking simulator.” Although this was true at times, the constant beautiful scenery throughout the game made it bearable. After all, one of the game's goals was to look as cinematic as possible. It's safe to say that was accomplished, as the game was filled with jaw-dropping moments begging for a screenshot. With this in mind, Kojima Productions did not hold back on the game's photo mode.

To kick off, you can adjust Sam's and a BB's pose and expressions to make the perfect reaction for any situation, or even a funny one. Furthermore, you could even adjust the face and body tilt, so your screenshot is also level. Then you can choose between a huge focal length range with manual and autofocus, to make for a crispy captured image. To top it all off, you have a selection of filters to use to frame your photo, which really helps capture the true beauty of Death Stranding's environment.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Without a doubt, Red Dead Redemption 2's rolling hills teeming with vegetation and wildlife provided a cinematic experience every time you stepped into the game. It honestly made us want to move out into the country, as long as we can still get good wifi and continue our gaming adventures. Nonetheless, the game brought us some of the most beautiful scenery we've ever seen in a game, and the perfect old-timey photo mode to capture all its glory.

First, you can freely move the camera to position it wherever you like. Then you can choose focus distance, blur strength, exposure, and contrast for those great landscape screenshots. However, if you want to capture the characters and camps in a more rustic setting, explore the filters, as there are over 30 to choose from. Some of our favorites are Western, Charcoal, and Woodburytype, as they make for the best western-themed styles.

3. Ghost of Tsushima

It goes without saying that the video games with the best photo modes are also the most cinematic and visually appealing. Ghost of Tsushima is an example of this, as the game's beautiful Japanese environment springs to life with brilliance, all of which you can capture in motion. What we mean by that is, while your character is frozen your environment is not, letting elements like beautiful white lily grass, and falling cherry blossoms to still move, making for a more candid and aesthetic screenshot.

You can change the direction of the wind, its speed, and the strength of each color to make the ones you want to stand out. This allows you to completely change the mood of your environment, capturing the true essence you want behind your screenshot. Because the background environment moves, tracking shots are necessary to allow for sweeping images of environments. Which results in the ultimate cinematic screenshot, every time.

2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Believe it or not, one of the best photo modes in all of the video games can be found in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. As one of the best photo modes, you can expect character poses, filters, frames, and a feature that sets it apart from the competition. That is, the game's photo mode allows you to add up to three lights to a scene, and you can also add spotlights and focus lights to highlight specific areas. Something, we've never really seen added to a game's photo mode before.

Along with that, there is a visual effects mode, which allows some effects to animate in still images, similar to Ghost of Tsushima's moving environment, but Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart takes it a step further. You can choose what specific features you want to animate in still images, such as water, glowing neon lights, shots, and explosions. That not only makes for a really immersive photo but a captivating one too. With the ability to bring photos to life in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, it's difficult to argue that it's not one of the best photo modes in video games.

1. Marvel's Spiderman

Spiderman is best captured in the heat of the moment, as his web-slinging movement frequently allows for some pretty awesome shots. Insomniac Games was thinking about this, but they also wanted to incorporate the comic-book aspect that works so well with his character into their photo mode. This allows you to put pop-up art, stickers, and comic-style effects on any in-game screenshot you want. Furthermore, you can literally feature your screenshot on the cover of a comic or have them as a collection of comic panels.

Of course, you can adjust the focus distance, depth of field, and brightness in this photo mode. What's more, in photo mode, you can change Spiderman's suit, giving him the identity that best captures the action. All of this adds up to some fantastic screenshots and our personal favorite video game photo mode. Because not only can you play as Spiderman in the game, but the photo mode allows you to bring the game to life in your own personal comic of screenshots, telling your own story.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other video games with the best photo modes that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!