To improve FPS in Starfield, especially for Nvidia GPU owners, enabling the PCI express technology known as Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is recommended. This allows the CPU to access the entirety of the GPU's memory, leading to a performance boost. Specifically, Starfield can gain an additional 10-15fps on 30xx and 40xx GPUs when you enable ReBar using the Nvidia Profile Inspector.
This isn't a guide for ultra-low settings. Instead, it's tailored for those who can already run the game but aim to maximize their frame rates without compromising on visual appeal. Below are the optimal display settings you can adjust to get the most out of your Starfield gameplay experience.
Starfield: Best Display Settings
| Setting | Optimal Choice | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Display Mode | Bondless Full Screen | Optimal performance & clarity |
| Dynamic Resolution | Off | Stable frame rate |
| Render Scale | 75% | Balance between clarity & performance |
| Upscaling Technique | FSR2 | Crisp visuals at lower render scales |
| Sharpening | Default (70) | Avoid overly sharp visuals |
| Vsync | Off | Prevent screen tearing |
| Graphics Presets | Medium or Above | Immersive visuals without performance hit |
| Shadows | Medium | Balance between detail & performance |
| Indirect Lighting | High | Enhanced visual effects |
| Reflections | Medium | Improved performance |
| Particle Quality | Medium | Balance between detail & FPS |
| Volume Metric Lighting | Medium | Smoother FPS experience |
| Motion Blur | Personal Preference | Enhance sense of movement |
| Ambient Occlusion | Medium or High | Better gameplay visuals |
| Grass Detail | Medium | Optimal FPS without compromising detail |
| Contact Shadows | Lowered | More cinematic experience |
| Film Grain Intensity | Default | Cinematic feel without taxing resources |
| Depth of Field | On | Enhanced depth perception in visuals |
Shaders Build
Shaders are sets of instructions that determine how graphics are rendered on your screen, influencing aspects like color, lighting, and texture. In Starfield, shaders compilation refers to the process of converting shader code into a format that your graphics hardware can understand. Properly compiled shaders ensure that the game displays graphics seamlessly, enhancing visual fidelity and preventing potential graphical anomalies.
Borderless Full Screen
The display settings in Starfield are pivotal for your gaming experience. Opting for the "bondless full screen" option is recommended. While this choice doesn't allow resolution changes, maintaining the game's native resolution ensures optimal performance and clarity during gameplay.
Dynamic Resolution
Dynamic resolution in Starfield adjusts the game's resolution in real time based on performance. While it can boost FPS, it may cause occasional stuttering during texture transitions. For a stable frame rate, consider turning off this feature.
Render Resolution Scale
Render scale determines the resolution at which Starfield's graphics are rendered. The default is set at 75%, but it's adjustable between 50% and 100%. FSR2, an upscaling technique, offers impressive results, making visuals crisp even at lower render scales. For example, using FSR2 can make distant objects clearer without taxing your hardware excessively.
Optimized Settings for Best Gameplay & FPS
Achieving high FPS in Starfield enhances your gameplay experience. Turn off Vsync to prevent screen tearing, though be aware it might slightly increase input latency. Adjusting graphics presets based on your graphics card is essential. For instance, reducing shadow settings can boost performance, but it's advised to keep them at medium or above to avoid compromising the game's immersive feel.
VRS (Variable Rate Shading)
VRS stands for Variable Rate Shading. This feature optimizes GPU efficiency by directing more resources to crucial image areas and reducing allocation to less significant parts. By using VRS in Starfield, you can prioritize rendering for important areas, improving performance without sacrificing visual quality. For instance, VRS might shade high-detail areas like characters more intricately than distant backgrounds, ensuring both clarity and efficient resource use.
Film Grain & Streams/Recording
Film grain is a visual effect that adds a textured appearance to Starfield's graphics. While it can enhance the cinematic feel, it might require a higher bitrate when recording or streaming. Adjusting the film grain intensity can strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and smooth video output, ensuring your Starfield streams and recordings look their best.
What FPS Should You Aim For?
For an optimal Starfield experience, targeting an FPS range of 40-50 provides a visually pleasing and smooth gameplay. While higher FPS values, like 60, can be achieved with more powerful systems, maintaining a consistent frame rate within this range ensures both visual clarity and responsive game mechanics.
FPS Counter
An FPS counter displays the number of frames per second your system is producing in real time. In Starfield, monitoring your FPS can help you gauge the game's performance on your system. For example, if you notice sudden drops in FPS, it might indicate the need for optimization or adjusting certain settings.
Motion Blur Can Help Gameplay Feel
Motion blur is a graphical effect that simulates the blurring of moving objects. In Starfield, it can enhance the sense of speed and movement, especially in fast-paced scenarios. However, if you're prone to motion sickness, reducing or turning off motion blur might be beneficial. For instance, in racing sequences or rapid character movements, motion blur can add realism to the scene.
Changing Resolution While Keeping "Fullscreen"
Adjusting the game's resolution while maintaining a fullscreen mode in Starfield can optimize performance, especially on lower-end hardware or high-resolution monitors. For example, playing on a 4K monitor but setting the game's resolution to 2K can boost FPS while still offering a detailed and immersive fullscreen experience.