Elden Ring, the highly-anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has finally arrived, and players are immersed in its dark, mystical world. However, some players have reported experiencing frustrating FPS drops, which can significantly impact the gaming experience. If you’re one of them, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible causes of FPS drops in Elden Ring and provide you with a step-by-step guide to fix them.
Understanding FPS and Its Impact on Gaming Experience
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s briefly understand what FPS is and how it affects your gaming experience. FPS, or frames per second, measures the number of frames your graphics card can render per second. A higher FPS means a smoother gaming experience, while a lower FPS can lead to lag, stuttering, and frustration.
In Elden Ring, a minimum FPS of 60 is recommended for a decent gaming experience. However, if your FPS drops significantly, you may experience:
- Choppiness or stuttering
- Laggy gameplay
- Difficulty responding to enemies or navigating the environment
- Increased load times
Now that we understand the importance of FPS, let’s move on to the possible causes of FPS drops in Elden Ring.
Possible Causes of FPS Drops in Elden Ring
Hardware-Related Issues
- Outdated or Insufficient Graphics Card: Elden Ring is a graphics-intensive game, and an outdated or low-end graphics card may struggle to handle its demands.
- Inadequate RAM or CPU: If your system lacks sufficient RAM or processing power, it may lead to FPS drops.
- Overheating: Overheating can cause your GPU to throttle its performance, resulting in FPS drops.
Software-Related Issues
- ** Graphics Settings**: Graphics settings that are too high for your hardware can cause FPS drops.
- Background Applications: Resource-hungry applications running in the background can consume system resources, leading to FPS drops.
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues, leading to FPS drops.
- In-Game Features: Certain in-game features, such as motion blur or anti-aliasing, can be resource-intensive and cause FPS drops.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing FPS Drops in Elden Ring
Now that we’ve identified the possible causes, let’s move on to the solutions.
Hardware-Related Fixes
- Upgrade Your Graphics Card: If your graphics card is outdated or insufficient, consider upgrading to a mid-range or high-end graphics card. This can significantly improve your FPS.
- Increase Your RAM or CPU: Adding more RAM or upgrading your CPU can help handle the game’s demands and reduce FPS drops.
- Clean and Cool Your System: Ensure proper airflow within your system, clean dust from your GPU and CPU, and consider using a cooling pad to prevent overheating.
Software-Related Fixes
- Optimize Your Graphics Settings:
| Graphics Setting | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Lower the resolution to match your graphics card’s capabilities. |
| Graphics Quality | Medium to High (depending on your hardware). |
| Anti-Aliasing | Turn it off or reduce the quality to minimize FPS drops. |
| Motion Blur | Turn it off to reduce GPU load. |
- Close Background Applications: Close any resource-hungry applications, such as video editing software, streaming apps, or browser tabs, to free up system resources.
- Update Your Graphics Drivers: Ensure you’re running the latest graphics drivers for your GPU. You can check for updates on your GPU manufacturer’s website.
- Disable Unnecessary In-Game Features: Turn off unnecessary features like motion blur, depth of field, or ambient occlusion to reduce GPU load.
Additional Fixes
- Verify Game Files: Verify the game files on your platform (Steam, Epic Games, etc.) to ensure that there are no corrupted files affecting gameplay.
- Reduce Monitor Refresh Rate: Lowering your monitor’s refresh rate can help reduce FPS drops, especially if you have a lower-end GPU.
- Cap Your FPS: Capping your FPS can help prevent your GPU from overworking and reduce FPS drops. You can do this by enabling VSync or using third-party software like FRAPS.
Conclusion
FPS drops can be frustrating, but they’re often fixable. By understanding the possible causes and implementing the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to optimize your Elden Ring experience and enjoy a smoother, more immersive gameplay. Remember to regularly update your graphics drivers, monitor your system’s temperature, and adjust your graphics settings to ensure the best performance.
If you’ve tried the above solutions and still experience FPS drops, you may want to consider upgrading your hardware or exploring other optimization techniques. Happy gaming!
What are the common causes of FPS drops in Elden Ring?
FPS drops in Elden Ring can be caused by a variety of factors, including hardware limitations, poor graphics settings, and software issues. Players may experience FPS drops due to inadequate graphics processing power, insufficient RAM, or outdated graphics drivers. Furthermore, incorrect game settings, such as high graphics quality or unnecessary features, can also contribute to FPS drops.
In addition, software-related issues like overclocking, outdated operating systems, and malware infections can also impact game performance. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the FPS drops to apply the most effective fixes. By understanding the common causes of FPS drops, players can take the necessary steps to optimize their gaming experience and enjoy a smoother and more immersive gameplay.
How do I check my FPS in Elden Ring?
Checking your FPS in Elden Ring is a straightforward process. Players can use the game’s built-in FPS counter to monitor their frame rate. To enable the FPS counter, go to the game’s settings, navigate to the Graphics tab, and toggle on the “Display Performance Metrics” option. This will display the current FPS, as well as other performance metrics, in the top-right corner of the screen.
Alternatively, players can use third-party software like FRAPS or the NVIDIA GeForce Experience to monitor their FPS. These tools can provide more detailed performance metrics and help players identify performance bottlenecks. By monitoring FPS, players can adjust their game settings and optimize their hardware to achieve a smoother gaming experience.
What are the best graphics settings for optimal FPS in Elden Ring?
The best graphics settings for optimal FPS in Elden Ring depend on individual hardware configurations and personal preferences. However, some general guidelines can help players optimize their graphics settings for better performance. Start by reducing unnecessary features like motion blur, depth of field, and ambient occlusion, which can impact FPS.
Next, adjust graphics quality settings like texture quality, shadow quality, and anti-aliasing to medium or low. Lowering the resolution and turning off ray tracing can also improve FPS. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between visual quality and performance. It’s essential to find the sweet spot that works best for your hardware and gaming style.
How do I update my graphics drivers for better FPS in Elden Ring?
Updating graphics drivers is an essential step in optimizing FPS in Elden Ring. Outdated drivers can cause performance issues, so it’s crucial to keep them up-to-date. To update your graphics drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA or AMD) and search for the latest drivers compatible with your hardware.
Download and install the latest drivers, following the on-screen instructions. Restart your system and launch Elden Ring to see the improvements. Updating graphics drivers can significantly boost FPS and improve overall gaming performance. Make sure to check for updates regularly to ensure you have the latest drivers.
What role does RAM play in FPS performance in Elden Ring?
RAM plays a critical role in FPS performance in Elden Ring. The game requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM to run smoothly, but 16 GB or more is recommended for optimal performance. Insufficient RAM can cause FPS drops, lag, and stuttering. When the system RAM is low, the game may use the page file on the hard drive, leading to performance issues.
To optimize RAM usage, close unnecessary applications and background programs while playing Elden Ring. You can also consider upgrading your RAM to 16 GB or more, especially if you’re using a 32-bit operating system. Additionally, ensure that your system has sufficient virtual memory to handle the game’s resource requirements.
How can I reduce motion blur and screen tearing in Elden Ring?
Motion blur and screen tearing can negatively impact the gaming experience in Elden Ring. To reduce motion blur, go to the game’s settings and turn off the “Motion Blur” option. You can also adjust the “Camera Smoothing” setting to reduce motion blur. Additionally, consider enabling the “Frame Lock” option to cap the FPS at a specific value, reducing screen tearing.
For NVIDIA users, enabling G-Sync or Fast Sync can help reduce screen tearing. AMD users can enable FreeSync to achieve similar results. These technologies help synchronize the GPU’s frame rate with the monitor’s refresh rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. By reducing motion blur and screen tearing, players can enjoy a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
What are some general tips for optimizing FPS in Elden Ring?
In addition to the specific tips mentioned earlier, there are some general tips that can help optimize FPS in Elden Ring. Firstly, ensure that your system meets the game’s minimum system requirements. Secondly, close unnecessary applications and background programs while playing the game. Thirdly, avoid over-clocking your hardware, as it can cause performance issues.
Finally, consider optimizing your game settings, such as reducing graphics quality, turning off unnecessary features, and adjusting the resolution. By following these general tips, players can achieve better FPS and enjoy a more immersive gaming experience. Remember to experiment with different settings and configurations to find the optimal balance between visual quality and performance.