Boost FPS in Monster Hunter Wilds: DLSS/FSR PC Settings

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Monster Hunter Wilds (MHW) is shaping up to be a visual spectacle, but to truly immerse yourself in the hunt, you need smooth, responsive gameplay. This guide dives deep into optimizing your PC settings for Monster Hunter Wilds, targeting mid to high-end systems to achieve the highest FPS and clearest visibility possible. Let’s get started!

I. Windows Optimization: Laying the Foundation for Performance

We’ll begin by fine-tuning Windows itself to ensure your system is primed for gaming.

  1. Game Bar: Unless you're using a Ryzen 7900X3D or 7950X3D (where it optimizes CCD prioritization), disable the Game Bar (Settings > Gaming > Game Bar). For most CPUs, it can negatively impact FPS.
  2. Graphics Settings: Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (Settings > System > Graphics > Change default graphics settings). This is crucial for optimal GPU utilization.
  3. Captures: Disable all capture options (Settings > Gaming > Captures) to free up system resources.
  4. Game Mode: Enable Game Mode (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode). While it had issues in the past, it’s now essential for prioritizing game resources.
  5. Power Plan: Use the Balanced power plan (Settings > System > Power). Surprisingly, it often provides better and more sustained boost clocks than the "Best Performance" plan. The Balanced plan helps avoid thermal throttling by dynamically adjusting CPU performance based on workload. This leads to a smoother and more stable performance during extended sessions.
  6. Essential Updates:
    • XMP Profile: Ensure your XMP profile is enabled in your BIOS for optimal RAM speeds.
    • Chipset Drivers: Download the latest chipset drivers for your CPU (AMD or Intel).
    • BIOS Updates: Keep your BIOS updated for the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes.
    • Windows Updates: Keep Windows up-to-date.
    • GPU Drivers: Download the latest drivers for your graphics card (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel). These often include game-specific optimizations.

II. Nvidia Control Panel: Fine-Tuning Your GPU

Now, we’ll configure your Nvidia settings for peak performance.

  1. Nvidia Overlay: Disable the Nvidia overlay. It can sometimes introduce overhead.
  2. Manage 3D Settings:
    • Low Latency Mode: Set to "On."
    • Power Management Mode: Set to "Normal." Avoid "Maximum Performance."
    • Shader Cache Size: Start with 10GB if you have limited space; otherwise, go for 100GB. This significantly reduces stuttering and improves game loading times.
  3. Change Resolution:
    • Native Resolution: Ensure you're using your monitor's native resolution.
    • Refresh Rate: Verify that the correct refresh rate is selected (e.g., 144Hz, 240Hz).
    • G-Sync: Enable G-Sync if your monitor supports it and you prefer smoother gameplay over potentially lower input lag.

III. Hardware-Specific Recommendations

While these settings are universal, if you have specific hardware, here are some tailored recommendations to ensure you get the best performance out of your system.

For GTX 1060 or Equivalent GPUs:

  • Texture Quality: Medium
  • Shadow Quality: Low
  • Upscaling: FSR 2 or 3 (depending on your system)
  • Motion Blur and Bloom: Off for smoother gameplay

For RTX 3060 Ti or Equivalent GPUs:

  • Texture Quality: High
  • Upscaling: DLSS (Quality mode)
  • Shadow Quality: Medium
  • Enable G-Sync for smoother visuals

IV. Monitoring Performance

To measure the impact of your changes, use tools like:

  • MSI Afterburner: Great for monitoring GPU, CPU, VRAM usage, and FPS.
  • Xbox Game Bar (Windows 11): Built-in tool that shows FPS, CPU/GPU performance, and RAM usage while gaming.

Testing your FPS before and after applying these settings will allow you to see how much of an impact your optimizations are making.

V. Monster Hunter Wilds In-Game Settings: The Final Polish

Now, let's dive into the game’s graphics settings. Remember, these are suggestions, and you might need to tweak them based on your specific hardware and preferences.

  1. Screen Mode: Borderless Windowed (If Fullscreen Exclusive is an option upon release, test both).
  2. Resolution: Your monitor's native resolution.
  3. Frame Rate: Uncapped (for lowest input lag) or capped at your monitor's refresh rate (for thermal management).

Monster Hunter Wilds Logo
Graphics Settings:

  • Upscaling Technique:
    • Nvidia RTX 4000 series or newer: DLSS, Frame Generation enabled, Upscaling Mode: Quality (or Balanced for more FPS).
    • Other Nvidia RTX/AMD: FSR 3, Frame Generation enabled, Upscaling Mode: Quality.
  • Texture Quality: Highest (Adjust based on VRAM usage. Aim for around 10% free VRAM).
  • Texture Filtering Quality: Highest.
  • Mesh Quality: High.
  • Fur Quality: Low.
  • Sky/Cloud Quality: Medium.
  • Grass / Tree Quality: Medium.
  • Grass / Tree Sway: Enabled.
  • Wind Simulation Quality: High.
  • Water Effects: Enabled (or Disabled if experiencing performance issues).

Shadow and Lighting Settings:

  • Shadow Quality: Medium (or Low if needed).
  • Distance Shadow Quality: Low.
  • Shadow Distance - Near.
  • Ambient Light Quality: Medium.
  • Contact Shadows: Disabled (or Enabled if FPS allows, but expect a visual impact).
  • Ambient Occlusion: Medium.
  • Bloom: Off.
  • Motion Blur: Off.
  • Clarity: Personal preference.
  • Vignette Effect: Off.
  • Screen Space Reflection: Off (Test if needed).
  • Scattering: Off.

Depth of Field and Fog Settings:

  • Depth of Field: Off.
  • Volumetric Fog: Low.
  • Variable Rate Shading: Off.

VI. Overclocking Considerations (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable with it, overclocking your CPU or GPU can provide a performance boost. However, be aware that it may affect system stability and could void warranties. Always monitor temperatures, and make small incremental changes to avoid pushing your hardware too far.

  • CPU Overclocking: Use software like Ryzen Master or Intel XTU to tweak CPU frequencies. Keep an eye on temperatures to avoid overheating.
  • GPU Overclocking: Tools like MSI Afterburner can be used to increase GPU clock speeds. Again, monitor for stability and avoid pushing it too far.

VII. Driver Updates (With Caution)

While it's generally a good idea to keep your GPU drivers up-to-date, sometimes new drivers can cause unforeseen issues. Always check user forums or release notes for known issues before updating. If you experience problems after updating, consider rolling back to a previous driver version to see if it resolves the issue.

VIII. Testing Methodology

To objectively test the impact of your changes:

  1. Run a specific section of Monster Hunter Wilds (like a busy hub area or a specific hunt) multiple times.
  2. Average your FPS over several runs to minimize fluctuations and get a clearer picture of how the settings are affecting performance.

This will give you a solid baseline for comparing different settings and ensuring you're getting the best performance possible.

IX. Final Thoughts

With Monster Hunter Wilds now supporting DLSS Frame Generation and ray-traced reflections, it’s the perfect time to fine-tune your system for the ultimate experience. The key to achieving optimal performance lies in balancing visual fidelity with FPS. DLSS 4, especially with the latest frame generation technology, will be a game-changer for fluidity.

By following this guide, you should see a significant improvement in both performance and visuals. And remember: every system is different, so adjust the settings based on your hardware and personal preferences.

Share Your Specs!
Let me know your CPU, GPU, and RAM in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to provide personalized recommendations! Happy hunting!

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