Stellar Blade PC Performance Guide (2025): Max FPS & Best Settings Explained

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Stellar Blade has landed on PC, bringing its stunning visuals, fast-paced combat, and captivating world to a whole new audience. While the port has been generally well-received for its optimization, getting the absolute best performance and visual fidelity requires a bit of tweaking.

This ultimate performance guide walks you through:

  • Optimizing Windows settings

  • Configuring NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers

  • Tuning in-game options

  • PC System Requirements

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

By the end, you'll squeeze every last frame out of your system for a smoother, more immersive experience—whether you're battling Naytibas or exploring post-apocalyptic Earth.

Part 1: Windows Optimization – Laying the Groundwork for Peak Performance

Stellar Blade PC Performance Guide (2025)
Before even launching Stellar Blade, ensuring your Windows operating system is finely tuned can significantly impact your in-game experience.

  1. Game Bar: Disable for More FPS (Mostly!)

    • Recommendation: Deactivate the Windows Game Bar.
    • Reason: For most users, Game Bar is a known culprit for causing performance issues and reducing in-game FPS.
    • Crucial Exception: If you own a Ryzen 7900X3D or 7950X3D CPU, keep Game Bar active. These specific processors utilize Game Bar to optimize CCD (Core Complex Die) prioritization for gaming, leading to better performance. For any other CPU, turn it off.

  2. Graphic Settings: Unlock GPU Power with Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling

    • Navigate to Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings.
    • Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling: Set this to "On."
    • Reason: This feature allows your GPU to manage its own VRAM more efficiently, reducing latency and improving performance. It's a super important setting!

  3. Capture Settings: Reclaim Resources

    • Go to Windows Settings > Gaming > Captures.
    • Recommendation: Deactivate everything in this section (Background recording, Recorded video, Recorded audio).
    • Reason: These features continuously record gameplay, consuming valuable system resources that could be better used by Stellar Blade.

  4. Game Mode: Let Windows Prioritize Your Game

    • Find this under Windows Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
    • Recommendation: Turn "On" Game Mode.
    • Reason: While historically mixed in Windows 10, Game Mode in Windows 11 has significantly improved. It actively prioritizes your game, ensuring system resources are dedicated to Stellar Blade for smoother gameplay and fewer stutters.

  5. Power Settings: The "Balanced" Sweet Spot

    • Go to Windows Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode.
    • Recommendation: Select "Balanced."
    • Reason: Counter-intuitively, benchmarks show that "Balanced" power mode often provides better and longer CPU/GPU boost clocks compared to "Best Performance" mode. It's a more efficient way for your system to manage power, leading to surprisingly better results.

Part 2: General System Recommendations – The Foundation for Stability

Before we dive into GPU-specific tweaks, ensure your system's core components are running optimally.

  • XMP Profile: If your RAM supports it, activate its XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) in your BIOS. This ensures your RAM runs at its advertised speeds, which can significantly boost gaming performance.
  • Chipset Drivers: Download and install the latest chipset drivers for your CPU (whether AMD or Intel) directly from your motherboard manufacturer's website.
  • BIOS Update: Update your motherboard's BIOS to the latest version. BIOS updates often include crucial microcode updates for your CPU and general system stability improvements.
  • Windows Update: Keep your Windows operating system fully up to date. Microsoft frequently releases patches that can improve system performance and game compatibility.
  • GPU Drivers: This is paramount! Always install the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. These updates frequently include game-specific optimizations and bug fixes for new titles like Stellar Blade.

Part 3: NVIDIA Control Panel Settings – Unleashing GeForce Power

For NVIDIA GPU users, these settings can make a tangible difference in Stellar Blade's performance and visual quality.

  1. Program Settings (Specifically for Stellar Blade):

    • Open the NVIDIA Control Panel and navigate to "Manage 3D settings" > "Program Settings."
    • Select "Stellar Blade" from the dropdown list (you might need to add it manually if it's not there).
    • DLSS Override: Within Stellar Blade's specific settings, ensure you select the latest DLSS version available.
    • Reason: This guarantees you're always using the most advanced DLSS algorithms, even if the game hasn't been patched with the newest version yet. This means sharper images and better performance from DLSS.

  2. Global Settings:

    • Still in "Manage 3D settings," go to the "Global Settings" tab.
    • Low Latency Mode: Set to "On." This helps reduce input lag.
    • Max Frame Rate: If you use G-Sync, set this to (Monitor Refresh Rate - 3) FPS. For example, if you have a 240Hz monitor, set it to 237 FPS.
      • Reason: This ensures your FPS always stays within your G-Sync range, preventing tearing and maintaining smooth, consistent frametimes.
    • Shader Cache Size:
      • Recommendation: Set to 100GB if you have ample hard drive space. If not, at least 10GB.
      • Reason: The default 5GB is often too small, especially with many games installed. A full shader cache can lead to frustrating stuttering during gameplay.

  3. Display Section:

    • Set up G-SYNC: If you have a G-Sync compatible monitor, activate it for "Full Screen and Windowed Mode" and select your primary display.
    • Change Resolution (Display Properties): This is a common pitfall!
      • Go to "Change resolution" and verify that your monitor's native resolution and its highest refresh rate are selected (e.g., 1440p, 240Hz).
      • Reason: Many monitors default to 60Hz out of the box, even if they support higher refresh rates. Make sure you're getting what you paid for!

  4. Adjust Desktop Color Settings:

    • Output Color Depth: If you have an HDR monitor compatible with 10-bit color, set this to 10-bit.
    • Output Dynamic Range: Ensure this is properly configured based on your monitor's capabilities.
    • Digital Vibrance (Optional): Many users like to increase this by 5%. It makes colors pop more and reduces a "gray" look, purely a matter of personal preference.

  5. Power Management Mode (for GPU):

    • While not explicitly named "Power Management Mode" in display settings, for maximum GPU performance, some users set their GPU's power limit to its maximum (e.g., 133% in MSI Afterburner or similar tools).
    • Reason: This allows your GPU to maintain higher boost clocks for longer periods, potentially yielding a 5-7% FPS boost without actual overclocking.
    • Caveats: This requires a good power supply and excellent thermal management to avoid overheating. Use with caution.

Part 4: AMD Radeon Adrenalin Software Settings – Optimizing Your Red Team Rig

AMD users can leverage Adrenalin's features for a smoother Stellar Blade experience.

  1. Display Settings:

    • FreeSync (or FreeSync Premium/Pro): If your monitor supports it, enable FreeSync.
    • Reason: This synchronizes your GPU's frame output with your monitor's refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing and reducing input lag.

  2. Gaming -> Graphics Section (Custom Profile):

    • Profile: Select "Custom" instead of preset options.
    • GPU Selection: Crucially, ensure your dedicated AMD GPU is selected, especially if you're on a laptop or desktop with an integrated GPU.
    • Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) / FSR 1.0 (if game lacks FSR3): If applicable and compatible with your card, enable RSR to force upscaling in games that don't natively support FSR.
    • Radeon Anti-Lag: Do NOT use.
    • Radeon Boost: Do NOT use.
    • Radeon Chill:
      • Recommendation: Activate and set your Max FPS to (Monitor Refresh Rate - 3). For example, a 170Hz monitor should be capped at 167 FPS, and a 240Hz monitor at 237 FPS.
      • Reason: This keeps your FPS within your FreeSync range for optimal image fluidity and prevents your GPU from reaching 100% utilization, which helps reduce input lag. This can be set globally or per-game.

  3. Advanced Graphics Settings:

    • Image Sharpening:
      • Recommendation: Enable and set between 60-70% if Stellar Blade appears blurry (e.g., if it uses TAA without an in-game sharpness slider, or if you're not using FSR).
      • Reason: This can significantly improve image quality, especially in older games or when certain anti-aliasing techniques make the image soft.
    • Reset Shader Cache:
      • Recommendation: Perform a reset if you encounter random stuttering.
      • Reason: A corrupted or full shader cache can cause performance hiccups. Resetting it forces the game to rebuild the shaders, often resolving stuttering issues (a common fix for games like Call of Duty).

Part 5: In-Game Settings for Stellar Blade – Fine-Tuning Eve's Journey

Now, let's jump into Stellar Blade's specific graphics options and understand their impact.

I. Display Settings

  • Display Mode: Fullscreen
    • Reason: Provides the best FPS and lowest input lag.
  • Screen Resolution: Native
  • Vertical Sync: Off
    • Note: If you enable frame generation, this setting will be locked. Use G-Sync/FreeSync instead for tearing prevention.
  • Target Framerate: Set this to match your monitor's refresh rate (e.g., 240 for a 240Hz monitor).
    • Personal Note: As discussed in Nvidia/AMD sections, many users then cap their FPS at (Monitor Hz - 3) via their GPU control panel (e.g., 237 for 240Hz) to ensure they stay within their G-Sync/FreeSync range.

II. Effects (Visual Preferences)

  • Motion Blur: Off
    • Reason: A common preference for competitive players and those who dislike the "smearing" effect. Improves visibility.
  • Camera Shake: Off
    • Reason: Personal preference, can be distracting during intense combat.
  • Film Grain: Off
  • Chromatic Aberration: Off
    • Reason: Both Film Grain and Chromatic Aberration are post-processing effects that add an "artistic" filter, but can reduce visual clarity for some players.

III. Graphics Settings (Core Performance Tweaks)

  1. Resolution Scaling Mode: Stellar Blade offers excellent upscaling options.

    • Nvidia DLSS 4 (for RTX 4000 series or 5000 series):
      • Recommendation: This is the best upscaling technique available.
      • Settings and FPS Gains:
        • Quality: ~10% FPS boost.
        • Balance: 15-18% FPS boost (often visually comparable or even slightly better than DLSS 3 Quality).
        • Performance: ~22% FPS boost.
        • High Performance: 25-28% FPS boost.
        • DLAA: -10% FPS (This mode focuses on anti-aliasing for maximum image quality at native resolution, not performance).
      • Strategy: Start with Quality. If you're struggling to hit your desired FPS, move to Balance.
    • AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR3):
      • Recommendation: Use Quality.
      • Note: The "Balanced" mode can appear noticeably blurrier with FSR3.
      • Adjust the Sharpness slider to your preference.
      • Frame Generation from FSR: This is a fantastic option for older NVIDIA cards (RTX 2000/3000 series) or any compatible AMD card that can't use DLSS Frame Generation. It can significantly boost FPS.

  2. Nvidia DLSS Sharpness: 4 (General recommendation: 4-6. Adjust based on how blurry or overly sharpened the game looks to your eye).

  3. Nvidia DLSS Frame Generation:

    • Recommendation: Absolutely activate it if you have an RTX 4000 series (or 5000 series).
    • FPS Gain: Can provide a 2x FPS multiplier (RTX 4000 series) or even 3x-4x (RTX 5000 series).
    • Note: While it adds a slight amount of input lag, it's often negligible for a single-player action game. If you're already hitting your desired FPS without it, it's optional, but it's a game-changer for those struggling.

  4. Nvidia Reflex Low Latency: On (Activate this for sure to minimize input lag).

  5. AMD FSR 3 Frame Generation: On (If using FSR3 and your hardware is compatible).

IV. Environmental and Object Details

  • Environmental Objects Detail: Medium
    • FPS Gain: ~3% boost.
    • Note: The visual difference between Medium and High is often minimal, making this a great option for a free FPS gain.
  • Character Object Detail: High (Keep this high as character models are central to the experience).
  • Environment Texture: Very High (or even 4K if your VRAM allows).
  • Character Texture: Very High (or 4K if your VRAM allows).
    • VRAM Note: Stellar Blade shows your VRAM usage in-game. Ensure you have about 10% VRAM free to avoid issues.
  • Clutter Density: Medium
    • FPS Gain: ~3% boost.
  • Environmental Object Visible Distance: 50
    • Note: This and "Character Visible Distance" can significantly impact FPS. Start at 50 for both. If your game runs smoothly, try increasing them by 10 points at a time and retest. While you can go higher, 50 offers a good balance for visuals and performance.
  • Character Visible Distance: 50

V. Lighting and Shadows

  • Shadow Quality: Medium
    • FPS Gain: 2-4% per bracket change.
    • Note: "Low" and "Very Low" can make the game appear flat. Start with "Low" only if on a very low-end PC; otherwise, "Medium" offers a good visual compromise.
  • Lighting Quality: Medium
    • FPS Gain: ~3% boost.
    • Note: A good balance between visual fidelity and performance.
  • Volumetric Fog: Medium
    • FPS Gain: ~6% boost.
    • Note: Setting this to "Low" can make the environment look very flat.
  • Particle Quality: Medium (Set to "Low" for low-end PCs or if you experience CPU bottlenecks during intense combat).
    • Note: Particle effects are less visually impactful during gameplay but can tax your CPU.
  • Animation Quality: Medium

VI. Post-Processing Settings

  • Ambient Occlusion: Medium
    • FPS Gain: ~4% per bracket.
    • Note: "Low" significantly flattens the lighting.
  • Depth Of Field: Off
    • Reason: This effect blurs objects outside your focus, which can hinder visibility during gameplay.
  • Chromatic Aberration: Off
  • Film Grain: Off
  • Motion Blur: Off
  • Screen Space Reflection Quality: Medium (Set to "Off" for very old/low-end GPUs, as it can offer significant FPS gains on older hardware, e.g., RX 580).

Stellar Blade PC System Requirements: Does Your Rig Make the Cut?

Understanding the official system requirements is crucial to gauging expected performance.

Minimum (1080p @ 60 FPS, Low Preset)

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-7600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Storage: 75 GB available space (HDD Supported, SSD Recommended)

Recommended (1440p @ 60 FPS, Medium Preset)

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Storage: 75 GB SSD (Required)

High (1440p @ 60 FPS, High Preset)

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Storage: 75 GB SSD

Very High (4K @ 60 FPS, Very High Preset)

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Storage: 75 GB SSD

Key PC Features:

  • Unlocked framerate
  • NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 support for upscaling and frame generation
  • Ultrawide and super ultrawide resolution support (4:5 to 32:9)
  • Higher texture resolution options (including 4K texture option)
  • DualSense wireless controller support with haptic feedback

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Stellar Blade on PC

This section addresses common questions, performance issues, and troubleshooting steps gathered from the Stellar Blade PC community.

General Performance & Optimization

Q1: Is Stellar Blade well-optimized on PC? A: Generally, the PC port has been praised for its optimization, with many players reporting smooth performance even on moderate hardware. However, some users have encountered specific issues that can often be resolved with the tips in this guide.

Q2: I'm experiencing stuttering or sudden frame drops. What should I do? A: This is a common concern. Here are the most frequent fixes:

  • VRAM Usage: Stellar Blade can be VRAM-intensive. If your GPU has 8GB of VRAM or less, try lowering Environment Texture and Character Texture settings to High or Medium. The in-game VRAM meter is helpful for monitoring this.
  • Shader Cache: Stuttering can often be caused by a full or corrupted shader cache.
    • Nvidia: Increase your "Shader Cache Size" in the Nvidia Control Panel to 100GB (if you have space) or at least 10GB.
    • AMD: In Radeon Adrenalin, use the "Reset Shader Cache" option in the graphics settings if you experience random stuttering.
  • Driver & Windows Updates: Ensure your graphics drivers (Nvidia, AMD, Intel) and Windows OS are completely up to date. New driver versions often include game-specific optimizations.
  • Background Processes: Close any unnecessary background applications, especially those that consume significant CPU or GPU resources.
  • Throttlestop (Laptops): If you're on a laptop and use "Throttlestop" or similar temperature management software, try disabling it. Some users reported it interfering with game performance.

Q3: How can I maximize my FPS in Stellar Blade? A: Beyond the general optimization tips, consider:

  • Fullscreen Mode: Always play in Fullscreen for the best FPS and lowest input lag.
  • Resolution Scaling: Utilize NVIDIA DLSS 4 (for RTX 40-series and above) or AMD FSR 3.
    • DLSS: Start with "Quality" for a good balance of visuals and performance (~10% FPS boost), moving to "Balanced" (15-18% boost) or "Performance" (~22% boost) if needed.
    • FSR3: Stick to "Quality" mode as "Balanced" can be blurry.
  • Frame Generation: If your GPU supports it (Nvidia RTX 40-series for DLSS FG, or any compatible GPU for FSR 3 FG), enable it for significant FPS boosts (2x or more). Be aware it can introduce slight input lag, but often negligible.
  • In-Game Settings:
    • Lower Environmental Objects Detail and Clutter Density to Medium for small FPS gains (~3% each) with minimal visual impact.
    • Reduce Environmental Object Visible Distance and Character Visible Distance (start with 40-50 and adjust up). These can heavily impact FPS.
    • Adjust Shadow Quality to Medium for a good balance (significant FPS impact per bracket).
    • Volumetric Fog to Medium.
    • Screen Space Reflection Quality: Set to Medium, or Off if on a very old/low-end GPU.
  • Nvidia Control Panel:
    • Set "Low Latency Mode" to "On."
    • Consider setting "Power Management Mode" to "Prefer Maximum Performance" (ensure good cooling and PSU).
  • AMD Adrenalin:
    • Enable Radeon Chill and cap your FPS to (Monitor Refresh Rate - 3) to stay in FreeSync range and prevent 100% GPU utilization.

Q4: My FPS is lower in the full game compared to the demo. Why? A: Some users have reported this. It could be due to:

  • Newer Game Content: The full game has more varied and demanding environments than the demo.
  • Updates: Patches might have introduced changes that affect performance for some configurations.
  • Verify Files: Always ensure your game files are verified via Steam.

Launching & Crashing Issues

Q5: The game crashes on startup or freezes frequently. What can I do? A: This is a critical issue that has several potential causes:

  • Verify Game Files (Steam):
    1. Right-click on Stellar Blade in your Steam Library.
    2. Select "Properties."
    3. Go to the "Installed Files" tab.
    4. Click "Verify integrity of game files."
  • Windows Defender/Antivirus: Microsoft Defender or other antivirus software can sometimes block game files, causing crashes or freezes.
    1. Open "Windows Security."
    2. Go to "Virus & threat protection."
    3. Under "Current threats," click "Protection history."
    4. Look for any actions taken against SB-Win64-Shipping.exe.
    5. If found, click "Actions" > "Allow on this device."
    6. Consider adding the game's executable to your antivirus exclusion list.
  • Delete GameUserSettings.ini:
    1. Navigate to Documents/StellarBlade/[Account ID]/WindowsNoEditor/ (or Documents/StellarBlade/[Account ID]/Demo/WindowsNoEditor/ for the demo).
    2. Delete the GameUserSettings.ini file. The game will recreate it on launch.
  • Modify GameUserSettings.ini: If deleting doesn't work, open GameUserSettings.ini with Notepad. Find the line UpscalerType and change it to UpscalerType=SB_GAMEUSERSETTINGS_LOW.
  • Install Dependencies Manually: Missing dependencies can cause launch issues.
    1. Go to your game installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\StellarBlade\).
    2. Navigate to Engine > Extras > Redist > en-us.
    3. Run UE4PrereqSetup_x64.exe and install the dependencies.
  • Outdated Drivers/Windows: Ensure your drivers and Windows are fully updated.

Q6: I'm getting a game-breaking bug where a gate won't open or I'm stuck. A: While less common on PC than initial console reports, if you encounter such bugs:

  • Verify Game Files: As above, this is the first step for any in-game issues.
  • Reload Save: Try reloading a previous save.
  • Restart Game: Completely close and restart the game.
  • Reinstall Game: If persistent, a full reinstallation might be necessary, though this should be a last resort.

Graphics & Visuals

Q7: My game looks blurry, even with DLSS/FSR. A:

  • DLSS/FSR Sharpness: Adjust the sharpness slider in the in-game graphics settings. For DLSS, a setting between 4 and 6 is generally recommended. For FSR3, ensure you're on "Quality" and adjust its sharpness slider.
  • Image Sharpening (AMD Adrenalin): If the game doesn't have an in-game sharpness option or you're using native resolution, enable "Image Sharpening" in Radeon Adrenalin and set it between 60-70%.
  • DLAA: If you have an RTX 40-series card and enough performance headroom, DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing) can provide excellent image quality without upscaling, but it can cost FPS.

Q8: I have an HDR monitor, but HDR doesn't look right. A:

  • Nvidia Control Panel: Go to "Adjust desktop color settings."
    • Ensure "Output Color Depth" is set to 10-bit if your monitor supports it.
    • Verify "Output Dynamic Range" is set correctly (e.g., Full).
  • Windows HDR Settings: Ensure Windows HDR is properly calibrated and enabled for your display.

Other Issues

Q9: Does Stellar Blade support DualSense controller features on PC? A: Yes, Stellar Blade on PC supports DualSense wireless controllers, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Ensure you're using a wired connection to experience all features.

Q10: Why are my button prompts flickering between keyboard/mouse and controller? A: This can happen when using both input methods simultaneously, especially in menus. Button prompts should switch based on input during regular gameplay, but menu UI flickering can occur.

Q11: Does the game have Denuvo DRM, and will it affect performance? A: Stellar Blade does use Denuvo DRM. The developers have stated they've optimized its implementation to minimize performance impact, with internal tests reportedly showing stable average frame rates and even improved minimum frame counts in some cases. However, Denuvo is a controversial topic in the PC gaming community, and some users still report concerns about its potential impact.

Conclusion:

By following these detailed optimization steps for Windows, your NVIDIA or AMD drivers, and Stellar Blade's in-game settings, you're well on your way to experiencing the game as it was meant to be played – with maximum performance and stunning visuals. Remember to always keep your drivers updated and check community forums for the latest specific fixes.

If you have any further questions or specific rig challenges, feel free to drop your CPU, GPU, and RAM details in the comments below, and we'll do our best to help you out! Don't forget to subscribe for more PC performance guides! 

Stellar Blade Community Links & Related Articles

Whether you're chasing the smoothest frame rates or need help fine-tuning your rig, these active communities are packed with tips, tweaks, and performance fixes:

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