If your journey through feudal Japan has been plagued by stutters and frame drops, Title Update 1.1.7 promises relief. This patch specifically targets FPS stability issues on PC and various FPS issues on the new Nintendo Switch 2. But do these official fixes translate to a smoother, more stable experience on your machine?
In this guide, we break down the patch promises, analyze lingering issues, and provide a step-by-step method to test and maximize performance post-update.
🎯 What Update 1.1.7 Officially Promises for Performance
The performance fixes are platform-specific, focusing on targeted improvements rather than a universal overhaul.
| Platform | Stated Performance Fixes in Update 1.1.7 |
|---|---|
| PC | Improved FPS stability issues. Fixed input issues when rebinding Mouse & Keyboard controls. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Improved various FPS issues. Fixed crashes for stability improvements. Fixed visual glitches. |
| **PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X | S** |
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PC: Focus on smoothing frame-time spikes and hitches.
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Switch 2: Broader fixes targeting crashes and core performance.
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PS5 / Xbox: No direct improvements mentioned in patch notes.
🛠️ Pre-Update Baseline: Understanding AC Shadows’ Performance Quirks
Before evaluating Update 1.1.7, it's important to understand the game’s technical challenges:
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Traversal Stutter: Frame-time spikes when entering towns or new zones.
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Time of Day Bug: GPU performance could drop up to 25% depending on in-game time.
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Patch-Induced Problems: Previous updates introduced stutters during actions like opening doors.
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Faulty Frame Limiter: Frame-rate cap conflicts with V-Sync, causing stutters even on VRR displays.
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Windows Update KB5066835: Previously caused 33–50% performance drops; resolved with NVIDIA hotfix.
🧪 How to Run Your Own Performance Test After the Update
Follow this methodical approach to test real-world improvements:
1. Establish a Consistent Test Environment
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Pick a demanding, repeatable location (e.g., Kyoto, dense forest).
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Ensure GPU drivers and system updates are current.
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Confirm that KB5066835 or other problematic updates aren’t affecting performance.
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Close background apps for consistent resource availability.
2. Benchmark and Monitor
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Use the in-game benchmark (Animus > System) for controlled testing.
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Monitor metrics with overlays:
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NVIDIA App (Alt+R) or AMD Radeon (Ctrl+Shift+O)
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Third-party: CapFrameX, MSI Afterburner
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Focus on 1% and 0.1% low FPS and frame-time consistency, not just averages.
3. Test Specific Scenarios
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Traversal: Run through gates or new regions. Are frame-time spikes reduced?
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Time of Day Transition: Advance time with meditation; does performance dip still occur?
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Action Cues: Open doors, loot chests, enter assassin dens; any stutters resolved?
⚙️ Pro Settings & Stability Tips for Maximum FPS
Optimal settings are crucial, regardless of the patch.
| Setting Category | Recommendation & Performance Impact |
|---|---|
| Upscaling | Use DLSS (NVIDIA) or FSR (AMD/All) on Quality or Balanced. Biggest FPS boost. |
| Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) | Set to “Diffuse Hideout Only” for 20–30 FPS gain over “Diffuse Everywhere”. |
| Texture Streaming Pool | Medium for 8GB VRAM, High for 12GB+. Prevents stutter from VRAM overflow. |
| Shadow Quality | Lower from Ultra to High/Medium for FPS boost with minimal visual loss. |
| Hair Strands | Set to Player Only or Off for FPS improvement, especially in cutscenes. |
Advanced Tip: If FPS drops over long sessions, open settings, toggle Shadow Quality up or down, then reset—it can instantly restore 10+ FPS.
✅ The Verdict: Cautious Optimism
Update 1.1.7 is a step forward for PC and Nintendo Switch 2 players, addressing specific frame-time and crash complaints.
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Biggest improvements: Switch 2 stability, PC frame-time spikes.
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Less impact: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S, as no performance fixes were mentioned.
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Long-term solution: Full resolution may require future patches due to lingering time-of-day and patch-induced stutter issues.
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