PC settings worth changing before you start a new game
Start with the settings that make the biggest difference to smoothness, clarity and responsiveness.
Modern PC games can present dozens of sliders before you've taken a single step. You don't need to max everything out. A few thoughtful changes often matter more than a long hunt for “ultra” presets.
1. Set the correct display mode and resolution
Check that the game is using your display's native resolution and intended refresh rate. Borderless and exclusive fullscreen modes can behave differently depending on the game and Windows setup. Test both only if you see an issue, rather than assuming one mode is universally faster.
2. Aim for consistent frame times
Average FPS is only part of the experience. Sudden pauses and uneven frames can make a high average feel rough. If performance fluctuates, try a realistic frame-rate cap and reduce settings that strain your system in demanding scenes.
3. Understand upscaling before turning it on
DLSS, FSR and XeSS can improve performance by rendering at a lower internal resolution and reconstructing the image. They also change image quality, especially around motion and fine detail. Start with Quality mode when available, compare it against native resolution and move toward stronger upscaling only if you need the extra headroom.
4. Adjust the expensive visual options first
Ray-traced effects, high-resolution shadows, volumetric lighting and long view distances can be demanding. Their costs vary from game to game, so change one setting at a time in the same scene. Texture quality, meanwhile, may be more limited by available graphics memory than by raw processing power.
5. Use your display's features deliberately
If your monitor and system support variable refresh rate, verify that it is enabled correctly. Consider whether V-Sync, frame caps and the game's latency settings work well together; the ideal combination depends on the hardware and title.
6. Recheck accessibility and controls
Motion blur, camera shake, subtitles, field of view, contrast, hold-versus-toggle interactions and key bindings are preferences worth setting before a long session. A smoother experience is about comfort as well as frames.
Optimisation isn't a race toward the highest number. It's finding the best experience for your setup.
After each change, compare the same location or sequence. Keep the settings that genuinely improve what you see and feel. That's a better approach than copying someone else's perfect preset.
GameOnCue editorial note: This is an original, evergreen guide. It isn't a report about a particular unannounced game or a substitute for current official information.
Original GameOnCue editorial guide published in October 2026. This is practical advice, not a report of hands-on product testing.