How to fix high CPU usage in The First Descendant

✓ At a glance

• Optimization issues in The First Descendant can cause high CPU usage to reach 100% for some players, causing lag and other issues.
• To fix the problem, try disabling graphics upscaling in the game’s Options, or alternatively, limiting the maximum processor state to 90% in your PC’s Control Panel.
• If all else fails, try lowering the game’s graphics settings step by step until the issue disappears.

According to most players, to say that The First Descendant is underoptimised would hit the nail on the head. The game has impressive visuals that come at a price of major hardware demands. It uses Unreal Engine 5 to great effect, but that power comes at a price that at times drives our CPU into overdrive. And we’re not alone with this issue, so if The First Descendant causes high usage of your CPU too, we have a few solutions that you can try.

Solutions to fix high CPU usage in The First Descendant

CPU issues can cause a headache to casual PC users, especially when you see 100% CPU usage from The First Descendant. It should never get that high and can cause major hardware problems in the long run. If you’re facing this problem, here’s what you can try:

• Disable graphics upscaling
• Limit maximum processor state
• Lower graphics settings

Disable graphics upscaling

One of the simplest solutions to try is to lower or fully disable graphics upscaling in the game. To do that, go to Options and select Video Settings. Locate the Performance tab and check if you have upscaling enabled. Depending on your GPU, it can be DLSS, XeSS, or FSR. Once you find it, change it to Off.

If you’re using an Nvidia graphics card, you can go one step further. Open the Nvidia Control Panel from your desktop, find 3D Settings and select Manage 3D Settings. Then, find the Shader Cache Size option and set it to Unlimited. Apply the changes and see if that fixes the issue.

Limit maximum processor state

The next option you can try is to manually set your maximum CPU usage state. To do that, open the Control Panel on your desktop and find the Power Options. Click Change Plan Settings, and then select Change Advanced Power Settings. From there, open the Processor Power Management drop-down menu and set the Maximum Processor State to 90%. This will limit your CPU from going overboard.

Lower graphics settings

If neither solution helped, then the last option you have is to incrementally lower the graphics settings within The First Descendant. Go to the graphics settings in the game’s Options as before, and change the overall settings one step lower. Try playing the game for a while and check if there’s any improvement. Then, you can lower it by one more step, and so on, until your CPU calms down and the game plays without issue.