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Capcom’s latest game is here, though the launch has been marked by poor performance on all platforms. Here’s how to fix Dragon’s Dogma 2 low FPS and stuttering issues.
The release of the game has been followed with dogged discussion on its performance. Unfortunately, it simply doesn’t run well on any of the platforms it’s launched on. Whether that’s PC, PS5, or the Xbox Series X. Much of this is thanks to how the game renders NPCs. It’s simply too taxing on the CPU, and that’s why frame rate takes a huge dip.
How to fix Dragon’s Dogma 2 low FPS and stuttering
On PC, you’re going to have an easier time resolving frame rate issues than your console counterparts. The huge range of graphics settings in Dragon’s Dogma 2 will give you a slight advantage when optimizing the game, though you’re going to need to do a few things outside of the game too.
Here’s how to fix FPS and stuttering issues in Dragon’s Dogma 2 on PC
- Kill NPCs
Perhaps not the conventional route, but killing NPCs will reduce the load the game shoves onto your CPU. Kill one NPC to gain +5 FPS. Or so.
- Update your graphics drivers
Make sure you’re on the latest game-ready graphics drivers for Dragon’s Dogma 2. It features Ray Tracing and DLSS, alongside FSR functionality for AMD users. Refer to our guides on updating graphics drivers for more information here.
- Optimize graphics settings for performance
This will include reducing the render distance, disabling ray tracing, chromatic aberration, and reducing texture size. It might impair fidelity slightly, but it’s worth it just to jump on the back of a giant beast.
- Disable DLSS
Unfortunately, DLSS is one of the processes that’s eating up resource in-game. Unless you have a Ryzen 7 7800X3D or a current gen i7 or i9 processor, then you’re better off without Nvidia’s upscaler. Not only will you see higher and more consistent FPS, but you’re actually going to see a clearer image at your chosen resolution.
- As a last resort, consider overclocking your CPU and GPU
This isn’t recommended lightly, though if you have a capable gaming PC with an adequate cooling system, it’s entirely possible. It’s likely a better idea to overclock your CPU and keep your GPU running normally, as it’s not necessarily graphical procedures slowing the game down, but core processing mismanagement.
How to fix Dragon’s Dogma 2 performance issues on PS5 and Xbox Series X
On console, however, you’re going to have a terrible time optimizing the game. There is no conventional graphics mode or performance mode, instead the game runs at an uncapped frame rate anywhere between 25 – 40FPS.
In terms of trying to make the game run better, all you can do is fiddle around with some surface level effects in the settings menu. You can try and force your TV into a lower resolution, which can be done through the console’s display options. We’d recommend playing the game at 1080p, which is a far cry from the 1440p and 4K that you deserve on console. The next best solution is to wait for the next patch to hit Dragon’s Dogma 2, which shouldn’t be too far off at all.
What causes performance issues in Dragon’s Dogma 2?
Capcom recently mentioned that the NPCs are at fault for causing performance issues in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
“In Dragon’s Dogma 2, a large amount of CPU usage is allocated to each character and dynamically calculates the impact of their physical presence in various environments. In certain situations where numerous characters appear simultaneously, the CPU usage can be very high and may affect the frame rate,” a Capcom representative told IGN. “We are aware that in such situations, settings that reduce GPU load may currently have a limited effect; however, we are looking into ways to improve performance in the future.”
Capcom via IGN
The warning essentially marks densely populated areas as the root of performance issues and FPS stuttering, so at least you know why your game is lagging all the time. While you will be able to fiddle around with certain settings – render distance and texture quality, for example – it’s not always going to help when you’ve just arrived in a new town in Fournival, eager to explore, only to be shut down by terrible performance.
It seems as though Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a game that relies heavily on CPU resources, so we’d recommend considering a CPU upgrade in that case. While DLSS is going to see a slight overhaul in the upcoming performance patch, it’s unlikely that overall processor load will see a resolution. The likelihood is that the NPC scripting is baked into the game’s engine, and like a chocolate cake, it’s impossible to unbake.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve already answered what we think is the best graphics card for Dragon’s Dogma 2, alongside what we think the best gaming laptop is, though there’s plenty of other questions too.
How well does Dragon’s Dogma 2 run on PS5?
Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t run particularly well on its next gen console platforms. This is due to the fact that the game runs at an uncapped 30FPS, while clearly favoring high fidelity textures over an optimized frame rate. It’s playable on PS5, but not great.
Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 better on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC?
If we’re being completely honest, no platform is going to run the great at launch. That said, if you have a decent enough gaming PC (that means an RTX 2080 equivalent or higher), you will have a better experience there. Anywhere else, you will be left a little frustrated.
