Many PC players of Elden Ring have noticed the game’s frame rate is capped at 60 FPS by default. While the game’s stunning visuals and immersive world-building remain impressive, the 60 FPS limit can feel restrictive, especially for those with high refresh rate monitors and capable GPUs. Unlocking the FPS cap not only enhances gameplay fluidity but also allows for smoother camera movement, better input response, and a more enjoyable experience overall. This guide will walk through the safest and most effective methods to uncap Elden Ring’s FPS on PC without compromising game integrity or causing performance instability.
Why Elden Ring Has an FPS Cap
Design Choices and Engine Limitations
FromSoftware has a history of locking frame rates in their titles, often due to engine-level physics and animation calculations being tied to frame timing. In Elden Ring, this 60 FPS cap exists to maintain consistent behavior across all platforms and reduce potential desynchronization in gameplay elements such as parry timing or attack animations.
However, with the evolution of gaming hardware and display technology, many modern systems are capable of pushing well beyond 60 frames per second. This has led the modding community and tech-savvy gamers to look for ways to bypass the cap without destabilizing the experience.
Understanding the Risks of Unlocking FPS
Before attempting to uncap Elden Ring’s FPS, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved. The game was not officially designed to run above 60 FPS, so modifying it may lead to unintended consequences.
- Physics glitches enemy behaviors, fall damage, or animations might behave incorrectly.
- Online incompatibility altering game files can result in getting banned from online play.
- System instability forcing higher frame rates may increase GPU usage and temperature.
With that said, many players have successfully uncapped Elden Ring’s FPS for offline or modded play with minimal issues. Proceeding carefully and backing up original game files is strongly recommended.
Tools and Methods to Uncap FPS
Method 1: Using External FPS Unlock Tools
One of the most reliable ways to unlock Elden Ring’s frame rate is by using a community-created utility designed specifically for this purpose. These tools often function as frame rate unlockers, offering granular control over rendering limits.
- Download a reputable frame rate unlocker known to support Elden Ring.
- Extract the files into the root folder of the game (where the.exe file is located).
- Run the tool and follow its instructions to enable uncapped FPS.
- Launch the game through the tool or with the modified executable.
Note that most of these tools are intended for offline or solo play only. Using them while connected to the official Elden Ring servers can result in a soft ban or restriction.
Method 2: Editing Engine Configuration Files
Another method involves manually modifying engine files. While less user-friendly, it offers control without third-party programs.
- Navigate to the game’s configuration directory, usually in
AppDataor installation folders. - Open the
Engine.inifile using a text editor. - Add or modify the frame rate limit settings under the rendering section, such as:
[SystemSettings] r.MaxFPS=144
Save the file and relaunch the game. Some players report that this method alone does not fully uncap FPS due to deeper engine restrictions, but it can be effective when used alongside other tweaks.
Method 3: Display Override and V-Sync Control
For some systems, forcing V-Sync off and adjusting monitor settings can push frame rates higher than the default cap. This is more of a workaround than a true unlock method, but it may yield smoother performance on high-refresh rate monitors.
- Use GPU control panel software (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings).
- Create a profile for Elden Ring.
- Set V-Sync to off and allow maximum frame rate in the driver-level settings.
- Apply changes and restart the system before launching the game.
This method may be limited by the game’s built-in cap, but can still reduce stuttering and improve consistency on supported systems.
Best Practices After Unlocking FPS
Monitor Frame Timing and Temperature
Once Elden Ring is running at higher frame rates, it’s important to monitor your hardware’s performance. Use tools like MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or built-in overlays to track GPU and CPU usage, temperatures, and frame time stability.
- Keep GPU temperatures under safe thresholds (typically below 85°C).
- Watch for screen tearing or irregular motion if V-Sync is off.
- Limit FPS to match monitor refresh rate to reduce input lag.
These checks ensure a smoother, safer experience without overloading your system.
Disable Online Play to Avoid Bans
Modifying the game, even just for FPS purposes, can violate FromSoftware’s online policy. Always switch to offline mode before using FPS unlock methods. You can do this through the game’s settings or by disabling your internet connection temporarily.
Using a separate Steam profile or installation for modded play is another good way to keep your main account safe.
Performance Gains and Visual Improvements
What to Expect with Uncapped FPS
While the graphical fidelity of Elden Ring doesn’t change with unlocked FPS, the feeling of gameplay does. Actions feel more responsive, camera movement becomes smoother, and traversal through open-world areas becomes more cinematic.
Particularly for fast-paced combat or parry-heavy fights, a high frame rate can help with timing and reaction accuracy. Additionally, it reduces screen latency, making animations and enemy attacks easier to read in real-time.
Potential Downsides
Despite the benefits, keep in mind that unlocking FPS can occasionally lead to:
- Animations playing too quickly if physics are not decoupled from frame rate.
- Faster stamina regeneration or unusual fall damage interactions.
- Graphical glitches or artifacting on certain GPUs.
If such issues occur, reducing the frame rate cap to a stable value like 90 or 120 FPS might resolve them while still offering a significant boost over 60.
Uncapping Elden Ring’s FPS allows PC players to push the game beyond its console limitations and experience its sprawling world at smoother, more immersive speeds. Whether through external tools, config file editing, or driver-level tweaks, several methods exist to increase performance. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against potential risks and always maintain a backup of original files. For players focused on single-player immersion and smooth visuals, unlocking the frame rate can transform Elden Ring into an even more captivating and fluid adventure. Just be cautious when modding and avoid using altered files in online mode to keep your account safe and your gameplay experience uninterrupted.