Highguard delivers fast PvP gunplay, destructible environments, and heavy visual effects. At the same time, the game still struggles with optimization, which can cause FPS drops, stutters after long sessions, and inconsistent frame pacing. The right system tweaks and graphics settings dramatically improve stability and responsiveness.
Windows and System Optimization (Do This First)
Before changing in-game graphics, make sure Windows delivers consistent CPU and GPU performance. These changes improve scheduling behavior and reduce background interference.
| Setting | Recommended Value | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Game Mode | ON | Prioritizes system resources for gaming |
| Xbox Game Bar | OFF (most systems) | Prevents FPS loss and overlay overhead |
| Hardware GPU Scheduling | ON | Improves frame pacing and GPU latency |
| Power Plan | Balanced | Maintains stable CPU boost clocks |
| GPU / Chipset Drivers | Latest | Ensures stability and compatibility |
| BIOS | Updated | Improves memory and CPU behavior |
Apply these once. You usually don’t need to revisit them.
GPU Control Panel Optimization
Driver-level tuning improves clarity, latency, and consistency outside the game engine.
Nvidia GPU Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| DLSS Mode | Recommended (RTX 4000+) / Quality (RTX 2000–3000) | Preserves image quality while boosting FPS |
| Low Latency Mode | On | Reduces input delay |
| Shader Cache Size | 10GB or 100GB | Prevents shader rebuild stutters |
| Digital Vibrance | ~55 | Improves enemy visibility |
AMD Radeon Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Radeon Chill | Cap slightly below refresh rate | Keeps FreeSync stable |
| FSR | Enabled if supported | Improves performance |
| Fluid Motion Frame | Avoid for competitive play | Adds latency |
| Image Sharpening | 60–70% | Restores clarity |
How to Fix the 60 FPS Lock Issue (Critical)
Some systems lock Highguard at 60 FPS even when uncapped. You can manually unlock it through the config file.
Steps
- Press Windows + R
- Type AppData → Enter
- Navigate to:
Local → Highguard → Saved → Config → WindowsClient - Open GameUserSettings.ini
- Edit values:
FrameRateLimit_OnBattery=240.000000
FrameRateLimit_InMenu=240.000000
FrameRateLimit_WhenBackgrounded=30.000000
MobileFrameRateLimit=240
FrameRateLimit=0.000000- Save the file
- Set file to Read Only if the game resets it
This unlocks FPS properly.
Best In-Game Display Settings
These settings eliminate latency while preserving smooth presentation.
| Setting | Best Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Window Mode | Fullscreen / Windowed Fullscreen | Stable performance |
| Resolution | Native | Avoid scaling blur |
| VSync | Off | Removes input lag |
| Max FPS | Uncapped | Allows full refresh usage |
| Field of View | 90–100 | Higher reduces FPS slightly |
| Brightness | Personal preference | Adjust for monitor |
Best Graphics Settings for Performance and Visibility
Use Custom mode so you can tune each option precisely.
| Setting | Recommended Value | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Resolution | 65–100% | Major FPS scaler |
| Anti-Aliasing Mode | DLSS / TSR | Improves clarity |
| Anti-Aliasing Quality | High | Reduces blur |
| Shadow Quality | Low | Heavy FPS impact |
| Global Illumination | Low | Expensive lighting |
| Reflection Quality | Low | FPS heavy indoors |
| Effects Quality | Low–Medium | Spikes during combat |
| Post-Processing | Low | Reduces blur |
| Foliage Quality | Low | Improves outdoor FPS |
| Shading Quality | Medium | Minor cost |
| Texture Quality | VRAM dependent | Clarity improvement |
Texture Quality Based on GPU VRAM
Set texture quality according to available video memory.
| GPU VRAM | Recommended Texture |
|---|---|
| 6GB | Low |
| 8GB | Medium |
| 10GB+ | High |
Higher textures improve enemy clarity without major FPS loss if VRAM allows.
How to Reduce Blur Without Losing FPS
Low resolution scaling and weak anti-aliasing cause image softness.
Use these rules:
- Keep Anti-Aliasing Quality on High
- Avoid dropping Internal Resolution below 50%
- Increase Texture Quality if VRAM allows
- Keep Post-Processing Low
- Use GPU sharpening instead of raising in-game quality
Performance Killers to Tune First
If FPS still dips, lower these in order:
| Priority | Setting | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shadows | Heavy outdoor cost |
| 2 | Global Illumination | Lighting overhead |
| 3 | Reflections | Indoor FPS loss |
| 4 | Foliage | Open map load |
| 5 | Effects | Combat spikes |
FAQs
What are the best PC settings for Highguard?
The best PC settings for Highguard use low shadows, low global illumination, DLSS or TSR enabled, uncapped FPS, and balanced texture quality based on VRAM to maintain smooth performance and clear visibility.
How do I increase FPS in Highguard on PC?
Turn off VSync, lower shadow quality, reduce foliage and reflections, enable DLSS or TSR, unlock the FPS limit in the config file, and enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows.
Why is Highguard locked at 60 FPS?
Highguard may stay locked at 60 FPS due to a configuration file limit. Editing the GameUserSettings.ini file and setting FrameRateLimit to 0 unlocks higher frame rates.
Does DLSS improve performance in Highguard?
Yes. DLSS improves performance in Highguard by rendering at a lower internal resolution while preserving image quality, allowing higher FPS with minimal clarity loss on RTX GPUs.
What graphics settings hurt FPS the most in Highguard?
Shadows, global illumination, reflections, foliage, and effects consume the most performance and should stay on low for stable FPS during combat.
How do I reduce blur in Highguard?
Keep anti-aliasing quality on High, avoid lowering internal resolution below 50%, increase texture quality if VRAM allows, and disable heavy post-processing effects.
Is Fullscreen or Windowed Fullscreen better for Highguard?
Fullscreen or Windowed Fullscreen both deliver stable performance. Windowed Fullscreen allows faster alt-tabbing without noticeable FPS loss.
What FOV gives the best performance in Highguard?
An FOV between 90 and 100 provides strong visibility without causing major FPS loss on most systems.
Highguard requires careful tuning to achieve smooth combat and consistent visibility. System optimization, GPU control tuning, and smart graphics balancing work together to stabilize FPS and minimize latency. Start with the tables above, then fine-tune based on your hardware limits and refresh rate.
Once configured properly, Highguard delivers responsive gameplay and reliable performance in competitive fights. Play Now!
