Starfield Graphics Optimization Guide & Benchmarks, Settings Comparison, & Performance Mods

**Getting Started with Modding and Performance Settings**

For those new to modding and performance settings, we've created this guide as a starting point. As modders have more time to experiment with the game, they can refine their understanding of the game's mechanics and optimize performance. This is especially useful for those who want finer tuning between Ultra and High or other settings that offer better performance without sacrificing visual quality.

By using these performance settings as a foundation, you can then fine-tune them manually to achieve your desired level of quality. There are also variations of this approach that increase graphics quality even further, allowing you to experiment with different settings and see what works best for you. With modding and performance tweaking, the possibilities are endless, and we're excited to explore the many options available in Starfield.

**Technical Considerations**

From a purely technical standpoint, there's a lot to consider when it comes to optimizing performance and visual quality in Starfield. One of the most impactful settings is Shadow Quality, which can make or break the visuals in certain areas of the game. When Low and VRS are turned off, shadows look particularly poor, but turning on VRS (Variable Rate Shading) resolves this issue immediately.

In contrast, Contact Shadows and Volumetric Lighting don't show significant improvements at higher quality settings, although they're still important for creating a immersive experience in certain areas of the game. The quality differences are noticeable, especially when it comes to Shadow Quality and Reflections, which both look their best when maxed out.

**Performance Impact**

While some performance settings have a significant impact on GPU usage, others are relatively minor. For example, Volumetric Lighting has a moderate performance impact, while Grass Quality is more impactful in terms of GPU usage.

However, with the right tuning and optimization, it's possible to find a balance between visual quality and performance that meets your needs. By experimenting with different settings and adjusting them as needed, you can create a gaming experience that suits your style and system capabilities.

**Crowd Density and Grass Quality**

Two other settings that are worth exploring are Crowd Density and Grass Quality. Crowd Density is particularly interesting because it affects the behavior of NPCs in certain areas of the game. When set to High, crowd density is more realistic, but this requires reloading the save or re-entering a zone to see the effects.

Grass Quality also has an impact on the visual fidelity of the game world, with higher settings resulting in thicker grass and a greater view distance. This can be particularly noticeable when exploring large areas of the game, making it worth experimenting with different Grass Quality settings to find one that suits your style.

**Conclusion**

This guide provides a starting point for those new to modding and performance settings in Starfield. By experimenting with these settings and fine-tuning them to suit your needs, you can create a gaming experience that's both visually stunning and relatively stress-free on your system. Remember to check out mods on Nexus Mods as they develop, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.

**Supporting This Content**

If you want to support this type of content and help us continue creating high-quality guides like this one, be sure to check out our store at Gamers Access.net. We've recently launched a new line of modding tools and accessories that make PC building easier than ever, including our brand-new gn15 mod mats. These mats provide a large work surface with diagrams, screw tracking, and other features to help you build the perfect gaming rig.

Thanks for watching, and we'll see you all next time!