ARK Survival Ascended delivers a visually stunning prehistoric world powered by Unreal Engine 5. But the demanding graphics require optimizing settings for high FPS, even on robust PCs. Follow this guide covering the most impactful graphics options to optimize for 60+ FPS gameplay.
Best Graphics Settings for ARK Survival Ascended
1. Lower ARK Survival Ascended Resolution Scale
The Resolution Scale slider under Video Settings renders the 3D scene at a percentage of your display’s native resolution.
Lower resolutions require less GPU power, dramatically improving FPS. But visuals become more pixelated.
Resolution Scale Recommendation
| Percentage | Visual Quality | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Native resolution, crisp image | Very low FPS |
| 85-90% | Slightly pixelated | Good FPS boost |
| 70-80% | Noticeably pixelated | Major FPS boost |
| Below 50% | Extremely pixelated | Highest FPS |
Set to 85-90% for a good balance. Lower Resolution Scale further if desperately needing more FPS.
2. Use ARK Survival Ascended Low Graphics Preset
The Graphics Preset under Video Settings configures all graphics options automatically.
Preset Recommendation for Max FPS
| Preset | Visual Quality | Expected FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Epic | Stunning | Very low |
| High | Great | Low |
| Medium | Decent | Medium |
| Low | Poor | High |
Select the Low preset, then fine-tune key settings covered below.
3. Adjust Shadows, Lighting and Anti-Aliasing
Certain graphics options like shadows and lighting have minimal FPS impact, so increasing their quality over Low significantly improves visuals without sacrificing performance.
Recommended Settings
- Anti-Aliasing: Epic
- General Shadows: High
- Global Illumination: High
- Foliage Quality: High
Leaving other options at Low ensures maximal FPS.
4. Disable Frame Rate Cap
Survival Ascended caps frame rate at 60 FPS by default. Disable this under Video Settings to unlock FPS based on your hardware capabilities.
Aim for at least 60+ FPS for a smooth experience.
5. Enable Nvidia DLSS
Nvidia RTX GPU owners should enable DLSS under the RTX tab for up to 2x FPS with minimal quality loss. Set to Auto or Quality mode.
But disable AMD FSR since it currently tanks performance.
6. Optimize Windows Settings
- Enable WindowsGame Mode
- Switch Power Plan toHigh Performance
- DisableGame BarandGame DVR
This focuses your PC’s resources on ARK for better FPS.
7. Choose Optimal Resolution and Display Mode
Set resolution to your monitor’s native res like 1920 x 1080. Lower res provides a huge FPS boost but looks pixelated.
Use Fullscreen mode for max FPS. Avoid Borderless Window.
8. Upgrade Outdated Hardware
If hardware is severely outdated, upgrading components like your GPU, CPU, RAM and storage can provide massive FPS gains.
Conclusion – October 27, 2023
Optimizing these most impactful graphics and system settings can double or triple FPS in ARK Survival Ascended.
Related:
How to fix ARK Survival Ascended crashes
How to fix ARK Survival Ascended Stuck on loading Screen issue
