S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the highly anticipated next-gen survival game by GSC Game World, delivers an immersive experience in the post-apocalyptic Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, the game has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay. However, some PC players have reported frustrating performance issues, including low FPS, stuttering, and frame drops, which can disrupt the gaming experience.
If you’re encountering these performance issues, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with step-by-step troubleshooting methods to help you enhance the game’s performance. Let’s dive in and resolve these problems!
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- Fix: Stalker 2 Low FPS Drops and Stuttering
Fix: Stalker 2 Low FPS Drops and Stuttering
We have provided a list of possible solutions below, which should be useful. Please try each method until the issue is resolved. So, let’s get started without any further delay.
1. Check System Requirements
It’s possible that the issues you’re experiencing with the game could be due to compatibility issues with your PC’s specifications. Before reaching any conclusions, we recommend carefully checking the game’s system requirements and comparing them with your PC’s specs. We have listed the minimum and recommended system requirements for this title below to assist you.
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 x64 / Windows 11 x64
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB / Intel Arc A750
- Storage: 160 GB available space
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 x64 / Windows 11 x64
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- Storage: 160 GB available space
If your PC meets these specifications but still faces issues, proceed with the next steps.
2. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can lead to FPS drops and stuttering. Ensure your drivers are up to date:
- For Automatic Updates:
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display Adapters, right-click on your graphics card, and choose Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- For Manual Updates:
- Restart your computer after updating.
3. Switch Between Display Modes
Switching between display modes (fullscreen, windowed, or borderless) can improve performance. Here’s how:
- Open the in-game Settings menu.
- Navigate to Video.
- Change the display mode (e.g., Fullscreen or Windowed Borderless).
- Test each option to see which provides the best performance.
4. Run the game as an administrator
To avoid user account control-related privilege issues, you should run the Stalker 2 executable game file as an administrator. To do this:
- Right-click on the Stalker 2 exe shortcut file on your PC.
- Now, select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.
- Make sure to click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to checkmark it.
- Click on Apply and select OK to save changes.
5. Close Background Running Tasks
Sometimes, unnecessary background running tasks or programs can consume more CPU or Memory resources on the system, which may cause crashes, lags, stutters, FPS drops, etc. To do that:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open up the Task Manager.
- Now, click on the Processes tab > to select tasks unnecessarily running in the background and consuming enough system resources.
- Click on End Task to close it > Do the same steps for all unnecessary tasks.
- Once done, restart your system to apply changes.
6. Stop Background Downloads
The chances are high that you’re trying to download or install other game updates simultaneously, whatever client you’re using. It’s better to pause or stop other background downloads while launching and playing Stalker 2, the game on the client. Once you finish your gameplay, you can continue downloading games or installing patch updates.
7. Switch to Auto Settings in Video
If you haven’t succeeded in fixing the frame drop issue, then make sure to switch to auto settings in video mode by following the steps below.
- Press the Esc button on your keyboard in the gameplay.
- Now, go to the in-game Settings menu > Click on Video.
- Select Auto Settings > Resume the gameplay to cross-check whether the frame drops or lags still appear.
- If the in-game lag or frame drops remain, select All and try lowering the video settings from the game menu.
8. Set High Performance in Power Options
If, in case, your Windows system is running on the Balanced mode in Power Options, the system and hardware aren’t running to their full potential. You can set the High-Performance mode for intense gameplay for better results. However, the high-performance mode will consume higher battery usage if you use a laptop. To do this:
- Click on the Start Menu > Type Control Panel and click on it from the search result.
- Now, go to Hardware and Sound > Select Power Options.
- Click on High Performance to select it.
- Close the window and fully shut down your computer. To do this, click on the Start Menu > Go to Power > Shut Down.
- Once your computer is turned off, you can power it on again.
9. Contact Stalker 2 Support
If none of the methods worked for you, contact Stalker 2’s Support for further help.
Conclusion
Dealing with low FPS, stuttering, and frame drops in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 can be frustrating, but these methods should help you optimize the game’s performance. By checking your system specs, updating drivers, and tweaking settings, you can enjoy a smoother gameplay experience. For more assistance, feel free to leave a comment below!