How to Increase FPS in Last of Us Part 2 on PC: A Comprehensive Guide (2023)

Introduction

Last of Us Part 2 is an incredibly immersive and visually stunning game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide. However, when playing on PC, you may encounter occasional frame rate drops or lag, which can hinder your overall gaming experience. In this guide, we will explore various methods and techniques to help you optimize your PC settings and increase the frames per second (FPS) in Last of Us Part 2.

Check System Requirements

Before diving into the optimization process, ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Last of Us Part 2. Inadequate hardware specifications can greatly impact the game's performance and FPS. Here are the recommended system requirements:

GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8GB), AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (8 GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (8 GB)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i7-8700

RAM: 16 GB

OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)

Storage: 100 GB SSD

Make sure your PC meets or exceeds these specifications for optimal performance.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can often be the cause of FPS issues in PC games. To ensure smooth gameplay, make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (such as Nvidia or AMD) and download the latest drivers compatible with your GPU model. Install the drivers and restart your PC to apply the changes.

Adjust In-Game Settings

Last of Us Part 2 offers various in-game settings that you can tweak to improve FPS. Here are some key settings to consider:

• Graphics Quality: Set the graphics quality to a lower preset. This reduces the demand on your GPU and improves performance
• Resolution: Lower the screen resolution to a level that still provides an enjoyable gaming experience but is less demanding on your system.
• Anti-Aliasing: Disable or reduce anti-aliasing settings. While anti-aliasing improves visual quality, it can significantly impact performance.
• Shadows and Lighting: Lower the settings for shadows and lighting effects, as they can be particularly demanding on your GPU.

Experiment with different combinations of these settings until you find the right balance between visual quality and performance.

Optimize Windows Settings

Optimizing your Windows settings can help improve FPS in Last of Us Part 2. Here are some tips to follow:

• Power Options: Set your power plan to "High Performance" to ensure maximum performance from your CPU and GPU.
• Game Mode: Enable Game Mode in Windows settings. This prioritizes system resources for gaming applications, potentially boosting FPS.
• Background Apps: Close unnecessary background apps and processes that may consume system resources.

By optimizing your Windows settings, you can create a more gaming-friendly environment and potentially increase your FPS.

Close Unnecessary Background Processes

Running multiple applications in the background can strain your system's resources and impact game performance. Close any unnecessary programs and processes before launching Last of Us

 Part 2. This frees up system memory and CPU power, allowing the game to utilize more resources and improve FPS.

Disable Vertical Sync (VSync)

Vertical Sync, or VSync, is a setting that synchronizes the game's frame rate with the refresh rate of your monitor. While VSync can prevent screen tearing, it may also limit your FPS. Disabling VSync can potentially increase your FPS, but it may introduce screen tearing. Experiment with this setting to see which option provides the best balance for you.

Reduce Screen Resolution

Lowering your screen resolution can significantly improve FPS in Last of Us Part 2. While it may reduce the visual sharpness, it can greatly enhance the overall performance. Find a resolution that maintains an acceptable level of visual quality while boosting FPS.

Lower Graphics Quality

If you're still experiencing low FPS, consider lowering the overall graphics quality of the game. Lowering settings such as textures, effects, and shadows can have a significant impact on FPS. Find the right balance between performance and visual quality that suits your preferences.

Overclock Your GPU

Overclocking your GPU can provide a significant boost in FPS, but it requires caution and careful monitoring. Before attempting to overclock, ensure that your GPU is capable of handling the increased clock speeds. Use reliable software tools and follow detailed guides to safely overclock your GPU and maximize performance.

Upgrade Your Hardware

If you've exhausted all software-based optimization methods and are still unsatisfied with the FPS, it might be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Upgrading your GPU, adding more RAM, or installing a faster CPU can greatly enhance your gaming performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I check my current FPS in Last of Us Part 2 on PC?

You can enable the FPS counter in Last of Us Part 2 by pressing the tilde (~) key on your keyboard to open the developer console, then typing "stat fps" and pressing Enter. The FPS counter will then be displayed in the top-right corner of your screen.

2. Will decreasing graphics quality affect the overall gaming experience?

Lowering graphics quality settings can improve FPS but may result in reduced visual fidelity. However, finding the right balance between performance and visual quality can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

3. Is it safe to overclock my GPU?

Overclocking your GPU can provide performance gains but can also generate additional heat. Ensure that your PC has adequate cooling and follow proper overclocking techniques to avoid damaging your hardware.

4. Can upgrading my hardware improve FPS in Last of Us Part 2?

Yes, upgrading your hardware, especially your GPU and CPU, can significantly improve FPS in Last of Us Part 2. However, it's essential to consider compatibility and ensure that other components of your system can support the upgrades.

5. Should I update other drivers besides graphics drivers?

Yes, it's recommended to keep all your drivers up to date, including audio drivers, chipset drivers, and network drivers. Outdated drivers can potentially cause performance issues or compatibility problems.

6. What if my PC still struggles with low FPS even after following these steps?

If you've tried all the optimization methods and your PC still struggles with low FPS, it may be worth consulting with a professional or contacting the game's support team for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your system configuration.

Conclusion

By following the techniques outlined in this guide, you should be able to increase FPS in Last of Us Part 2 on your PC and enjoy a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Remember to check your system requirements, update drivers, adjust in-game settings, optimize Windows settings,