Bethesda’s Starfield is a breathtaking, open-world space RPG, but it’s also one of the most demanding games released in recent years. If you’re playing on a midrange system—like an RTX 3060, 4060, or RX 6600—you can still enjoy a visually rich, smooth experience with the right settings. This guide shows you how to optimize Starfield for the best balance between performance and visuals, even without a high-end rig.

Understanding the Game’s Hardware Demands

Starfield runs on the Creation Engine 2 and features complex lighting, massive planetary surfaces, and heavy CPU/GPU loads. Many mid-tier systems struggle with default “High” or “Ultra” presets, especially in populated areas like New Atlantis or ship battles.

Recommended PC Specs (Target: 60 FPS at 1080p or 40–60 FPS at 1440p)

Best Graphics Settings for Midrange Systems

Use the following custom settings for a smoother experience with minimal quality loss:

Display

• Resolution: 1080p or 1440p (native)

• V-Sync: Off

• Dynamic Resolution: On (Target: 60 FPS)

• Upscaling: AMD FSR 2 (DLSS via mod if needed)

Custom Graphics Settings

Visual Comparison: Default vs Optimized Settings

Optimized settings can retain much of Starfield’s atmosphere while dramatically improving performance. Expect an average FPS boost of 20–30% compared to Ultra settings on midrange GPUs.

Performance Monitoring

To validate your optimizations, use software like MSI Afterburner to track:

• Frame rate (FPS)

• GPU and CPU usage

• VRAM utilization

• Temps

Mod Support for Extra Boost

While Starfield lacks native DLSS, modding communities have stepped in. Consider:

• DLSS/XeSS Mods: For Nvidia/Intel GPU upscaling

• Performance INI Tweaks: Reduces LOD distances and background AI

• No Motion Blur Mod: Eliminates visual strain and improves clarity

CPU & Background Tweaks

• Set Starfield.exe to “High” priority in Task Manager

• Enable Windows Game Mode

• Close background apps like Chrome, Discord, or Steam overlays

• Keep GPU drivers up to date for performance patches

Final Thoughts

With the right tweaks, Starfield can run beautifully on a midrange system. The game’s beauty isn’t lost at Medium settings—and you’ll actually be able to enjoy the massive scale without stuttering or crashes.

Optimized visuals, responsive gameplay, and solid frame rates are all achievable, making your space adventure as smooth as it is spectacular.

Bonus Tip

Still getting stutters or low FPS? Comment your exact system specs below, and we’ll help you fine-tune your Starfield settings!