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Graphics and performance settings

At a glance

Apply the five recommended settings below before joining WvW or large meta events. High graphics settings in crowded battles can cause sharp frame-rate drops and stuttering.

Recommended settings for WvW and large battles

Open F11 → Graphics Options → Advanced Settings and use these values.

SettingValue
ShadowsLow
ShadersLow
Character Model LimitLow
Character Model QualityLow
Effect LODON
F11 Graphics Options tab: Display

Display

SettingRecommendationWhat it does
Resolution Windowed Fullscreen A borderless fullscreen window. Useful with Discord and overlays, and convenient for Alt+Tab. Performance depends on your PC; compare display modes if frame rates are low.
Frame Limiter Your preference The January 2025 update added 120 and 144 FPS options. Choose a limit suited to your monitor, or Unlimited if preferred. Unlimited can increase GPU workload unnecessarily.
Interface Size Large / Larger Adjusts the whole interface. Try Large or Larger on a QHD (1440p) or higher display; Normal is often suitable for FHD (1080p). Chat font size is adjusted separately through the chat panel’s gear menu.
DPI Scaling ✓ ON Scales the interface according to your system’s DPI settings.
F11 Graphics Options tab: Advanced Settings

Advanced Settings

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When learning raids or fractals, start with Character Model Limit and Shaders at Medium or higher. If combat indicators are missing, check that Disable Area of Effect Rings is off and Hide Ally Visual Effects is set to Hide None in General Options.

SettingRecommendationWhat it does
Character Model Limit Depends on the activity Limits the number of character models displayed. It has a large performance impact in crowded areas. Use Low for WvW and large meta events. For raids or fractals you are learning, Medium or higher helps you see nearby characters and the fight. Balance frame rate with visibility.
Character Model Quality Low for large battles Sets how many characters use high-quality models. Lower settings replace some players with generic models. Use Low for WvW and large meta events.
Shadows Low for large battles Controls shadow quality. Use Low for WvW and large meta events. During ordinary exploration, raise it to suit your PC.
Shaders Depends on the activity Controls lighting, materials, wind, and similar effects. Use Low for WvW and large meta events. When learning raids or fractals, start at Medium or higher to help read combat indicators.
Animation High Animation quality. High is recommended.
Antialiasing FXAA or SMAA High Smooths jagged edges. FXAA balances image quality and performance. SMAA High offers better edge quality at a performance cost; try it on a capable PC.
Environment High Controls environmental detail.
LOD Distance High Sets the distance at which objects switch between levels of detail.
Reflections Terrain & Sky Controls reflections. Avoid All for this performance-focused setup. Reflection work can occur even when water is not visible. Terrain & Sky is a useful compromise.
Textures High Texture quality. High is recommended.
Render Sampling Native Rendering resolution relative to the display. Native is 100%.
Effect LOD ✓ ON Reduces particle-effect detail. Recommended to make crowded fights less visually cluttered.
Best Texture Filtering ✓ ON Improves texture filtering.
High-Res Character Textures ✓ ON Enables high-resolution textures for NPCs and other players. Change maps for this setting to take effect.
F11 Graphics Options tab: Postprocessing

Postprocessing

Choose the Custom preset to control individual effects. Suggested settings follow.

SettingRecommendationWhat it does
Bloom ☐ OFF Adds a glow around bright areas, which can make skill effects harder to read.
Color Grading ✓ ON Adjusts the color palette to support each map’s atmosphere.
Color Tint ✓ ON Tints the scene. Works well with Color Grading for the intended appearance.
Distortion ☐ OFF Distorts the image and may cause motion discomfort.
Light Rays ☐ OFF Adds rays of light, which can add visual clutter.
Selection Outline ✓ ON Outlines the selected target, helping you identify it during combat.
Ambient Occlusion ✓ ON Adds shading and depth. If performance is low, compare it with the option turned off.
Depth Blur ☐ OFF Blurs distant objects for a stylized appearance.
Light Adaptation Optional with Low/High presets Simulates adaptation to changing brightness. The wiki lists this as available with the Low or High Postprocessing preset.
Motion Blur Power Minimum (0) Adds motion blur. Reduce it to minimum to keep movement clearer during combat.