Switching Baldur’s Gate 3 to Fullscreen Mode Can Improve Frame Rate and Performance

Players of Baldur’s Gate 3 seeking to optimize their gaming experience may find that switching the game to Fullscreen mode, as opposed to the default Borderless Windowed option, can lead to significant improvements in frame rate and performance. Baldur’s Gate 3, which recently saw its full release on PC to widespread acclaim, has quickly become one of the most popular games on Steam.

While the game’s performance largely depends on the capabilities of one’s gaming rig, there are settings adjustments that players can make to enhance their experience. One Reddit user, Ardbert_The_Fallen, shared their experience, stating that switching from Borderless Windowed to Fullscreen not only improved frame rates but also resolved issues related to “hitching and frame stutter.” They reported that the switch nearly doubled their frames per second (FPS) in specific areas of the game.

This advice has been well-received within the Baldur’s Gate 3 community, with players appreciating the potential performance boost. However, it’s essential to note that the impact of this switch can vary from one player to another. Some players have reported a negative impact on frame rates after making the change, highlighting that individual results may differ. Therefore, players are encouraged to explore the game’s settings and fine-tune them according to their preferences and system capabilities.

This advice holds particular relevance for those playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck. While the game has been verified for compatibility with Valve’s handheld device, some users have reported issues such as crashes. To address these problems, Steam Deck users are recommended to adjust specific settings:

  1. Change VSync to Double Buffering.
  2. Activate the Frame Rate Cap.
  3. Set the Maximum Frame Rate to 30.
  4. Adjust the game’s Overall Quality to Medium.

While these settings adjustments may not provide an ideal experience, they have proven effective in mitigating some of the performance issues encountered by Steam Deck users when running Baldur’s Gate 3.

Console gamers can anticipate a more straightforward experience when Baldur’s Gate 3 arrives on the PS5. The game is expected to be optimized for the PS5 platform out of the box, reducing the need for manual settings adjustments. Similarly, Xbox Series X and S players can expect Baldur’s Gate 3 to be optimized for their consoles, although an official release date for the Xbox version has yet to be announced.