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Enshrouded

Enshrouded

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How to Increase FPS in Enshrouded - Complete Performance Optimization Guide

Complete guide to boosting FPS and fixing performance issues in Enshrouded, including graphics settings, system optimization, driver updates, and troubleshooting.

8 min read
easy
Updated Nov 16, 2025
How to Increase FPS in Enshrouded - Complete Performance Optimization Guide

Introduction to FPS Optimization

Enshrouded features stunning visuals and addicting gameplay, but some players experience FPS drops, stuttering, and performance issues. This comprehensive guide covers all methods to increase your framerate and optimize performance, from simple tweaks to advanced system configuration.

FPS Optimization

What This Guide Covers:

  • System requirements check
  • Graphics settings optimization
  • Driver updates
  • Windows performance mode
  • GPU optimization
  • Background app management
  • Advanced troubleshooting

Safety Note: All methods in this guide are safe and won’t harm your PC!

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

1. Update Graphics Drivers

Most Common Fix:

  • Outdated drivers = poor performance
  • New drivers optimize for latest games
  • Often provides significant FPS boost
  • Takes 10-15 minutes

How to Update:

For NVIDIA:

  1. Visit NVIDIA Driver Downloads
  2. Select your GPU model
  3. Download latest Game Ready driver
  4. Install and restart PC

For AMD:

  1. Visit AMD Driver Support
  2. Select your GPU model
  3. Download latest Adrenalin driver
  4. Install and restart PC

For Intel (Integrated):

  1. Visit Intel Driver Support
  2. Find your GPU model
  3. Download latest driver
  4. Install and restart

After Update:

  • Restart PC completely
  • Launch Enshrouded
  • Check for improvements

2. Verify Game File Integrity

Fixes Corrupted Files:

  • Installation errors
  • Missing files
  • Broken assets
  • Quick and easy

How to Verify on Steam:

  1. Open Steam
  2. Go to Library
  3. Right-click Enshrouded
  4. Click Properties
  5. Go to Local Files tab
  6. Click “Verify integrity of game files…”
  7. Wait for verification
  8. Launch game and test

Result: Steam will redownload any corrupted or missing files automatically.

3. Close Background Applications

Free Up Resources:

  • Background apps use RAM
  • Use CPU/GPU power
  • Cause performance issues
  • Easy performance boost

How to Close Apps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)
  2. Go to Processes tab
  3. Sort by CPU or GPU usage
  4. Find resource-intensive processes
  5. Right-click and select “End task”

Common Culprits:

  • Chrome/browsers (many tabs)
  • Discord (video calls)
  • Streaming software
  • Video editing programs
  • Other games
  • Antivirus scans

Keep These Running:

  • Steam
  • Essential system processes
  • Audio services
  • Essential security software

System Requirements Check

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Specs (30 FPS Low Settings):

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i5-6400 (2.7 GHz 4 Core)
     OR AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (3.5 GHz 4 Core)
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB VRAM)
     OR AMD Radeon RX 580 (6GB VRAM)
Storage: 60 GB available space
Internet: Broadband connection

Recommended Specs (60 FPS Medium-High Settings):

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
CPU: Intel i7-8700 (3.7 GHz 6 Core)
     OR AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (3.7 GHz 8 Core)
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super (6GB VRAM)
     OR AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (6GB VRAM)
Storage: 60 GB available space (SSD recommended)
Internet: Broadband connection

Checking Your Specs

On Windows:

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type dxdiag
  3. Press Enter
  4. Check System tab for CPU/RAM
  5. Check Display tab for GPU

Compare Your Hardware:

  • Below minimum = expect poor performance
  • At minimum = 30 FPS on low settings
  • Between min/recommended = adjust graphics
  • At/above recommended = 60+ FPS possible

In-Game Graphics Settings Optimization

High-Impact Settings (Adjust These First)

These settings have MAJOR FPS impact:

1. Fog Quality

  • Recommended: Low or Medium
  • Impact: Very High
  • Visual trade-off: Minimal
  • FPS gain: +10-20 FPS

2. Shadow Quality

  • Recommended: Low or Medium
  • Impact: Very High
  • Visual trade-off: Noticeable but acceptable
  • FPS gain: +10-15 FPS

3. SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion)

  • Recommended: Off or Low
  • Impact: High
  • Visual trade-off: Subtle lighting differences
  • FPS gain: +8-12 FPS

4. Volumetric Shadow Quality

  • Recommended: Low or Off
  • Impact: High
  • Visual trade-off: Minor
  • FPS gain: +8-12 FPS

5. Small Foliage

  • Recommended: Low or Medium
  • Impact: Medium-High
  • Visual trade-off: Less ground detail
  • FPS gain: +5-10 FPS

Balanced Settings Configuration

For 60 FPS on Mid-Range Systems:

Resolution: Native (don't lower!)
Texture Quality: Medium-High
Shadow Quality: Low
Fog Quality: Medium
SSAO: Low
Anti-Aliasing: FXAA or TAA
Volumetric Shadows: Low
Small Foliage: Medium
View Distance: Medium
Effects Quality: Medium
Post-Processing: Medium
V-Sync: Off
FPS Cap: 60 or Unlimited

Result: Graphics still look decent with significant FPS improvement!

Low-End Settings Configuration

For 30-45 FPS on Minimum Spec:

Resolution: Native
Texture Quality: Low
Shadow Quality: Low
Fog Quality: Low
SSAO: Off
Anti-Aliasing: Off or FXAA
Volumetric Shadows: Off
Small Foliage: Low
View Distance: Low-Medium
Effects Quality: Low
Post-Processing: Low
V-Sync: Off
FPS Cap: 60

High-End Settings Configuration

For 100+ FPS on High-End Systems:

Resolution: Native
Texture Quality: High
Shadow Quality: Medium-High
Fog Quality: High
SSAO: Medium
Anti-Aliasing: TAA
Volumetric Shadows: Medium
Small Foliage: High
View Distance: High
Effects Quality: High
Post-Processing: High
V-Sync: Off (use G-Sync/FreeSync if available)
FPS Cap: Unlimited

Windows Performance Optimization

Set Windows to Performance Mode

Reduces Windows Visual Effects:

  • Lowers Windows resource usage
  • Frees up GPU/CPU for game
  • Significant FPS boost possible
  • Makes Windows look simpler

How to Enable:

  1. Press Windows Key
  2. Type: Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
  3. Press Enter
  4. Performance Options window opens
  5. Go to Visual Effects tab
  6. Select “Adjust for best performance”
  7. Click Apply
  8. Click OK

Result: Windows looks more basic, but game performance improves!

To Revert:

  • Same steps but choose “Let Windows choose what’s best”
  • Or “Custom” and re-enable effects

Disable Game DVR and Xbox Game Bar

Windows Gaming Features:

  • Background recording
  • Uses GPU resources
  • Can cause stuttering
  • Easy to disable

How to Disable:

  1. Press Windows + I (Settings)
  2. Go to Gaming
  3. Click Game Bar
  4. Toggle OFF: “Record game clips…”
  5. Go to Captures section
  6. Toggle OFF: “Background recording”
  7. Toggle OFF: “Record audio”

FPS Gain: +3-8 FPS depending on system

Set Power Plan to High Performance

Ensures Maximum CPU Speed:

  • Prevents CPU throttling
  • Uses more power
  • Better for desktops
  • Noticeable on laptops

How to Enable:

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Click Power Options
  3. Select High Performance plan
    • If not visible: Click “Show additional plans”
  4. Close settings

Note: Laptops will use more battery and heat up more!

GPU-Specific Optimization

NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

Access NVIDIA Control Panel:

  1. Right-click Desktop
  2. Click “NVIDIA Control Panel”
  3. Go to “Manage 3D Settings”
  4. Select “Program Settings” tab
  5. Find/Add Enshrouded.exe

Recommended Settings:

Power Management Mode: Prefer Maximum Performance
Texture Filtering - Quality: Performance
Vertical Sync: Off
Low Latency Mode: Ultra
Threaded Optimization: On

Apply Changes and restart game.

AMD Radeon Settings

Access AMD Software:

  1. Right-click Desktop
  2. Click “AMD Radeon Software”
  3. Go to Gaming tab
  4. Find Enshrouded
  5. Adjust settings

Recommended Settings:

Radeon Anti-Lag: Enabled
Radeon Boost: Enabled
Radeon Chill: Disabled (for max FPS)
Image Sharpening: Optional (can help with lower res)

Profile Slider:

  • Move slider toward “Performance”
  • Away from “Quality”
  • Apply changes

Set Graphics Preference in Windows

Tell Windows to Use Dedicated GPU:

  1. Windows Settings → System → Display
  2. Scroll to “Graphics Settings”
  3. Click “Browse”
  4. Navigate to Enshrouded installation
  5. Add Enshrouded.exe
  6. Click Options
  7. Select “High Performance”
  8. Save

Critical for Laptops: Ensures dedicated GPU is used, not integrated!

Advanced Troubleshooting

Stuttering and Micro-Freezes

Possible Causes:

  • Shader compilation
  • Background processes
  • VRAM overflow
  • Hard drive slow (not SSD)

Solutions:

  1. Let Shaders Compile

    • First launch = shader compilation
    • Causes stutters initially
    • Play 30-60 minutes
    • Gets better over time

  2. Lower Texture Quality

    • If VRAM maxed out
    • Check GPU usage
    • Lower one step
    • Test improvement

  3. Move to SSD

    • If on HDD
    • SSD dramatically helps
    • Reduces loading stutters
    • Worth the upgrade

Frame Drops in Specific Areas

Common Problem Areas:

  • Dense forests
  • Large bases with many items
  • Shroud areas with effects
  • Combat with many enemies

Solutions:

  1. Lower Fog/Effects Quality

    • Shroud effects heavy
    • Fog quality = major impact

  2. Reduce Small Foliage

    • Forests = foliage heavy
    • Lower this setting

  3. Clean Up Base

    • Too many items = lag
    • Organize into chests
    • Remove unnecessary objects

Multiplayer Performance Issues

If Singleplayer Fine, Multiplayer Lags:

Check:

  • Internet connection (ping)
  • Server location (distance)
  • Server optimization
  • Host’s server specs

Can’t Fix:

  • Server-side lag
  • Host’s poor performance
  • High ping to server
  • Network issues

Monitor Your Performance

Using FPS Counter

Steam FPS Counter:

  1. Steam → Settings → In-Game
  2. “In-game FPS counter”
  3. Select corner position
  4. Check “High contrast color”
  5. Shows FPS in-game

GPU Software:

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience: Alt + R overlay
  • AMD Radeon: Ctrl + Shift + O
  • Shows FPS, temps, usage

What Good FPS Looks Like

Target Framerates:

  • 30 FPS: Playable (minimum)
  • 45 FPS: Smooth-ish
  • 60 FPS: Smooth (target)
  • 90+ FPS: Very smooth
  • 120+ FPS: Excellent (high refresh rate monitors)

Monitor Refresh Rate Matters:

  • 60Hz monitor = 60 FPS max visible
  • 144Hz monitor = can see up to 144 FPS
  • Match FPS target to monitor

Troubleshooting Checklist

If Still Getting Poor FPS

Go Through This List:

  • Drivers updated (GPU, chipset)
  • Game files verified on Steam
  • Background apps closed
  • Windows performance mode enabled
  • Power plan set to High Performance
  • In-game settings optimized
  • GPU control panel configured
  • Windows Game DVR disabled
  • Enshrouded set to use dedicated GPU
  • Adequate disk space (60GB+ free)
  • Game on SSD (if possible)
  • System not overheating (check temps)
  • No malware/viruses running
  • Latest Windows updates installed

If All Above Done:

  • Your system may be below minimum specs
  • Consider hardware upgrade
  • Or accept lower FPS/settings
  • Game is demanding

Hardware Upgrade Suggestions

Biggest Performance Improvements

Priority Order for Upgrades:

  1. GPU (Graphics Card) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    • Biggest FPS impact
    • Most important upgrade
    • Target: RTX 3060 or RX 6600 minimum

  2. RAM (if under 16GB) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    • 16GB minimum required
    • 32GB recommended
    • Prevents stuttering

  3. SSD (if on HDD) ⭐⭐⭐

    • Reduces loading times
    • Eliminates loading stutters
    • Big quality of life

  4. CPU (if very old) ⭐⭐

    • If 6+ years old
    • Modern 6-core minimum
    • Helps with physics/AI

  5. Monitor (if upgrading GPU) ⭐

    • 144Hz+ to see high FPS
    • Only if GPU can push frames
    • Quality of life upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my FPS lower than expected?

Check GPU usage in Task Manager. If not at 90-100%, something is bottlenecking (CPU, RAM, or settings too high). If GPU at 100%, lower graphics settings.

Should I use V-Sync?

Generally no for competitive play - adds input lag. Use G-Sync/FreeSync if available. V-Sync can help if screen tearing bothers you.

Does resolution matter?

Yes! Native resolution is best for image quality. Lowering resolution boosts FPS significantly but looks blurry. Adjust graphics settings first.

My laptop runs hot and throttles, what do?

Use a cooling pad, clean dust from vents, lower power-intensive settings (shadows, fog), play in cool room, consider repasting thermal paste.

Can I play on integrated graphics?

Unlikely at playable framerates. Game requires 6GB VRAM. Integrated GPUs usually have 128MB-1GB. Dedicated GPU strongly recommended.

Conclusion

Optimizing FPS in Enshrouded involves multiple steps, from simple driver updates to comprehensive system configuration. By following this guide systematically, most players can achieve significant performance improvements.

Quick Checklist:

  • ✅ Update GPU drivers - #1 priority
  • ✅ Verify game files - fix corruption
  • ✅ Close background apps - free resources
  • ✅ Lower fog/shadows - biggest FPS gain
  • ✅ Windows performance mode - system optimization
  • ✅ GPU control panel - max performance
  • ✅ Check system specs - meet minimum?

Remember: Balance graphics vs performance for your system!

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🔄 Last updated: November 16, 2025