Why Does Elden Ring Run Like Dogshit? Troubleshooting Performance Issues

Why Does Elden Ring Run Like Dogshit? Elden Ring’s performance issues are a common frustration for many players, but understanding the underlying causes can help you implement effective solutions. At WHY.EDU.VN, we delve into the technical aspects and offer practical advice to optimize your gaming experience, addressing frame rate drops, stuttering, and other performance-related problems so you can effectively troubleshoot the game. Let’s explore various performance fixes, graphics settings, and system requirements, and resolve compatibility issues, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay.

1. Understanding Elden Ring’s Performance Problems

Elden Ring, despite its critical acclaim, has been plagued by performance issues since its launch. These problems manifest as stuttering, frame rate drops, and overall poor optimization, affecting even high-end PCs. Let’s examine the underlying causes and common manifestations of these issues.

1.1. Common Performance Issues in Elden Ring

Stuttering: This is one of the most prevalent issues, characterized by brief pauses or hitches in the game, making movement and combat feel jerky.
Frame Rate Drops: Sudden and significant drops in the number of frames displayed per second, leading to a choppy and unresponsive experience.
Inconsistent Performance: Fluctuations in frame rate, where the game runs smoothly at times but suffers from performance drops at others.
Graphical Glitches: Visual artifacts or anomalies that detract from the game’s aesthetic appeal and can sometimes hinder gameplay.
Long Loading Times: Extended periods waiting for levels or areas to load, interrupting the flow of the game.

1.2. Technical Reasons for Poor Performance

Several technical factors contribute to Elden Ring’s performance woes.

Optimization Issues: Poorly optimized game code can lead to inefficient use of system resources, resulting in performance bottlenecks.
DirectX 12 Implementation: Elden Ring uses DirectX 12, which, while capable of delivering high-quality graphics, can be demanding and may not be fully optimized for all hardware configurations.
Shader Compilation: The game’s shader compilation process, which occurs when new areas or effects are loaded, can cause stuttering, especially on the first playthrough.
CPU Bottleneck: Elden Ring tends to be CPU-intensive, meaning that the processor can become a limiting factor, especially in systems with older or less powerful CPUs.
Driver Incompatibilities: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can lead to performance issues and graphical glitches.
Memory Leaks: Memory leaks, where the game fails to properly release memory, can cause performance degradation over time.

1.3. System Requirements vs. Actual Performance

Elden Ring’s system requirements, both minimum and recommended, provide a baseline for what hardware should be capable of running the game. However, actual performance can vary significantly.

Specification	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Operating System	Windows 10	Windows 10/11
Processor	Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X	Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Memory	12 GB RAM	16 GB RAM
Graphics Card	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB or AMD Radeon RX 580, 4 GB	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, 8 GB
DirectX	Version 12	Version 12
Storage	60 GB available space	60 GB available space

Even systems that meet or exceed the recommended requirements can experience performance issues, indicating that the game’s optimization is a significant factor. Factors like background processes, driver versions, and specific hardware configurations can also influence performance, making it difficult to predict how well the game will run based solely on the system requirements.

2. Optimizing Your PC for Elden Ring

To mitigate Elden Ring’s performance issues, optimizing your PC is essential. This involves updating drivers, adjusting graphics settings, and tweaking system configurations to ensure the game runs as smoothly as possible.

2.1. Updating Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of performance problems. Updating to the latest drivers can often resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.

NVIDIA: Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page.
AMD: Obtain the latest drivers from the AMD Drivers and Support page.
Intel: Get the latest drivers from the Intel Driver & Support Assistant page.

After downloading the drivers, follow the installation instructions provided by the respective manufacturer.

2.2. Adjusting In-Game Graphics Settings

Tweaking the in-game graphics settings can significantly impact performance. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and frame rate.

Graphics Quality: Lowering the overall graphics quality setting can improve performance, with options like “Low,” “Medium,” and “High” available.
Texture Quality: Reducing texture quality can free up VRAM and improve frame rates, especially on systems with less powerful GPUs.
Shadow Quality: Shadows are computationally intensive. Lowering shadow quality or disabling them can provide a noticeable performance boost.
Effects Quality: Reducing the quality of visual effects like explosions and spells can improve performance during intense combat situations.
Resolution: Playing at a lower resolution can significantly increase frame rates, but it may also reduce visual clarity.
Anti-Aliasing: Disabling or reducing anti-aliasing can improve performance, as it reduces the workload on the GPU.

Here’s a table of Elden Ring’s graphics settings and their impact on performance:

Setting	Impact on Performance	Description
Graphics Quality	High	Overall setting that adjusts multiple graphics options simultaneously.
Texture Quality	High	Affects the clarity and detail of textures in the game.
Shadow Quality	High	Determines the detail and rendering quality of shadows.
Effects Quality	Medium	Controls the complexity and detail of visual effects like explosions and magic spells.
Resolution	High	Sets the screen resolution, affecting the sharpness and clarity of the image.
Anti-Aliasing	Medium	Reduces jagged edges on objects, making the image smoother.
SSAO	Medium	Simulates ambient lighting, adding depth and realism to the scene.
Depth of Field	Low	Blurs distant objects, creating a sense of depth.
Motion Blur	Low	Creates a blurring effect on moving objects, adding to the sense of speed.

2.3. Configuring Windows for Optimal Performance

Optimizing Windows settings can also help improve Elden Ring’s performance.

Game Mode: Enable Game Mode in Windows Settings (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode) to prioritize system resources for gaming.
Graphics Settings: In Windows Settings (Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings), set Elden Ring to use the High Performance graphics card.
Background Processes: Close unnecessary background processes and applications to free up system resources.
Power Plan: Set your power plan to “High Performance” to ensure your system is running at its maximum potential (Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options).
Disable Fullscreen Optimization: Right-click the Elden Ring executable, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check “Disable Fullscreen Optimizations.” This can sometimes resolve performance issues related to fullscreen mode.
Adjust Virtual Memory: Increase virtual memory to prevent memory-related crashes and improve overall stability (Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change).

2.4. Hardware Upgrades to Improve Performance

If software optimizations are insufficient, upgrading your hardware may be necessary.

Graphics Card: Upgrading to a more powerful graphics card can significantly improve performance, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings.
CPU: If your CPU is a bottleneck, upgrading to a newer or more powerful processor can help improve frame rates and reduce stuttering.
RAM: Increasing RAM can improve overall system performance and reduce loading times.
SSD: Installing the game on an SSD can significantly reduce loading times and improve overall responsiveness.

3. Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

For persistent performance issues, advanced troubleshooting techniques may be required. These methods involve analyzing system performance, modifying game files, and using third-party tools to optimize Elden Ring.

3.1. Monitoring System Performance

Monitoring system performance can help identify bottlenecks and pinpoint the cause of performance issues.

Task Manager: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage.
Resource Monitor: Resource Monitor (type “resmon” in the Start Menu) provides a more detailed view of system resource usage.
GPU Monitoring Tools: Use tools like MSI Afterburner or NVIDIA GeForce Experience to monitor GPU temperature, clock speed, and memory usage.

By observing system performance during gameplay, you can identify which components are being stressed and take appropriate action.

3.2. Verifying Game File Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can cause performance issues. Verifying the integrity of the game files can resolve these problems.

Steam: In Steam, right-click Elden Ring in your library, go to Properties > Local Files, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Other Platforms: Follow the instructions provided by the respective platform to verify game file integrity.

This process will scan the game files and replace any that are missing or corrupted.

3.3. Modifying Game Configuration Files

Modifying the game’s configuration files can sometimes improve performance, but it should be done with caution, as incorrect changes can cause instability.

Graphics Settings: Locate the game’s configuration file (usually in the game’s installation directory or in the user’s AppData folder) and adjust graphics settings manually.
Disable Unnecessary Features: Disable unnecessary features like motion blur or depth of field in the configuration file to improve performance.
Increase Priority: Set the game’s process priority to “High” in Task Manager to give it more system resources (right-click the Elden Ring process, go to Details, right-click the process again, and set Priority to “High”).

Always back up the configuration file before making any changes, and research the effects of each modification before applying it.

3.4. Using Third-Party Optimization Tools

Several third-party tools can help optimize Elden Ring’s performance.

Process Lasso: This tool allows you to manage CPU affinity and priority, preventing processes from monopolizing system resources.
Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS): RTSS can be used to limit the game’s frame rate, which can reduce stuttering and improve stability.
Special K: This mod provides advanced performance monitoring and tweaking options, allowing you to fine-tune the game’s graphics settings.

Use these tools with caution, and research their effects before applying any changes.

3.5. Addressing Shader Compilation Stutter

Shader compilation stutter is a common issue in Elden Ring, especially on the first playthrough. Several methods can mitigate this problem.

Shader Pre-Caching: Some users report that running through areas multiple times allows the game to cache shaders, reducing stutter in subsequent playthroughs.
Manual Shader Caching: Tools like DXVK can be used to manually cache shaders, reducing stuttering.
Driver-Level Shader Caching: Enable driver-level shader caching in your graphics driver settings to improve shader compilation performance.

Addressing shader compilation stutter can significantly improve the smoothness of the game.

alt: Elden Ring stuttering is frustrating, but fixable with optimized PC settings.

4. Elden Ring Specific Issues and Solutions

Certain performance issues are specific to Elden Ring and require targeted solutions. These include problems related to DirectX 12 implementation, CPU utilization, and memory management.

4.1. DirectX 12 Compatibility

Elden Ring’s use of DirectX 12 can cause compatibility issues on some systems.

Update DirectX: Ensure you have the latest version of DirectX installed.
Driver Support: Use graphics drivers that are fully compatible with DirectX 12.
Disable DX12 Features: In some cases, disabling certain DirectX 12 features in the game’s configuration file can improve performance.
Run in DX11: Though not officially supported, some users have found success running the game through DX11 using compatibility layers or mods.

4.2. High CPU Usage

Elden Ring is known to be CPU-intensive, which can lead to performance bottlenecks.

Reduce Background Processes: Close unnecessary background processes to free up CPU resources.
CPU Affinity: Set the game’s CPU affinity to use only certain cores, which can sometimes improve performance (Task Manager > Details > Right-click Elden Ring > Set Affinity).
Upgrade CPU: If your CPU is significantly underpowered, upgrading to a newer or more powerful processor may be necessary.
Optimize CPU Usage: In the BIOS settings, ensure that CPU-related settings such as XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) are enabled for optimal performance.

4.3. Memory Leak Solutions

Memory leaks can cause performance degradation over time, as the game fails to properly release memory.

Restart Game: Periodically restart the game to clear memory leaks.
Increase Virtual Memory: Increase the size of your virtual memory to provide more space for the game to use (Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change).
Update Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date, as memory leaks can sometimes be caused by driver issues.
Monitor Memory Usage: Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to monitor memory usage and identify any potential leaks.

4.4. Addressing Input Lag

Input lag can make the game feel unresponsive, even with high frame rates.

Disable V-Sync: Disabling V-Sync can reduce input lag, but it may also cause screen tearing.
Use Low Latency Mode: Enable Low Latency Mode in your graphics driver settings (NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D settings > Low Latency Mode).
Reduce Pre-Rendered Frames: Reduce the number of pre-rendered frames in your graphics driver settings to minimize input lag.
Optimize Mouse Settings: Ensure your mouse settings are optimized for gaming, including disabling mouse acceleration and setting the polling rate to 1000Hz.

Here’s a summary table of Elden Ring-specific issues and their solutions:

Issue	Solution
DirectX 12 Issues	Update DirectX, ensure driver support, disable DX12 features, or try running in DX11 via compatibility layers.
High CPU Usage	Reduce background processes, set CPU affinity, upgrade CPU, optimize CPU usage in BIOS settings.
Memory Leaks	Restart game periodically, increase virtual memory, update drivers, monitor memory usage.
Input Lag	Disable V-Sync, use Low Latency Mode, reduce pre-rendered frames, optimize mouse settings.
Shader Compilation	Shader Pre-Caching, Manual Shader Caching, Driver-Level Shader Caching.

alt: Elden Ring performance can be improved by tweaking CPU settings.

5. Community Fixes and Workarounds

The Elden Ring community has been active in finding and sharing fixes and workarounds for performance issues. These solutions can be valuable for addressing problems that may not have official fixes.

5.1. Popular Community-Developed Fixes

Seamless Windowed Mode: Running the game in seamless windowed mode can sometimes improve performance and stability. This can be achieved using third-party tools like Borderless Gaming.
Configuration File Tweaks: Community members have discovered various tweaks to the game’s configuration files that can improve performance, such as disabling certain graphical features or adjusting memory allocation.
Modding Tools: Mods like the Elden Ring Reforged mod can sometimes improve performance by optimizing game mechanics and reducing resource usage.
Custom Shaders: Some community members have created custom shaders that can improve performance by reducing the complexity of visual effects.

5.2. How to Find and Apply Community Fixes

Online Forums: Check online forums like Reddit’s r/Eldenring or Steam’s Elden Ring discussions for community-developed fixes and workarounds.
YouTube Tutorials: Search YouTube for tutorials on how to apply community fixes to Elden Ring.
Nexus Mods: Visit Nexus Mods to find and download mods that can improve performance.
Caution: Always exercise caution when applying community fixes, as they may not be officially supported and could potentially cause instability or other issues.

5.3. Potential Risks of Unofficial Patches

While community fixes can be helpful, there are also potential risks to consider.

Instability: Unofficial patches may not be thoroughly tested and could cause instability or crashes.
Compatibility Issues: Community fixes may not be compatible with future game updates, which could lead to conflicts or other issues.
Security Risks: Downloading files from unofficial sources can pose security risks, as they may contain malware or other malicious software.
Game Integrity: Applying unofficial patches could potentially violate the game’s terms of service and lead to account bans.

Always back up your game files before applying any unofficial patches, and research the potential risks before proceeding.

6. Addressing Specific Hardware Configurations

Performance issues in Elden Ring can vary depending on your hardware configuration. Addressing specific hardware configurations can help optimize the game for your system.

6.1. AMD vs. NVIDIA GPUs

Elden Ring’s performance can differ between AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.

NVIDIA:
- Ensure you have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed.
- Enable NVIDIA’s Low Latency Mode in the NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Adjust shader cache size in the NVIDIA Control Panel.
AMD:
- Ensure you have the latest AMD drivers installed.
- Enable AMD’s Anti-Lag feature in the AMD Radeon Settings.
- Adjust texture filtering quality in the AMD Radeon Settings.
General:
- Monitor GPU temperature and clock speed to ensure your GPU is not throttling.
- Experiment with different graphics settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance.

6.2. Intel vs. AMD CPUs

Elden Ring’s performance can also vary between Intel and AMD CPUs.

Intel:
- Ensure your CPU drivers are up to date.
- Enable Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology in the BIOS settings.
- Monitor CPU temperature to ensure it is not overheating.
AMD:
- Ensure your chipset drivers are up to date.
- Enable AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive in the BIOS settings.
- Monitor CPU temperature to ensure it is not overheating.
General:
- Close unnecessary background processes to free up CPU resources.
- Set the game’s CPU affinity to use only certain cores (Task Manager > Details > Right-click Elden Ring > Set Affinity).

6.3. Optimizing for Laptops vs. Desktops

Laptops and desktops have different thermal and power constraints, which can affect Elden Ring’s performance.

Laptops:
- Ensure your laptop is plugged in and set to the “High Performance” power plan.
- Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures to ensure they are not overheating.
- Use a cooling pad to improve thermal performance.
- Close unnecessary background processes to free up system resources.
Desktops:
- Ensure your CPU and GPU are properly cooled.
- Overclock your CPU and GPU (if possible) to improve performance.
- Close unnecessary background processes to free up system resources.
- Optimize your system for gaming using the tips and tricks outlined in this guide.

7. Contacting Support and Reporting Issues

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting options and are still experiencing performance issues, contacting support and reporting the issues can help bring them to the attention of the developers.

7.1. How to Contact Elden Ring Support

Bandai Namco Support: Visit the Bandai Namco Support website and submit a support ticket.
Steam Forums: Post your issue on the Steam Forums for Elden Ring.
Social Media: Reach out to Bandai Namco on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook.

7.2. Information to Include in Your Report

System Specifications: Provide detailed information about your system specifications, including CPU, GPU, RAM, and operating system.
Graphics Settings: List the graphics settings you are using in the game.
Detailed Description: Provide a detailed description of the issue you are experiencing, including when it occurs and any error messages you receive.
Steps to Reproduce: If possible, provide steps to reproduce the issue.
Screenshots/Videos: Include screenshots or videos of the issue to help illustrate the problem.

7.3. Importance of Detailed Feedback

Providing detailed feedback can help the developers identify and address performance issues more effectively.

Specificity: Be as specific as possible when describing the issue you are experiencing.
Context: Provide context about when and where the issue occurs.
Reproducibility: If possible, provide steps to reproduce the issue.
Impact: Describe the impact of the issue on your gameplay experience.

By providing detailed feedback, you can help improve Elden Ring’s performance for yourself and other players.

alt: Contacting Elden Ring support can help resolve performance issues.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8.1. Why is Elden Ring Stuttering on My PC?

Elden Ring stuttering can be due to several factors, including shader compilation, CPU bottlenecks, outdated drivers, and memory leaks. Solutions include updating drivers, optimizing in-game graphics settings, and using third-party tools to manage CPU usage.

8.2. How Can I Improve Elden Ring’s Frame Rate?

To improve Elden Ring’s frame rate, lower graphics settings, update drivers, close unnecessary background processes, and consider upgrading your graphics card or CPU.

8.3. What Are the Best Graphics Settings for Elden Ring?

The best graphics settings for Elden Ring depend on your system specifications. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and frame rate. Start by lowering shadow quality, texture quality, and effects quality.

8.4. Does Elden Ring Have Memory Leak Issues?

Yes, Elden Ring can suffer from memory leak issues, which can cause performance degradation over time. Restarting the game periodically and increasing virtual memory can help mitigate this problem.

8.5. How Do I Update My Graphics Drivers for Elden Ring?

To update your graphics drivers, visit the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website and download the latest drivers for your GPU. Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

8.6. Is Elden Ring CPU or GPU Intensive?

Elden Ring is both CPU and GPU intensive. A powerful CPU is needed to handle game logic and AI, while a capable GPU is required to render the game’s graphics.

8.7. Can I Run Elden Ring on My Laptop?

Whether you can run Elden Ring on your laptop depends on your laptop’s specifications. Ensure your laptop meets the minimum system requirements and optimize your system for gaming by closing unnecessary background processes and using a cooling pad.

8.8. What Is Shader Compilation and Why Does It Cause Stuttering?

Shader compilation is the process of converting shader code into machine code that can be executed by the GPU. This process can cause stuttering, especially on the first playthrough, as the game compiles shaders for new areas and effects.

8.9. How Can I Prevent Elden Ring from Crashing?

To prevent Elden Ring from crashing, ensure your system meets the recommended system requirements, update your drivers, verify the integrity of the game files, and close unnecessary background processes.

8.10. Where Can I Find Community Fixes for Elden Ring?

You can find community fixes for Elden Ring on online forums like Reddit’s r/Eldenring, Steam’s Elden Ring discussions, and Nexus Mods.

9. Conclusion: Mastering Elden Ring Performance

Why does Elden Ring run like dogshit? Optimizing Elden Ring for peak performance requires a multifaceted approach. From updating graphics drivers and tweaking in-game settings to employing advanced troubleshooting techniques and leveraging community fixes, addressing performance issues ensures a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. Always monitor your system’s performance to identify bottlenecks, and don’t hesitate to reach out to support or the community for assistance.

Remember, the key to mastering Elden Ring’s performance lies in understanding the underlying causes of performance issues and implementing targeted solutions. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can overcome performance problems and fully immerse yourself in the captivating world of Elden Ring.

Are you still struggling with Elden Ring’s performance or have other burning questions? Visit why.edu.vn today and ask our experts! Our team is ready to provide detailed, accurate answers to all your questions. Contact us at 101 Curiosity Lane, Answer Town, CA 90210, United States. Or reach out via WhatsApp at +1 (213) 555-0101.

alt: Smooth Elden Ring gameplay is achievable with optimal PC configuration.