The highly anticipated release of Starfield on the PC platform has left gamers and enthusiasts with mixed feelings due to initial performance issues, especially for users of the popular GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. Starfield, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, was expected to shine on PCs with its promise of modding support and years of PC gaming history backing it.
Early testers have reported performance struggles with the GeForce RTX 3060 when attempting to maintain a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS) at 1080p low settings. This graphics card, known for its popularity among gamers, has left many puzzled as to why it struggles to handle the game smoothly.
In a video released by zWormz Gaming, it was revealed that even on low settings, the GeForce RTX 3060 fails to stay above 60 FPS. To achieve a frame rate above 60 FPS, testers had to resort to reducing the render resolution to 50%, effectively rendering the game at 540p. While this tweak allowed for a smoother experience, it’s hardly the ideal solution for gamers using a mid-range graphics card like the RTX 3060.
When the render resolution was set to the standard 100%, Starfield’s frame rate dropped to the lower 50s at 1080p low settings, further highlighting the performance challenges on this hardware.
Starfield’s performance concerns began even before its release when it was announced that the game would be capped at 30 FPS on the Xbox Series S|X consoles. The game’s massive scope and intricate RPG mechanics were anticipated to put a strain on CPUs, but even with powerful processors like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, maintaining 60 FPS at 1080p low settings alongside the GeForce RTX 3060 proved to be a challenge.
Tests conducted by Daniel Ownes have shown that even higher-end graphics cards like the AMD RX 6700 XT face difficulties in achieving frame rates above 60 FPS at 1080p high settings without the use of specific rendering technologies.
We are aware of issues with @StarfieldGame on Intel Arc graphics. We are working to improve the experience for the game's general release next week.
— Intel Graphics (@IntelGraphics) August 31, 2023
Additionally, there have been reports of performance issues on Nvidia graphics cards, particularly at ultra settings. The struggles of Starfield don’t end with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards; users of Intel graphics cards, like the Intel Arc A750, have faced compatibility problems. Intel, however, has taken note of these issues and is actively working on a fix, scheduled for the full release next week.
While Bethesda Game Studios is expected to release patches in the coming months to address these performance concerns, it’s undoubtedly a disappointing launch for a game that spent nearly a decade in development.
Despite these early challenges, the Starfield community is looking toward the modding community for potential custom fixes. Enthusiastic fans and modders have already demonstrated promise, with some managing to introduce DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) to the game through a mod, showcasing the community’s dedication and innovation.
As Starfield continues its journey in the gaming world, gamers hope for smoother experiences in the near future, whether through official patches or the creative solutions of the modding community.
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