Helldivers 2 pushes both action and hardware, so tuning the graphics settings makes a real difference. Many players want smooth gameplay without losing too much visual detail. The best way to boost performance is to lower particle, reflection, and volumetric cloud quality, since these settings have the biggest impact on frame rate.
Those with stronger PCs can keep most options on high or ultra, but even then, small tweaks can improve stability. Adjusting shadows, fog, and anti-aliasing can help balance visuals and speed. Choosing the right resolution scale also matters, since it can either sharpen the image or free up system resources.
By setting up the game correctly, anyone can avoid stutter during big fights and keep the action steady. The right mix of settings ensures that the focus stays on the mission, not the frame drops.
Helldivers 2 Graphics Settings Guide
Optimize Visuals & Performance
🖥️ System Requirements (for context)
Minimum (30–60 FPS at Low)
- CPU: Intel i7-4790 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD RX 470
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: SSD, 100 GB
Recommended (60+ FPS at High/Ultra)
- CPU: Intel i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 6600 XT
- RAM: 16 GB
⚙️ Best Settings for Performance
If you want higher FPS (especially on mid-range PCs):
- Display Mode:Â Fullscreen (best stability)
- Resolution:Â Native monitor resolution (lower if struggling with FPS)
- Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS): On (set to Quality for balance, Performance if you need more FPS)
- V-Sync:Â Off (unless you see screen tearing)
- Frame Rate Cap:Â Match your monitor refresh rate (e.g., 60/120/144 Hz)
Graphics Settings to Lower:
- Shadows:Â Medium or Low (biggest FPS boost)
- Volumetric Fog:Â Low (saves GPU power)
- Ambient Occlusion:Â Off/Low
- Motion Blur & Film Grain:Â Off (personal preference + clarity)
- Depth of Field:Â Off (sharper visuals in combat)
🎨 Best Settings for Visual Quality
If you prioritize cinematic visuals and have a strong GPU:
- Textures:Â Ultra (if you have >8GB VRAM)
- Shadows:Â High
- Volumetric Fog:Â Medium/High (adds atmosphere)
- Ambient Occlusion:Â High
- Anti-Aliasing:Â TAA or DLSS Quality
- Anisotropic Filtering:Â 16x
This keeps the game looking sharp and immersive while still maintaining smooth performance on high-end rigs.
🔄 Balanced Settings (Performance + Visuals)
For most players (mid/high-end GPUs like RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT):
- Textures:Â High
- Shadows:Â Medium
- Volumetric Fog:Â Medium
- Ambient Occlusion:Â Medium
- Anti-Aliasing:Â DLSS/FSR Quality
- Post-Processing:Â Medium
- Motion Blur/Film Grain:Â Off
- Anisotropic Filtering:Â 8x
This setup delivers smooth 60–100 FPS while keeping the game visually impressive.
🛠️ Extra Optimization Tips
- Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD release Helldivers 2-specific optimizations).
- Close background apps (Discord overlays, browsers, etc.).
- Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows (if supported).
- Use SSD storage – reduces loading times and stutter.
âś… Summary
- For max FPS: Lower shadows, fog, and ambient occlusion; enable DLSS/FSR.
- For best visuals: Max textures, shadows, and fog, but expect lower FPS.
- For balanced play: Stick to medium settings with DLSS Quality.
This way, you can tailor Helldivers 2 to your rig—whether you want buttery-smooth gameplay or cinematic visuals.
Key Takeaways
- Lower heavy effects for smoother gameplay
- Balance visuals and speed with small tweaks
- Use resolution scaling carefully for best results
Helldivers 2 Graphics Presets (Low / Medium / High / Ultra)
| Setting | Low (Max FPS) | Medium (Balanced) | High (Quality + Smooth) | Ultra (Cinematic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Mode | Fullscreen | Fullscreen | Fullscreen | Fullscreen |
| Resolution | 1080p (or lower if needed) | 1080p / 1440p | 1440p | 1440p / 4K |
| Upscaling (DLSS/FSR) | Performance | Quality | Quality | Off (or DLSS Quality at 4K) |
| Textures | Low | Medium | High | Ultra (8GB+ VRAM) |
| Shadows | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
| Volumetric Fog | Low | Medium | Medium/High | High |
| Ambient Occlusion | Off | Medium | High | High |
| Anti-Aliasing | FSR/DLSS Performance | DLSS/FSR Quality | TAA or DLSS Quality | TAA (native res) |
| Anisotropic Filtering | 2x | 8x | 16x | 16x |
| Post-Processing | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
| Motion Blur | Off | Off | Off | On (cinematic look) |
| Film Grain | Off | Off | Off | On (cinematic look) |
| Depth of Field | Off | Off | On (optional) | On |
| Frame Rate Cap | Uncapped | 60–120 FPS | 120+ FPS (if monitor supports) | 60 FPS cap for cinematic |
🖥️ Recommended Use Cases
- Low: Older GPUs (GTX 1050 Ti / RX 470) → smooth 60+ FPS at 1080p.
- Medium: Mid-range GPUs (RTX 2060 / RX 6600 XT) → balanced 60–100 FPS at 1080p/1440p.
- High: Strong GPUs (RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT) → sharp visuals + 80–120 FPS at 1440p.
- Ultra: High-end GPUs (RTX 4080 / RX 7900 XTX) → max visuals at 4K, ~60–100 FPS.
âś… Summary:
- Use Low/Medium if you want smoother gameplay on budget/mid PCs.
- Use High/Ultra if you have a powerful rig and want cinematic visuals.
- Always tweak Shadows, Fog, and Upscaling first—they have the biggest impact on FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helldivers 2 offers a wide range of graphics options that affect both performance and image quality. Players can adjust system-level settings, in-game resolution, and advanced effects to balance smooth frame rates with clear visuals.
What are the recommended system requirements for optimal graphics in Helldivers 2?
The game runs best on a modern CPU with at least 6 cores and a GPU in the RTX 3060 or RX 6600 range or higher. For stable high settings, 16GB of RAM and an SSD are recommended. A stronger GPU such as an RTX 4070 or better allows for higher resolutions and smoother frame rates.
How can I adjust the resolution and aspect ratio in Helldivers 2 to best fit my monitor?
Players can change resolution and aspect ratio in the display settings menu. Using the monitor’s native resolution ensures the sharpest image. For widescreen or ultrawide monitors, the game automatically supports common aspect ratios without stretching. Lowering resolution can increase performance if needed.
Are there advanced graphics options available in Helldivers 2 to enhance visual effects?
Yes, the game includes settings such as shadow quality, reflections, volumetric fog, lighting, and particle effects. These options allow fine control over how detailed or simplified the visuals appear. Most of these settings have a direct impact on performance, especially shadows and particles.
Can I enable anti-aliasing in Helldivers 2, and what impact does it have on performance?
Anti-aliasing can be enabled in the graphics menu. It smooths jagged edges and improves clarity but reduces frame rates by a small margin. Most players keep it on since the performance trade-off is minor compared to the visual benefit.
Is there a way to improve frame rates in Helldivers 2 without significantly compromising visual quality?
Lowering the render scale provides the largest performance boost while keeping the game playable. Setting shadows, reflections, and fog to low also helps without major loss of clarity. Disabling motion blur and depth of field improves both performance and visibility.
Does Helldivers 2 support real-time ray tracing or HDR, and how do I enable these features?
Helldivers 2 does not currently support ray tracing. HDR is supported on compatible displays and can be enabled through Windows display settings and the in-game video menu. Players must use a monitor or TV with HDR capability for the option to appear.
