Your Payday 3 framerate tanks during assault waves. The GPU sits at 50 percent usage while enemies teleport across the screen. You have an RTX 4070 but the game feels like it is running on integrated graphics.
This guide shows the best Payday 3 settings for FPS on Windows. You will learn the one launch parameter that doubles performance, which graphics settings actually matter, how upscaling technologies compare, and advanced config file tweaks that unlock hidden performance.
Best Payday 3 Settings for FPS: The DirectX 12 Revolution
One launch parameter doubles frame rates. These settings optimize the rest.
Enable DirectX 12 Launch Parameter
Payday 3 defaults to DirectX 11 which creates a massive CPU bottleneck. One launch command unlocks 40 to 100 percent more FPS by spreading draw calls across all CPU cores.
Steam: Right click Payday 3 > Properties > Launch Options > Type -dx12
Epic Games Store: Settings > Scroll to Payday 3 > Additional Command Line Arguments > Type -dx12
Xbox App: Create desktop shortcut for PAYDAY3-Win64-Shipping.exe > Properties > Add -dx12 to Target field
DirectX 11 vs DirectX 12 Performance Comparison
Graphics Settings Impact Analysis
Not all settings affect performance equally. Shadows dominate the frame time budget while some settings barely register. This breakdown ranks each setting by actual performance impact tested across multiple hardware tiers.
Performance Impact Hierarchy
Ranked by FPS cost from highest to lowest
Upscaling Technologies Comparison
Temporal upscaling renders the game at lower internal resolution then reconstructs the image to your display resolution using AI or advanced algorithms. This is the most effective way to boost FPS on modern hardware without sacrificing visual quality.
Advanced Config File Tweaks
The in game menu hides many performance critical settings. Editing the Engine.ini configuration file exposes console variables that disable expensive effects and unlock additional performance. These tweaks are used by competitive players and are generally safe.
Hardware Tier Recommendations
8+ Core CPU / 16GB+ RAM
- API DX12
- Shadows Medium
- Effects High
- Textures Ultra
- Upscaling DLSS Quality
- Frame Gen On (40 series)
- Target FPS 120+ locked
6 Core CPU / 16GB RAM
- API DX12
- Shadows Low
- Effects Medium
- Textures High
- Upscaling DLSS/FSR Quality
- Config Disable fog
- Target FPS 90+ stable
4 Core CPU / 8GB RAM
- API DX12
- All Settings Low
- Textures Medium
- Upscaling FSR/XeSS Quality
- Config All tweaks
- Resolution 1080p
- Target FPS 60+ playable
800p Display
- API DX12 Critical
- Resolution 1280×800
- All Settings Low
- Upscaling FSR Balanced
- Config Disable fog + SSR
- FPS Cap 40 Hz mode
- Target FPS 40+ stable
Performance vs Network Issues
Payday 3 is an always online game. Many players confuse network lag with graphics performance problems. If enemies teleport or lock picking delays, that is server latency, not FPS. Graphics settings will not fix rubberbanding.
Enable the in game performance overlay to diagnose correctly. If frame time spikes, you have a graphics or CPU problem that settings can fix. If ping spikes or you see packet loss icons, you have a network issue that requires router troubleshooting or ISP contact. Do not waste time tweaking graphics for what is actually a connection problem.
DirectX 12 Performance Table
| Hardware Config | API | Avg FPS | 1% Low | GPU Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 + Ryzen 7950X | DX12 | 168 | 110 | 95% | CPU bottleneck resolved |
| RTX 4090 + Ryzen 7950X | DX11 | 88 | 55 | 45% | Severe CPU bottleneck |
| RTX 3070 Ti + Ryzen 5800X | DX12 | 120 | 90 | 98% | Smooth after cache build |
| RTX 3070 Ti + Ryzen 5800X | DX11 | 65 | 30 | 60% | Heavy stuttering in combat |
| RX 6600 XT + Ryzen 3600 | DX12 | 85 | 60 | 99% | Playable and fluid |
| RX 6600 XT + Ryzen 3600 | DX11 | 55 | 40 | 75% | Sluggish response |
Conclusion
Start with the DirectX 12 launch parameter. This single change delivers the largest performance improvement by eliminating the CPU bottleneck that plagues DirectX 11. Accept the first hour of shader compilation stutter as the cache builds. After this period, performance stabilizes dramatically.
For graphics settings, prioritize Shadows on Low as this yields 20 to 30 percent FPS gains. Set Effects to Medium to preserve 1% lows during explosions. Use DLSS Quality if you have an RTX card, FSR Quality for AMD, or XeSS Quality for older hardware. Enable DLSS Frame Generation on RTX 40 and 50 series paired with Reflex for massive high refresh rate gains.
Advanced users should edit Engine.ini to disable volumetric fog and screen space reflections for additional clarity and performance. These config tweaks are safe and widely used in the competitive community. With this optimization hierarchy, Payday 3 transforms from a stuttering mess into a smooth, responsive heist shooter worthy of its legacy.
FAQ
How do I enable DirectX 12 in Payday 3
Right click Payday 3 in your Steam library, select Properties, go to Launch Options, and type -dx12. For Epic Games Store, go to Settings, find Payday 3, enable Additional Command Line Arguments, and add -dx12. This unlocks 40 to 100 percent more FPS by using multi threaded draw calls.
Why does Payday 3 stutter with DirectX 12
DirectX 12 compiles shaders the first time you encounter each visual effect. This causes temporary freezes during the first 1 to 2 hours as the cache builds. After this warm up period, stuttering disappears and performance becomes far smoother than DirectX 11. This is expected behavior, not a bug.
What is the best graphics setting to lower for FPS in Payday 3
Shadows on Low provides the biggest FPS boost, yielding 20 to 30 percent gains. Dynamic shadows render scene geometry multiple times per frame for every light source. During assault waves this multiplies exponentially. Shadows Low is the single most important setting change for performance.
Should I use DLSS or FSR in Payday 3
Use DLSS Quality if you have an NVIDIA RTX card. DLSS provides superior image quality with better anti aliasing and less shimmering than FSR. For AMD cards or older NVIDIA GTX cards, use FSR Quality. Avoid Balanced or Performance modes at 1080p as internal resolution drops too low.
Does DLSS Frame Generation work in Payday 3
Yes, DLSS 3 Frame Generation was added in the Boys in Blue update and works on RTX 40 and 50 series cards. It effectively doubles frame rates by using AI to generate intermediate frames. Always enable NVIDIA Reflex On + Boost when using Frame Generation to minimize added input latency.
Why is my GPU usage low in Payday 3
Low GPU usage means CPU bottleneck. Payday 3 in DirectX 11 mode uses single threaded draw calls that max out one CPU core while the GPU waits idle. Enable DirectX 12 launch parameter to spread draw calls across all cores and unlock full GPU utilization.
How do I edit Payday 3 config files for better FPS
Navigate to %LocalAppData%\Payday3\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\Engine.ini and open with Notepad. Add r.VolumetricFog=0 and r.Fog=0 under SystemSettings to disable fog for 5 to 10 percent FPS gain. Set the file to Read-only after saving to prevent overwrites.
What causes the Statue of Liberty mask crash in Payday 3
The Statue of Liberty mask from the pre order pack has corrupted mesh or shader data that crashes DirectX 12 instantly. If you or anyone in your lobby wears this specific mask, the game crashes to desktop. Unequip the mask or switch back to DirectX 11 until a patch fixes this asset.
Is Payday 3 optimized for Steam Deck
Payday 3 runs playably on Steam Deck but requires DirectX 12 launch parameter to achieve 40 to 50 FPS. Set resolution to 1280×800, all settings Low, and FSR Balanced. Disable volumetric fog via Engine.ini config file. DirectX 11 drops below 30 FPS during assault waves.
What FPS should I target in Payday 3
Target 90+ FPS with stable 1% lows above 60 FPS for competitive play. Average FPS means nothing if 1% lows drop to 30 during explosions. Use an FPS cap slightly below your average to improve frame pacing. High end systems with DLSS Frame Generation can push 144+ FPS smoothly.
Discord
Instagram
Youtube
TikTok