How to Fix High FPS Physics Issues in Fallout 4 – Fallout 4, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is renowned for its expansive open world and immersive gameplay. However, players occasionally encounter issues where high FPS (frames per second) affects the game’s physics, leading to bizarre glitches and inconsistencies. If you’re experiencing these issues, this guide will walk you through solutions to fix high FPS physics problems in Fallout 4, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

About High FPS Physics Issues

High FPS issues occur when the game’s physics engine doesn’t synchronize properly with the frame rate. This can lead to problems such as:

• Object Tearing: Items or objects appearing to tear or stretch unrealistically.
• Character Glitches: Characters experiencing erratic movement or floating.
• World Instability: Environmental elements, like NPCs or terrain, behaving erratically.
• These issues arise because Fallout 4’s physics engine was not originally designed to handle very high frame rates, causing it to struggle with rendering physics accurately when FPS exceeds typical levels.

How to Fix High FPS Physics Issues in Fallout 4

1. Limit Your FPS

One of the most straightforward solutions is to cap your FPS. By doing this, you ensure that the game runs at a stable rate that the physics engine can handle efficiently.

Using the Fallout 4 Configuration File:

• Navigate to Documents/My Games/Fallout4.
• Open the Fallout4Prefs.ini file with a text editor.
• Add or edit the line iFPSClamp=60 (replace 60 with your desired FPS limit).

Using Graphics Card Software:

• NVIDIA: Open NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D settings,” and set “Max Frame Rate” for Fallout 4.
• AMD: Open AMD Radeon Settings, go to the “Gaming” tab, and set “Frame Rate Target Control” for Fallout 4.

2. Adjust the Physics Timestep

The physics timestep controls how often the physics engine updates. If set too high, it can lead to inconsistencies at high FPS.

Modifying Fallout 4’s Config File:

• Navigate to Documents/My Games/Fallout4.
• Open the Fallout4.ini file with a text editor.
• Add or modify the line fPhysicsTimeStep=0.033 (default is approximately 0.0167).
• Adjusting this value ensures that the physics engine updates more consistently with your frame rate.

3. Disable V-Sync

V-Sync (vertical sync) synchronizes the frame rate of the game with your monitor’s refresh rate. While it can help with screen tearing, it might also interfere with physics calculations at high FPS.

Disabling V-Sync in Fallout 4:

• Open Fallout4Prefs.ini located in Documents/My Games/Fallout4.
• Find iPresentInterval=1 and change it to iPresentInterval=0.
• Disabling V-Sync can help improve physics consistency at higher frame rates.

4. Use Fallout 4 Performance Mods

The Fallout 4 modding community has created several mods that address physics and performance issues. These mods can optimize the game’s physics engine and improve stability.

Recommended Mods:

• “Physics and Stability Enhancer”: This mod helps to balance physics calculations and improve performance.
• “Fallout 4 Performance Mods”: A collection of mods designed to enhance game performance and fix various issues.
• To install mods, use a mod manager like Nexus Mod Manager or Vortex, and follow the instructions provided by the mod creators.

5. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

Sometimes, lowering certain graphics settings can alleviate physics issues related to high FPS. By reducing the load on your system, you can help stabilize the physics engine.

Recommended Settings:

• Texture Quality: Lowering texture quality can reduce the load on your GPU and help with stability.
• Shadow Quality: Reducing shadow quality can prevent issues with object rendering.
• Draw Distance: Lower the draw distance to reduce the strain on the game’s physics engine.

6. Check for Game Updates

Bethesda periodically releases updates and patches for Fallout 4 that address various bugs and performance issues. Ensure that your game is up to date, as these updates can include fixes for high FPS physics problems.

How to Update:

• For Steam Users: Steam will automatically update your game. Ensure that you have automatic updates enabled.
• For Bethesda Launcher Users: Check for updates through the launcher’s update section.

7. Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can exacerbate performance issues. Verifying your game files can fix any corruption and ensure that all necessary files are intact.

For Steam Users:

• Go to your Steam Library, right-click on Fallout 4, and select “Properties.”
• Navigate to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

For Bethesda Launcher Users:

Open the Bethesda Launcher, go to the “Library” tab, right-click on Fallout 4, and select “Repair.”

8. Upgrade Your Hardware

If you continue to experience high FPS physics issues despite trying all the above solutions, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. A more powerful GPU, additional RAM, or a faster CPU can help handle the demands of high FPS more effectively.

Recommended Upgrades:

Graphics Card: Upgrading to a more recent model can improve performance and stability.
RAM: Increasing your system RAM can help with overall game performance.
CPU: A more powerful CPU can better manage high FPS and complex physics calculations.

Conclusion

High FPS physics issues in Fallout 4 can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can address and resolve these problems effectively. Whether it’s adjusting configuration files, using performance mods, or considering hardware upgrades, there are multiple ways to ensure a smoother and more stable gaming experience.

Optimizing your game for high FPS not only enhances gameplay but also ensures that you get the most out of the richly detailed world of Fallout 4. By applying these fixes, you can eliminate glitches and enjoy a more immersive and stable experience in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.