The primary goal for Apex Legends 240Hz optimization is Frame-Pacing Stability. In 2026, even high-end systems can suffer from “micro-stutters” when the GPU is pushed to its absolute limit. This configuration focuses on disabling Cascaded Shadows (CSM) and Ragdoll Physics, which are the primary culprits for CPU-side frame drops during close-quarters combat.
File Location
The videoconfig.txt file is found in your local saved games folder. Ensure the game and any launchers (Steam/EA) are fully closed:
%USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\Respawn\Apex\local\videoconfig.txt
Technical Configuration (The 2026 “240Hz-Elite” Template)
Open the file with a text editor like Notepad++. Replace the contents within the { } brackets with these values for a pure competitive advantage:
"VideoConfig"
{
"setting.cl_gib_allow" "0"
"setting.cl_particle_fallback_base" "3"
"setting.cl_particle_fallback_multiplier" "2"
"setting.cl_ragdoll_maxcount" "0"
"setting.cl_ragdoll_self_collision" "0"
"setting.mat_forceaniso" "1"
"setting.mat_mip_linear" "0"
"setting.stream_memory" "0" -- 0 is Low; Set to your VRAM (e.g. 8000000 for 8GB) if textures blur
"setting.mat_picmip" "2" -- 2 is Low textures; 0 is High.
"setting.particle_cpu_level" "0"
"setting.r_lod_switch_scale" "0.3" -- Lowering this simplifies far-off models
"setting.shadow_enable" "0" -- Disables most shadows for massive FPS gain
"setting.csm_enabled" "0" -- CRITICAL: Disables Cascaded Shadows (removes micro-stutters)
"setting.csm_coverage" "0"
"setting.dvs_gpuframetime_min" "4100" -- Tuned for 240Hz (1000/240 * 0.98)
"setting.dvs_gpuframetime_max" "4166" -- (1000/240) in microseconds
"setting.nowindowborder" "1"
"setting.fullscreen" "1"
}Parameter Breakdown:
- csm_enabled “0”: This is the single most important setting for competitive play. It disables Cascaded Shadows, which significantly lightens the CPU load and prevents those 1% low frame drops when entering new areas.
- r_lod_switch_scale “0.3”: This controls at what distance the game switches to lower-quality models. Setting this to 0.3 or 0.4 keeps the game extremely smooth by not forcing the CPU to render high-detail skins at a distance.
- dvs_gpuframetime (4166): These values are for the Adaptive Resolution target. Even if you don’t use it, setting these to your monitor’s frame time ($1000ms / 240 = 4.166ms$) helps the engine stay in sync with your 240Hz refresh rate.
- cl_ragdoll_maxcount “0”: Disables dead bodies from piling up. In a hot drop, this saves your frame rate during the most intense moments.
Strategy for 240Hz Performance
To truly take advantage of a 240Hz panel in 2026, the config file is only half the battle:
- Launch Options (Steam/EA): Use these to unlock the engine’s cap and sync the refresh rate:
+fps_max 0 -refresh 240 -dev -console -preload -high +exec autoexec - NVIDIA Reflex “On + Boost”: In the in-game settings, always use On + Boost. This forces your GPU clock to stay at its maximum frequency, reducing the time it takes for a frame to reach your monitor.
- The “237 FPS” Cap: If you use G-Sync or FreeSync, cap your frames at 237 FPS (via RivaTuner or
+fps_max 237). This ensures G-Sync stays active and prevents the 30-40ms of input lag that occurs when you hit the 240Hz V-Sync ceiling. - Disable “Full Screen Optimizations”: Right-click
r5apex.exe> Properties > Compatibility > Check “Disable full-screen optimizations.” This prevents Windows from trying to overlay its own UI, which can cause frame-time jitter.
Key Performance Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Impact |
| Shadows (CSM) | Disabled | Eliminates the largest source of frame drops. |
| Ragdolls | 0 | Keeps late-game battles smooth. |
| LOD Scale | 0.3 | Simplifies geometry for faster rendering. |
| V-Sync | Disabled | Essential for zero input lag. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my game look “flat” after these changes?
Disabling CSM (Shadows) removes most of the depth from the lighting. However, this is exactly what pro players want; it makes enemy shadows (which are often buggy) disappear and “pops” player silhouettes against the bright terrain.
Can I use a resolution lower than 1080p?
Yes. Some pros use 1728×1080 (Stretched). You can set this in the videoconfig.txt under setting.defaultres and setting.defaultresheight. This can help if your GPU is struggling to maintain 240 FPS at native 1080p.
My settings keep resetting when I launch!
After saving your changes, right-click videoconfig.txt > Properties > Check “Read-only.” Apex will try to overwrite these settings every time it launches if this is not checked.
What is the autoexec.cfg?
It is a secondary file you can create in your Apex/cfg folder. While videoconfig.txt handles the graphics, the autoexec handles engine commands like cl_forcepreload 1 (loads assets early to prevent stutters).
Conclusion and Expected Results
By forcing csm_enabled “0” and optimizing your LOD Switch Scale in the videoconfig.txt, you are optimizing the Source engine for the high-frequency demands of 2026. You can expect rock-solid 240 FPS frame-pacing, zero ragdoll-related hitches, and maximum enemy visibility even in the darkest corners of the map.