Apex Legends: Best videoconfig.txt for Competitive Graphics

Apex Legends runs on a heavily modified Source Engine, which means it relies on a local configuration file to determine everything from texture streaming budgets to shadow coverage. While the in-game menu is decent, it doesn’t allow you to completely disable certain performance-heavy features like “Ragdolls” or specific “Dynamic Shadows.” This guide focuses on the videoconfig.txt file to strip away visual clutter and input-lag-inducing effects, giving you the cleanest possible view of the battlefield.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• Competitive Players: Essential for reaching and maintaining 144Hz, 240Hz, or 360Hz refresh rate targets.
• Low-End Systems: Can provide a 20-40% FPS boost for integrated graphics or older GPUs.
• Visibility Seekers: Removes excessive “blur” and “bloom” that can hide enemies during gunfights.

Backup and Preparation

Modifying your video config is safe, but it is wise to keep a copy of your original settings.

1. Ensure Apex Legends is closed.
2. Navigate to the directory listed below.
3. Right-click videoconfig.txt, select Copy, and paste it into a backup folder.

File Location

You can find the configuration file in your local AppData folder: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Saved Games\Respawn\Apex\local\videoconfig.txt

Best Config Settings

Open the file with Notepad and replace the values to match the following optimized competitive block:

"VideoConfig"
{
    "setting.cl_gib_allow" "0"
    "setting.cl_particle_fallback_base" "0"
    "setting.cl_particle_fallback_multiplier" "0"
    "setting.cl_ragdoll_max_count" "0"
    "setting.cl_ragdoll_self_collision" "0"
    "setting.mat_depthfeather_enable" "0"
    "setting.mat_forceaniso" "0"
    "setting.mat_mip_linear" "0"
    "setting.mat_picmip" "2" // 0=High, 4=Very Low. "2" is the sweet spot for visibility.
    "setting.stream_memory" "0" // Set to 0 to disable texture streaming for max FPS
    "setting.r_lod_switch_scale" "0.6" // Improves enemy visibility at range
    "setting.csm_enabled" "0" // Disables Cascaded Shadow Maps (Huge FPS Gain)
    "setting.r_dynamic" "0"
}

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
setting.csm_enabled	0	Completely disables sun shadows. This is the single biggest FPS boost available.
setting.mat_picmip	2	Controls texture quality. “2” keeps the game looking decent while saving massive VRAM.
setting.cl_ragdoll_max_count	0	Removes dead bodies instantly, clearing visual clutter during team fights.
setting.stream_memory	0	Reduces stuttering caused by the game constantly loading high-res textures.
setting.r_lod_switch_scale	0.6	Forces the game to use simpler models for distant objects, making player silhouettes pop.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

Once you apply the config, ensure your in-game settings match these for maximum performance:

• Anti-Aliasing: None (TSAA adds blur).
• Texture Filtering: Bilinear.
• Ambient Occlusion Quality: Disabled.
• NVIDIA Reflex: Enabled + Boost.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Settings Resetting: Apex Legends will try to overwrite this file every time you open the “Video” tab in-game. To prevent this, right-click videoconfig.txt, select Properties, and check Read-only.
• Game Looks Too “Potato”: If the textures are too blurry, change setting.mat_picmip back to 1 or 0.
• Steam Launch Options: For even better results, add -dev -high -preload to your Steam launch options for Apex Legends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By optimizing your videoconfig.txt, you are prioritizing frame data over visual noise. Most players will experience a significant increase in 1% low FPS, meaning fewer stutters during heavy ultimate-ability usage (like Bangalore or Gibraltar ults). Your game will feel more responsive, and enemies will be much easier to track in high-speed combat.