Celeste: Best settings.celeste for Speedrunning

The primary goal for Celeste speedrunning optimization is Input-to-Pixel Synchronization. Because the game logic is tied to the frame rate, any variance in frame delivery can result in “eaten” inputs during complex movement sequences. This configuration focuses on disabling the triple-buffering inherent in modern Windows window management and ensuring the game has exclusive access to the GPU.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• Refresh Rate Stability: Celeste runs at 60 FPS natively. Playing on a high-refresh-rate monitor (144Hz+) doesn’t change the game speed but reduces “display lag,” making the visual feedback of your dashes much snappier.
• Keyboard vs. Controller: Regardless of your peripheral, these .celeste tweaks will help. For controllers, ensure you are using a wired connection to minimize the Bluetooth polling delay.
• Low-End Hardware: Celeste is highly accessible, but “Background Execution” can cause spikes on older CPUs. Our config disables these to keep the focus on the active game window.

File Location

Celeste stores its configuration in a custom format (often XML-based) within the game’s installation folder or the AppData directory:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Celeste\Saves\settings.celeste (Note: If you use the Steam version, it may also be in the Saves folder within the SteamLibrary path.)

Technical Configuration (Code Block)

Open the settings.celeste file with a text editor. Locate the following tags and modify them to prioritize speedrunning performance:

<Settings>
    <Fullscreen>true</Fullscreen>         <WindowMode>Fullscreen</WindowMode>
    <VSync>false</VSync>                  <SpeedrunClock>2</SpeedrunClock>      <DisablePauseConfiramtion>true</DisablePauseConfiramtion> 
    
    <ScreenShake>false</ScreenShake>      <Photosensitive>true</Photosensitive> <GrabMode>Hold</GrabMode>             </Settings>

Strategy for Speedrunning

To ensure your runs are as efficient as possible:

• Exclusive Fullscreen Fix: If you experience screen tearing with VSync set to false, do not turn VSync back on. Instead, enable “Ultra Low Latency Mode” in your Nvidia Control Panel or “Radeon Anti-Lag” in AMD software. This keeps the latency low while stabilizing the frame delivery.
• Screen Shake Removal: While thematic, screen shake adds unnecessary visual displacement. Disabling it in the config allows you to maintain perfect pixel-alignment focus during heavy impacts or explosions.
• The “Pause-Buffer” Safety: Setting DisablePauseConfiramtion to true allows for faster menu navigation and prevents accidental “Resume” delays during a run where every second counts.

Key Performance Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
VSync	False	Removes the 16-50ms input lag penalty.
Fullscreen	True	Bypasses the Windows DWM (Desktop Window Manager) lag.
SpeedrunClock	2	Displays your total run time with millisecond precision.
ScreenShake	False	Provides a stable visual field for precise pixel-jumps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your settings.celeste to prioritize exclusive rendering and low-latency input, you are removing the barriers between your muscle memory and Madeline’s movement. You can expect more consistent wall-bounces, perfectly timed hyper-dashes, and a cleaner, more focused visual environment for your next PB attempt.