Dead by Daylight: Removing 60 FPS Cap via Engine.ini

Dead by Daylight utilizes Unreal Engine 4, which uses a “frame smoothing” technique by default. This technique keeps the game at a steady 60-62 FPS but introduces slight mouse latency that can be detrimental during tight loops or skill checks. Removing this cap not only makes the game look smoother but also significantly improves the responsiveness of your inputs. This guide will show you how to disable V-Sync and bypass the engine-level smoothing to unlock your PC’s full potential.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• High Refresh Rate Monitors (144Hz+): This tweak is essential to utilize your monitor’s actual speed.
• Competitive Players: Higher FPS reduces the “input gap,” making 360-degree spins and flashlight blinds easier to execute.
• Mid-Range Systems: Even if you can’t hit 240 FPS, uncapping to 90 or 120 FPS can provide a much more stable experience than the 60 FPS lock.

Backup and Preparation

Before editing, ensure your game is fully closed.

1. Exit Dead by Daylight and the Steam/Epic/Windows Store client.
2. Navigate to the local configuration folder.
3. Create a backup folder on your desktop and copy Engine.ini and GameUserSettings.ini into it.

File Location

The configuration files are hidden in your Local AppData. Note that the folder name has changed in recent updates for Steam users:

Steam Version: %LocalAppData%\DeadByDaylight\Saved\Config\WindowsClient\

Epic Games / Windows Store Version: %LocalAppData%\DeadByDaylight\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\

Best Config Settings

You need to modify two separate files for the best results.

1. Engine.ini

Open Engine.ini and paste the following lines at the very bottom of the file:

[/Script/Engine.Engine]
bSmoothFrameRate=False
MinSmoothedFrameRate=5
MaxSmoothedFrameRate=240
bUseVSync=False

2. GameUserSettings.ini

Open GameUserSettings.ini, search (Ctrl+F) for the following lines, and update them:

bUseVSync=False
FrameRateLimit=240.000000

Note: Replace 240 with your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 144, 165, 360).

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
bSmoothFrameRate	False	Disables the engine’s built-in 62 FPS lock mechanism.
MaxSmoothedFrameRate	User Defined	Sets the upper bound for the engine’s internal frame calculation.
bUseVSync	False	Disables vertical sync to remove input lag and allow FPS to exceed the refresh rate.
FrameRateLimit	User Defined	The final cap used by the game. Setting this to 0.000000 uncaps it entirely.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

• Graphics Quality: If your FPS fluctuates too much after uncapping, set your Graphics to Low. In DBD, “Low” settings provide the best visibility for finding survivors in tall grass.
• Auto-Adjust Quality: Ensure this is Off in the menu, as it may revert your config changes if it detects a frame drop.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• FPS Still Capped at 60: This usually means the game is overwriting your files. Right-click both .ini files, go to Properties, and check Read-only.
• Slow Motion Bug: Some players report a “slow motion” effect when exceeding 240 FPS. If this happens, set your FrameRateLimit to exactly 120 or 144.
• Screen Tearing: If you disable V-Sync and experience heavy tearing, consider using G-Sync or FreeSync through your GPU control panel instead of the in-game V-Sync.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually adjusting the Engine.ini and GameUserSettings.ini, you strip away the legacy restrictions that hold back modern hardware in Dead by Daylight. You can expect smoother camera movement, sharper skill check responses, and a more competitive environment.