Death Stranding: Best settings.cfg for DLSS Performance

Death Stranding’s PC port is an absolute showcase for DLSS, often doubling frame rates on RTX GPUs. However, the default “Performance” mode can sometimes introduce a “shimmer” on thin power lines and Sam’s cargo straps. By modifying the settings.cfg, we can force a higher internal streaming budget and disable the in-game sharpening that sometimes clashes with DLSS’s own AI-driven reconstruction, resulting in a cleaner, more cinematic image.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• RTX 20 and 30 Series: These tweaks focus on stabilizing the DLSS 2.x branch to prevent ghosting on moving objects.
• RTX 40/50 Series: For those using Frame Generation, these config edits ensure that the base frame rate stays above the 60 FPS “feel” threshold before interpolation.
• CPU Synergy: Because DLSS reduces GPU load, you may become CPU-bound. These tweaks include “Model Detail” adjustments to keep the CPU thread clear for asset streaming.

Backup and Preparation

Ensure the game is closed so the configuration isn’t overwritten during save-on-exit.

1. Exit Death Stranding.
2. Navigate to your local AppData folder (path below).
3. Copy settings.cfg, right-click, and save a backup copy on your desktop.
4. Open the original file with Notepad++.

File Location

The configuration file is typically found in the following directory: %LocalAppData%\KojimaProductions\DeathStranding\settings.cfg

Best Config Settings for DLSS Performance

Search for these parameters and update them to ensure the engine is fully optimized for DLSS upscaling:

"rendering_resolution_scale": 0.500
"dlss_mode": 2
"dlss_sharpening": 0.000
"cas_sharpening": 0.000
"streaming_memory": 3
"shadow_resolution": 2
"ambient_occlusion": 1

Pro Tip: Setting both dlss_sharpening and cas_sharpening to 0.000 in the config is a secret fix for “over-sharpened” visuals. This allows the DLSS AI to handle the reconstruction naturally without the “halo effect” around Sam’s model.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
rendering_resolution_scale	0.500	Forces a 50% internal render (DLSS Performance), providing the maximum FPS gain.
dlss_mode	2	Sets the internal DLSS flag to “Performance” mode at the engine level.
dlss_sharpening	0.000	Disables the engine’s sharpening filter; prevents artifacts during Timefall rain.
streaming_memory	3 (High)	Ensures the CPU pre-loads textures quickly enough to keep up with the high FPS provided by DLSS.
shadow_resolution	2 (High)	Keeps shadows crisp; “Very High” (3) is often a waste of resources when using DLSS.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

• Screen Mode: Always use Fullscreen. The Decima Engine’s “Windowed” mode can cause micro-stutters during heavy weather effects.
• Depth of Field: Set to On. This masks some of the lower-resolution artifacts in the far distance that can occur in DLSS Performance mode.
• Motion Blur: Set to Off. This is critical for visual clarity; DLSS already handles temporal data, and adding motion blur can lead to a “smeary” image.
• Maximum Frame Rate: Set this to match your monitor’s refresh rate exactly to ensure the DLSS frame-timing stays consistent.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• DLSS Ghosting: If you see “black trails” behind Sam or vehicles, this is often a DLSS version issue. You can manually replace the nvngx_dlss.dll in your game folder with a newer version (e.g., v3.5+) from TechPowerUp.
• Blurry Grass: Ensure rendering_resolution_scale hasn’t dropped below 0.500. If it goes lower (0.33), the AI doesn’t have enough data to reconstruct fine detail like grass blades.
• Settings Resetting: Right-click settings.cfg, select Properties, and check Read-only after you’ve applied your changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your settings.cfg to disable overlapping sharpening filters and maximize the streaming budget, you allow DLSS to perform at its peak. You can expect a cleaner, more stable image, fewer ghosting artifacts, and a locked high frame rate even in the most demanding Timefall zones.