Doom Eternal: Best config.local for Extreme Frame Rates

The secret to Doom Eternal’s performance lies in its “Async Compute” and “Variable Rate Shading” (VRS). While the game is fast by default, the config.local file allows you to strip away the “Cinematic” post-processing layers that add micro-milliseconds of delay to your dash and weapon-swap inputs. This guide focuses on an “Extreme Frame Rate” profile, optimized for reaching and maintaining a locked refresh rate even during intense “Slayer Gate” encounters.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• Vulkan API Focus: Doom Eternal is a native Vulkan title. These tweaks ensure that the Vulkan “Command Buffers” are being fed as efficiently as possible.
• CPU Bottlenecking: Even at 1080p, this game is rarely CPU bound, but these tweaks help stabilize the “1% Lows” by reducing the CPU’s responsibility for shadow logic.
• Visual Trade-off: We will be disabling “Motion Blur” and “Depth of Field” at the engine level to ensure absolute motion clarity during high-speed movement.

Backup and Preparation

Doom Eternal’s configuration is stored in a hidden directory and can be sensitive to formatting.

1. Completely exit Doom Eternal and the Bethesda/Steam launcher.
2. Navigate to your local saved games folder.
3. Right-click config.local, select Copy, and save a backup to your desktop.
4. Open the original file with Notepad++.

File Location

The configuration file is located in your user profile’s saved games directory: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Saved Games\id Software\DOOMEternal\base\config.local

Best Config Settings

Open the file and use Ctrl+F to find these specific commands. Update the values to match this “Competitive” profile:

r_antialiasing "0"
r_motionBlurQuality "0"
r_sharpening "0.4"
r_vignette "0"
r_depthOfField "0"
r_mode "1"
r_windowMode "1"
r_displayRefresh "240" (Set to your monitor's Hz)
r_shadowsDistanceFadeMultiplier "0.5"

Pro Tip: Setting r_antialiasing to 0 can significantly increase FPS, but it may cause “shimmering.” If the game looks too jagged, keep this at the default and instead lower r_shadowsDistanceFadeMultiplier to reduce the CPU load of rendering distant shadows.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
r_displayRefresh	[Monitor Hz]	Hard-locks the engine’s internal clock to your monitor’s specific refresh rate.
r_motionBlurQuality	0	Removes all blur; essential for tracking fast-moving demons like Marauders.
r_depthOfField	0	Disables the “focus” blur, keeping the entire arena sharp at all times.
r_windowMode	1	Forces Exclusive Fullscreen, which provides the lowest possible input lag on Windows.
r_vignette	0	Removes the darkened screen edges for better peripheral vision.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

To complement your config edits, use these in-game Video settings:

• Texture Pool Size: Set to Ultra Nightmare if you have 8GB+ VRAM. This doesn’t affect FPS but prevents texture pop-in.
• Shadow Quality: Set to Medium. This is the highest impact setting for FPS.
• Decal Quality: Set to Low. Reducing the number of blood splatters and bullet holes saves significant CPU cycles during long fights.
• DLSS / FSR: Set to Quality. Even if you have a high-end card, using a “Quality” upscaler can help you hit 300+ FPS more consistently.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Screen Tearing: If you experience tearing without VSync, do not turn VSync on. Instead, use NVIDIA Reflex (Enabled + Boost) or a frame rate cap just below your refresh rate (e.g., 141 for 144Hz).
• Game Crashes on Launch: If you set r_displayRefresh higher than your monitor supports, the game will crash. Revert this value in the config file.
• Settings Resetting: Doom Eternal often resets its config after an update. Once satisfied, right-click config.local, select Properties, and check Read-only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your config.local, you are stripping away the “Console-centric” visual filters and allowing the id Tech 7 engine to run at its true potential. You can expect insanely high frame rates, crystal clear motion, and the lowest input latency possible in a modern shooter.