Fortnite’s Performance Mode is specifically designed to reduce the load on both the CPU and GPU by utilizing a simplified rendering pipeline. However, simply selecting it in the menu sometimes leaves behind residual settings from DirectX 11 or 12, such as high-resolution shadows or heavy post-processing. By manually editing the GameUserSettings.ini, we can ensure that every “eye-candy” feature is completely disabled, and the game is locked into its most efficient state. This is often referred to by the community as “Mobile Builds” or “Alpha Graphics.”
Hardware Compatibility & Expectations
- Competitive Players: Essential for hitting a stable 240 FPS or 360 FPS without sudden drops during building.
- Old PC/Laptop Users: The only way to make the game playable on integrated graphics (Intel HD/UHD) or older GTX 700/900 series cards.
- Low Latency Seekers: Performance mode naturally reduces the render queue, leading to significantly faster “click-to-photon” response times.
Backup and Preparation
Fortnite updates frequently, and these updates can sometimes reset your configuration.
- Close Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher.
- Navigate to the AppData folder (instructions below).
- Right-click GameUserSettings.ini and select Copy, then save it to your desktop as a backup.
- Use Notepad to perform the edits.
File Location
The configuration file is hidden within your local app data directory:
%LocalAppData%\FortniteGame\Saved\Config\WindowsClient\GameUserSettings.ini
Best Config Settings
Open the file and use Ctrl+F to find the following keys. Change their values to match this high-performance template:
[/Script/FortniteGame.FortniteGameUserSettings]
bDevelopmentBranchEnablePerfMode=True
PreferredFullscreenMode=0
bUsePerformanceMode=True
bAllowDistortion=False
bAllowPointLightShafts=False
bAllowFog=False
bAllowGrass=False
DesktopResolutionX=1920
DesktopResolutionY=1080
LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeX=1920
LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeY=1080
RenderingAPI=1 // 1 is for Performance Mode (0=DX11, 2=DX12)
[ScalabilityGroups]
sg.ResolutionQuality=100.000000
sg.ViewDistanceQuality=0
sg.AntiAliasingQuality=0
sg.ShadowQuality=0
sg.PostProcessQuality=0
sg.TextureQuality=0
sg.EffectsQuality=0
sg.FoliageQuality=0
sg.ShadingQuality=0Key Parameters Explained
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Impact |
| bUsePerformanceMode | True | The primary flag that tells the engine to use the low-poly rendering path. |
| RenderingAPI | 1 | Forces the game to launch with the Performance (Alpha) engine instead of DX11/12. |
| bAllowGrass | False | Removes all grass textures, making it significantly easier to spot players hiding. |
| sg.ViewDistanceQuality | 0 | Lowering this doesn’t hide players, but it simplifies distant buildings for better FPS. |
| PreferredFullscreenMode | 0 | Forces “Exclusive Fullscreen” which provides the lowest possible input lag. |
In-Game Settings vs. Config
To ensure these tweaks work effectively:
- Meshes: In the in-game settings, you can choose between “Low” (Mobile builds) and “High” meshes. Low Meshes provide the highest FPS but make builds look like transparent bubbles.
- 3D Resolution: Keep this at 100% if possible; dropping it too low makes the game look like a pixelated mess, which hurts long-range aim.
- NVIDIA Reflex: Set to On + Boost if your GPU supports it.
Troubleshooting & Common Fixes
- Settings Reset on Startup: This is common in Fortnite. After saving your
.inifile, right-click it, go to Properties, and check Read-only. (Note: You must uncheck this if you want to change your sensitivity in-game later). - Game Looks Blurry: Check the
sg.ResolutionQualityin the config. Ensure it is set to100.000000. - Black Screen on Launch: This usually means the
PreferredFullscreenModeis conflicting with your monitor. Try setting it back to1(Windowed Fullscreen).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Performance Mode give a competitive advantage?
Yes. Beyond just higher FPS, it removes visual clutter like high-quality shadows, fog, and dense foliage, allowing you to see enemies much more clearly through builds and at long distances.
Why do pro players use ‘Low Meshes’?
Low Meshes (the “mobile” look) simplify the structure of builds. This makes the screen less busy during “box fights” and “build battles,” allowing for better focus on the opponent’s movement.
Will I get banned for editing GameUserSettings.ini?
No. Editing configuration files is a standard practice and is not considered cheating. It does not modify game memory or provide illegal hacks like aimbot or wallhacks.
Conclusion and Expected Results
By manually forcing Performance Mode via the GameUserSettings.ini, you bypass the limitations of the in-game UI and ensure your system is fully dedicated to frame output. Users can expect a 20-50% increase in average FPS and a much more stable experience during intensive end-game scrims.