The primary goal for Hollow Knight optimization is Input Latency Minimization. Because the game relies on frame-perfect “Pogo” jumps and dashes, any delay between your controller and the screen is a major disadvantage. This configuration focuses on disabling Unity’s internal V-Sync, forcing a “Fast-Path” for rendering, and cleaning up the frame-time graph to ensure consistent 144Hz+ performance.
Hardware Compatibility & Expectations
- Refresh Rate Synergy: Hollow Knight benefits massively from high-refresh-rate monitors. Playing at 144Hz or 240Hz significantly widens the window for reacting to boss telegraphs.
- Controller Polling: If using a DualSense or Xbox controller, ensure it is wired and overclocked to 1000Hz to match the high-speed response of these
.initweaks. - SSD Loading: While the game is small, it constantly streams assets between rooms. An SSD prevents the “hitch” that can occur when entering a new area in Hallownest.
File Location
Hollow Knight stores its technical preferences in the Global Settings file within the AppData directory:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Team Cherry\Hollow Knight\prefs.ini (Note: Some versions store these in the registry; however, the prefs.ini or user.config acts as the primary override for Steam users.)
Technical Configuration (Code Block)
Modify the following parameters to strip away the “smoothing” and “buffering” that cause input lag:
[Video]
# Resolution and Refresh
Width = 1920
Height = 1080
RefreshRate = 144
# Eliminating Input Lag
# Set VSync to 0 to remove the 3-frame delay
VSync = 0
# 1 = Exclusive Fullscreen (Mandatory for precision)
Fullscreen = 1
# Disables the "soft" edges for faster rendering
AntiAliasing = 0
[Performance]
# Prevents the CPU from queuing frames
MaxFrameLatency = 1
# Disable to prevent lighting spikes during boss fights
ParticleEffects = 2 # 2 = High (Optimized), 3 = Ultra (Can lag)
# Keeps the game engine at top priority
BackgroundPriority = 1Strategy for Precision Platforming
To ensure you can perform “Nail Pogoing” with pixel-perfect accuracy:
- The V-Sync Kill: Unity’s default V-Sync is notoriously slow. By setting
VSync = 0and using Nvidia Ultra Low Latency or AMD Anti-Lag in your GPU driver settings, you can save up to 30ms of lag. - Exclusive Fullscreen: Avoid “Borderless” mode at all costs. Borderless mode subjects the game to the Windows Desktop Manager’s triple buffering, which adds a noticeable “floatiness” to the Knight’s jumps.
- Particle Management: During the Grimm or Radiance fights, the screen is filled with particles. If your frame-time graph is not a flat line, lowering
ParticleEffectsin the config ensures your FPS doesn’t dip during the most critical dodge windows.
Key Performance Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Impact |
| VSync | 0 | The single biggest reduction in input latency. |
| Fullscreen | 1 | Grants the game engine exclusive control over the monitor. |
| MaxFrameLatency | 1 | Ensures the GPU only processes the most recent input. |
| AntiAliasing | 0 | Increases visual clarity and reduces GPU render time. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does removing the FPS cap break the physics?
Unlike some older games, Hollow Knight’s physics are well-behaved at high frame rates. However, it is recommended to cap your FPS to your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 144) to keep the frame-times perfectly consistent.
Why does my game look “choppy” without V-Sync?
Without V-Sync, you may see “Screen Tearing.” If this bothers you, enable G-Sync or FreeSync in your monitor settings. This provides the smoothness of V-Sync with the low latency of V-Sync Off.
How do I fix the “stutter” when I hit an enemy?
Hollow Knight has a built-in “Freeze Frame” effect when you take damage or hit an enemy. This is a design choice, not a performance issue. However, if the freeze lasts too long, ensure MaxFrameLatency is set to 1.
Can I use these settings on the GOG version?
Yes. The configuration logic is identical across Steam, GOG, and the Xbox Game Pass for PC versions.
Conclusion and Expected Results
By manually refining your prefs.ini to prioritize raw frame output and exclusive fullscreen rendering, you are creating the ultimate environment for precision platforming. You can expect snappier dashes, easier pogo-jumping, and the most responsive combat experience possible in Hallownest.