Lethal Company: Resolution Scaling Tweaks via config.json

Lethal Company uses a specific rendering pipeline to achieve its VHS-horror look. The primary issue for modern hardware is that the game doesn’t natively scale its internal buffer to match your monitor’s resolution, leading to “pixel smear.” By accessing the configuration files—specifically through the BepInEx framework which most players use for stability—we can force the game to render at 1080p, 1440p, or even 4K. This guide focuses on sharpening the visuals so you can spot the Bracken or the Coil-Head from a distance without straining your eyes.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

  • Entry-Level GPUs: Even a modest GPU can handle 1080p scaling without any performance loss.
  • 4K Monitor Users: Upscaling is essential to prevent the UI and environment from looking like a distorted mess.
  • Steam Deck Players: A slight increase in scaling can improve text readability on the smaller screen.

Backup and Preparation

Most advanced resolution tweaks for Lethal Company require the BepInEx framework and the HDLethalCompany mod, as the base game’s config.json is extremely limited.

  1. Ensure Lethal Company is closed.
  2. If you haven’t already, install BepInEx and the HDLethalCompany mod via a mod manager (like r2modman or Thunderstore).
  3. Navigate to the folder listed below to find the specific configuration file.
  4. Copy the file and save a backup to your desktop.

File Location

If you are using the industry-standard HDLethalCompany mod to fix resolution: ...\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Lethal Company\BepInEx\config\unassigned.hdlethalcompany.cfg

Note: If you are looking for the vanilla save/basic settings: %AppData%\LocalLow\ZeekerssRBLX\Lethal Company\settings.nut (Note: .nut files require a specific hex editor and are not recommended for manual editing).

Best Config Settings

Open unassigned.hdlethalcompany.cfg with Notepad and update these values for a “Remastered” lo-fi look:

[General]
## Resolution scale multiplier. 1 is default, 2 is 1080p-ish, 3 is 1440p-ish.
# Setting type: Single
# Default value: 1.5
Resolution Scale = 2.234

[Graphics]
## Enable or disable post-processing (VHS filters).
# Setting type: Boolean
# Default value: true
Enable Post-Processing = true

## Enable anti-aliasing.
# Setting type: Boolean
# Default value: false
Enable Anti-Aliasing = true

## Level of detail for fog.
# Setting type: Int32
# Default value: 1
Volumetric Fog Quality = 2

Key Parameters Explained

ParameterRecommended ValueImpact
Resolution Scale2.0 – 3.0Directly multiplies the internal render resolution. 2.234 is the “sweet spot” for 1080p monitors.
Enable Post-ProcessingtrueKeep this on to maintain the VHS “scanned” look; turning it off makes the game look “flat.”
Volumetric Fog Quality2Improves the look of the steam and fog inside the facilities without a major FPS hit.
Enable Anti-AliasingtrueSmoothes out the jagged edges created by the upscaling process.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

  • Window Mode: Always use Fullscreen for the best scaling results.
  • Gamma: If the game feels too dark after upscaling, increase the in-game Gamma to 60%.
  • Framerate Cap: It is recommended to keep this at your monitor’s refresh rate to avoid screen tearing, as the game does not have robust V-Sync.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

  • Black Screen on Launch: This usually happens if the Resolution Scale is set higher than your GPU can handle (e.g., trying to scale 5x on an older card). Lower it back to 1.5 or 2.0.
  • UI is Too Small: The UI in Lethal Company is tied to the resolution. If you scale too high, the HUD might become tiny. 2.234 is generally safe.
  • Mod Not Loading: Ensure you have launched the game through your mod manager (r2modman/Thunderstore) at least once for the .cfg file to be generated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this work in the vanilla game without mods?

The base game has very limited resolution options. To truly “fix” the resolution and keep it persistent, the HDLethalCompany mod is the community-standard solution.

Will this help me see in the dark?

While it doesn’t add “night vision,” the increased clarity makes it much easier to distinguish between a shadow and an entity like the Thumper.

Does this affect multiplayer compatibility?

No. These are client-side visual tweaks. You can play with anyone on vanilla or modded versions without any issues.

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually adjusting the Resolution Scale in the config files, you remove the “vaseline-on-the-lens” blur that plagues Lethal Company on modern monitors. You can expect sharper environments, readable terminal text, and clearer entity silhouettes, all while preserving the iconic horror atmosphere that makes the game a hit.

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