New World: Best user_settings.json for Aeternum Performance

The primary bottleneck in New World is CPU Draw Call Latency. In large-scale PvP, the engine struggles to synchronize the animations and spell effects of 100+ players simultaneously. Modifying the user_settings.json allows us to implement a “War-Ready” profile: reducing the internal shadow resolution beyond the menu limits and disabling the “Depth of Field” layers that add unnecessary GPU weight during high-speed combat.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• CPU Bottlenecking: In settlements, your CPU will always be the bottleneck. These tweaks aim to reduce the “frametime jitter” rather than just increasing max FPS.
• VRAM Usage: “Very High” textures require 8GB+ VRAM. If you have a 6GB card, these config edits are essential to prevent “Texture Swapping” stutters.
• DirectX 12 vs 11: New World: Aeternum features improved DX12 support; these config tweaks are optimized to work with the DX12 pipeline for better multi-core scaling.

Backup and Preparation

New World’s configuration is sensitive to formatting. If the JSON structure is broken, the game will reset to defaults.

1. Completely exit New World.
2. Navigate to your local AppData folder (path below).
3. Right-click user_settings.json, select Copy, and save a backup copy on your desktop.
4. Open the original file with Notepad++.

File Location

The configuration file is located in your local user directory: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\AGS\New World\user_settings.json

Best Settings for Aeternum Performance

Search for these specific keys within the JSON. Update the values to match this “Performance” profile:

{
  "m_visualQuality": 0,
  "m_shadowQuality": 0,
  "m_lightingQuality": 0,
  "m_objectDetail": 0,
  "m_textureDetail": 1,
  "m_terrainDetail": 0,
  "m_waterDetail": 0,
  "m_postProcessingQuality": 0,
  "m_vSync": false,
  "m_depthOfField": false,
  "m_motionBlur": false,
  "m_maxUploadBandwidth": 100
}

Pro Tip: Changing m_maxUploadBandwidth to 100 (if your internet allows) can help reduce “Desync” during crowded wars by allowing the client to communicate more frequently with the server’s update tick.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
m_shadowQuality	0	Lowest possible shadow resolution; the #1 fix for town FPS.
m_depthOfField	false	Removes the background blur, improving long-range visibility for Muskets and Bows.
m_textureDetail	1	Set to “1” (Medium) to maintain visual clarity while saving VRAM for player models.
m_maxUploadBandwidth	100	Optimizes network throughput to combat the “sliding players” effect in PvP.
m_postProcessingQuality	0	Disables lens flares and bloom that can be distracting during magic-heavy fights.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

To complement your performance config, match these in-game Visuals settings:

• Max Nameplates: Set to 10. Rendering 50+ nameplates in a war is one of the biggest CPU killers in the game.
• Player Cap: Set Nameplate Amount to the minimum required for your role (Healers may need more).
• Dynamic Resolution Scaling: Set to OFF. This causes a “shimmering” effect that makes it harder to track distant enemies.
• NVIDIA Reflex: Set to Enabled + Boost. This minimizes the input lag between your mouse click and the weapon swing.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Stuttering in Settlements: This is often caused by the game loading player skins. Ensure the game is installed on an NVMe SSD.
• Textures Not Loading: If the ground looks like mud, increase m_textureDetail to 2.
• Settings Resetting: New World often overwrites the JSON after a patch. Once satisfied, right-click user_settings.json, select Properties, and check Read-only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your user_settings.json, you are stripping away the heavy post-processing that bottlenecks the Azoth Engine. You can expect more stable frame rates during 50v50 wars, faster loading times in towns, and a significantly more responsive combat experience across Aeternum.