Sons of the Forest: Optimizing DLSS/FSR via settings.json

The sequel to The Forest is significantly more demanding on both CPU and GPU. For many players, native resolution is unplayable at High/Ultra settings. By fine-tuning the settings.json, you can ensure that DLSS Quality or FSR 3.0 Balanced modes are locked in, providing a 15–25% performance boost with minimal visual degradation. This is particularly vital for RTX 30/40 series users and Steam Deck players who rely on upscaling to clear the 60 FPS hurdle.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• NVIDIA RTX Users: DLSS remains the gold standard for image reconstruction in this game.
• AMD/Intel/Older NVIDIA Users: FSR 3.0 provides excellent frame generation and upscaling compatibility across almost all modern GPUs.
• Compatibility: Modifying settings.json is safe for online play and does not affect your save game integrity.

Backup and Preparation

Before manual editing, ensure the game and Steam are closed to prevent the file from being reverted.

1. Exit Sons of the Forest.
2. Navigate to the AppData folder (path below).
3. Copy settings.json and save a backup on your desktop.
4. Open the original file with Notepad++.

File Location

The configuration file is located in the local AppData directory: %AppData%\..\LocalLow\Endnight\SonsOfTheForest\settings.json

Best Config Settings for DLSS/FSR

Search for the Graphics block within the JSON. Update the following keys to force high-quality upscaling:

{
  "Graphics": {
    "ResolutionUpscaler": "DLSS",
    "DLSSMode": "Quality",
    "FSRMode": "Quality",
    "AnisotropicTextures": true,
    "DynamicResolution": false,
    "Vsync": false
  }
}

Note: Set ResolutionUpscaler to "FSR" if you are using an AMD card. Ensure DynamicResolution is set to false to prevent the game from constantly shifting clarity, which can cause “ghosting” in the dense forest.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
ResolutionUpscaler	“DLSS” or “FSR”	Sets the primary reconstruction method. Avoid “TAAU” for better clarity.
DLSSMode	“Quality”	Best for 1080p/1440p. Use “Balanced” for 4K.
FSRMode	“Quality”	Provides the best image stability for non-NVIDIA users.
AnisotropicTextures	true	Essential for keeping floor textures sharp when upscaling is active.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

Once you’ve forced the upscaler in the config, match these in-game settings for maximum stability:

• Micro Shadowing & Contact Shadows: Turn these ON. They add depth that upscalers sometimes “flatten.”
• Motion Blur: Turn OFF. Upscalers like FSR can produce smearing when combined with high motion blur.
• Draw Distance: Set to Medium. This is the single largest non-GPU bottleneck; lowering it helps the CPU keep up with the extra frames generated by DLSS/FSR.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Ghosting/Trails: If you see trails behind moving birds or leaves, update your nvngx_dlss.dll to version 2.5.1 or 3.5.0 manually in the game folder.
• Settings Not Saving: If the game keeps resetting to TAA, right-click settings.json, go to Properties, and check Read-only.
• Steam Deck Users: Ensure FSRMode is set to "Balanced" and ResolutionUpscaler is "FSR" for the best results on the handheld’s 800p screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your settings.json, you ensure that Sons of the Forest utilizes the most advanced reconstruction tools available for your hardware. You can expect higher, more consistent frame rates, reduced input lag, and a sharper image compared to the default TAA settings.