Tarkov: Best local.ini for Post-FX Optimization

The primary goal for Tarkov Post-FX is Silhouette Identification. Overusing Post-FX can drop your FPS by as much as 15%. This configuration uses local.ini to ensure your monitor’s refresh rate is locked, allowing you to use a lightweight Post-FX profile in-game without the “muddy” feel of TAA.

File Path

The configuration files are located in your user documents folder. Make sure to back up your local.ini before making changes.

C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Escape from Tarkov\local.ini

Technical Configuration (The 2026 “Clean-Cut” Template)

Open local.ini with Notepad. These settings focus on the core display engine to provide a stable base for Post-FX:

{
  "Settings": {
    "RefreshRate": 144,             # Set to your monitor's exact Hz
    "FullscreenMode": 0,            # 0 = Exclusive Fullscreen (Best for Latency)
    "HDR": false,                   # Disable unless you have a 1000-nit+ display
    "Vsync": false,
    "Resolution": {
      "Width": 2560,                # Use native resolution
      "Height": 1440
    }
  },
  "PostEffects": {
    "Brightness": 45,
    "Saturation": 15,
    "Clarity": 0,                   # Set to 0 in .ini to save 10-15 FPS
    "LumaSharpen": 70,              # Enhances edges without grain
    "AdaptiveSharpen": 0,
    "ColorFilter": "Bayswater",     # The 2026 "Meta" for neutral visibility
    "FilterIntensity": 15
  }
}

Parameter Breakdown:

• RefreshRate: Tarkov has a legacy bug where it resets to 23Hz or 60Hz. Manually setting this in local.ini and then setting the file to “Read-Only” is the only permanent fix.
• Clarity=0: This is the biggest FPS killer. It attempts to clarify textures but introduces massive GPU overhead. It is better to leave this at 0 and use LumaSharpening for edge definition.
• LumaSharpen=70: Unlike standard sharpening, Luma only affects brightness levels, making player silhouettes stand out from bushes and shadows without making the grass look “fried.”+1
• ColorFilter=”Bayswater”: This filter removes the yellowish tint from most maps, making it much easier to see movement in the gray/green environments of Woods and Customs.

Strategy for 2026 Post-FX Efficiency

• The “Painkiller” Sharpness Fix: In 2026, the painkiller effect still stacks with Post-FX sharpening. If your game looks “crunchy” when you heal, lower the in-game Graphics Sharpness to 0.6 while keeping Post-FX Luma Sharpen at 70.
• NVIDIA Reflex “On + Boost”: This is essential in the 2026 build to combat the input lag introduced by the new animation systems. It ensures the CPU and GPU are perfectly synced, regardless of your Post-FX load.
• Brightness vs. Gamma: Use local.ini to set Brightness to 45. For darker maps like Interchange, do not increase Brightness (which washes out the image); instead, increase your Monitor Gamma or use the Bayswater filter intensity.
• Read-Only Lock: Once you have your local.ini perfect, right-click the file > Properties > check Read-only. This prevents Tarkov from overriding your custom refresh rate when you change a volume setting in-game.

Key Visibility Parameters

Setting	Recommended Value	Tactical Advantage
Luma Sharpen	70-80	Spots heads in bushes at 200m.
Saturation	10-20	Helps differentiate camo from terrain.
Color Grading	Bayswater / Feather	Neutralizes the “Tarkov Gray” haze.
Clarity	0	Saves critical FPS for Streets of Tarkov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually locking your Refresh Rate and disabling the Clarity tax in local.ini, you are creating a high-performance foundation. You can expect a cleaner image with less “noise,” better target acquisition in low-light areas, and a more consistent frame-time across heavy maps like Streets and Lighthouse.