Tunic: Best options.json for Post-Processing Removal

The primary goal for Tunic optimization is Visual Legibility and Edge Sharpness. The game’s engine (Unity) applies a global post-processing volume that can feel “smudgy” on 1080p displays. This configuration focuses on hard-coding the disabling of the “Depth of Field” and “Bloom” flags, which are often the primary sources of visual haze in the Overworld and the West Garden.

Contents hide

1 Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

2 File Location

3 Technical Configuration (Code Block)

4 Strategy for Post-Processing Removal

5 Key Performance Parameters

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

6.1 Does removing post-processing break the “Manual Pages”?

6.2 Why does my game look “jagged” now?

6.3 Will this help with the “Input Lag” in combat?

6.4 How do I restore the original look?

7 Conclusion and Expected Results

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

Unity Framework: Tunic is exceptionally well-optimized, but “Post-Processing” is the most GPU-intensive part of its rendering pipeline. Disabling it can provide a 20-30% FPS boost on older hardware or integrated GPUs.
4K/UHD Displays: On high-resolution monitors, Tunic’s default blur can make the game look lower-resolution than it actually is. These edits restore the “Pixel-Perfect” look.
Steam Deck: Disabling these effects via the JSON is the best way to extend battery life while maintaining a crisp image on the Deck’s 800p screen.

File Location

Tunic stores its settings in the standard Unity “LocalLow” directory. The file name is usually options.json or preferences.json (depending on the patch version).

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Andrew Shouldice\Secret Legend\options.json (Note: “Secret Legend” was the game’s working title and remains the folder name.)

Technical Configuration (Code Block)

Open the options.json file with a text editor like Notepad. Locate the graphics block and adjust the values as shown below:

{
    "graphics": {
        "fullscreen": true,
        "width": 1920,
        "height": 1080,
        "vsync": 0,
        
        // Post-Processing Removal Flags
        "bloom_enabled": false,
        "depth_of_field_enabled": false,
        "chromatic_aberration": 0.0,
        "motion_blur": false,
        "film_grain": 0.0,
        
        // Clarity Enhancements
        "anti_aliasing": 0,       // 0 = Off for maximum sharpness
        "texture_quality": 2,     // 2 = High
        "shadow_quality": 2
    }
}

Strategy for Post-Processing Removal

To achieve the cleanest possible image for your journey:

The Depth of Field (DoF) Trap: Tunic uses DoF to create its signature “isometric” look, blurring the top and bottom of the screen. Setting depth_of_field_enabled to false removes this, allowing you to see enemies and secrets at the edges of the screen with perfect clarity.
Bloom vs. Neon: While the game is known for its glowing neon effects, setting bloom_enabled to false prevents the light from “bleeding” into the dark areas. This makes traversing the Beneath the Well and Eastern Vault much easier for navigation.
Chromatic Aberration: This effect simulates a cheap camera lens by splitting colors at the edges of the screen. Setting it to 0.0 in the JSON is highly recommended for anyone sensitive to “motion sickness” or “fuzzy” visuals.

Key Performance Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
bloom_enabled	false	Removes the “glow” haze; improves visibility in dark areas.
depth_of_field	false	Disables the “top/bottom” screen blur; sharpens the whole scene.
chromatic_aberration	0.0	Removes color-fringing; essential for visual clarity.
vsync	0	Removes input lag for more responsive dodging and parrying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does removing post-processing break the “Manual Pages”?

No. The in-game manual pages are rendered on a separate UI layer. They will actually look sharper and be easier to read once the global screen blur and bloom are disabled.

Why does my game look “jagged” now?

By disabling Post-Processing and Anti-Aliasing, you are seeing the raw edges of the polygons. If it’s too sharp, set anti_aliasing to 1 in the JSON to apply a light smoothing filter without the heavy blur of modern TAA.

Will this help with the “Input Lag” in combat?

Yes. Setting vsync to 0 and disabling the post-processing stack significantly reduces the “Frame-to-Pixel” latency, making the parry windows feel much more generous.

How do I restore the original look?

Simply delete the options.json file. Tunic will generate a fresh one with default “Neon-Pastel” settings the next time you launch the game.

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your options.json to strip away the “Secret Legend” post-processing stack, you are transforming Tunic into a high-clarity adventure. You can expect razor-sharp edges on the Knight, perfect visibility in dark dungeons, and a significant boost in frame stability during boss encounters like the Siege Engine.