War Thunder: Editing config.blk for Ultra-Low Quality Mode

The primary goal for editing the config.blk for ULQ is Removing Visual Clutter. In standard modes, grass and bushes can obscure a tank’s silhouette. In ULQ, the engine drastically reduces the density of ground clutter and replaces complex shadows with simple ambient occlusion. This “Competitive ULQ” profile focuses on maximizing the contrast between enemy vehicle models and the environment.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• The “Old Videocards” Support: This mode is designed for GPUs that do not support modern feature sets. Enabling it via config.blk forces the game into a simplified rendering path.
• FPS Stability: ULQ can turn a 40 FPS experience into a rock-solid 144+ FPS experience, which is vital for the fast-paced reactions needed in Air Realistic or Ground Realistic battles.
• Visual Trade-off: The game will look significantly dated. You will lose dynamic lighting, water reflections, and detailed debris physics.

Backup and Preparation

1. Completely exit War Thunder and the Gaijin Launcher.
2. Navigate to your game installation folder (path below).
3. Copy config.blk and save a backup named config.blk.bak.
4. Open the original with Notepad++.

File Location

The configuration file is located in the root directory of your War Thunder installation: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\War Thunder\config.blk (Or your custom install path for the standalone launcher).

Best config.blk Settings for Ultra-Low Quality

Search for these specific blocks. Note that many settings will be grouped under graphics and render. Update the values as follows:

graphics{
  lowResEffects:b=yes
  waterEffectsQuality:t="low"
  shadowQuality:t="low"
  texquality:t="low"
  anisotropy:i=1
  cloudsQuality:i=0
  dirtMs:i=0
  enemiesQuality:t="low"
  puddlesPower:i=0
  render_for_old_card:b=yes  // FORCES ULQ MODE
}

render{
  selfShadow:b=no
  shadows:b=no
  softShadows:b=no
  grass:b=no
  haze:b=no                  // Removes the atmospheric blur
  waterReflection:b=no
  ssao:b=no
}

Pro Tip: The render_for_old_card:b=yes command is the “Master Switch.” If this is set to yes, many other high-end settings will be ignored by the engine, ensuring the most stripped-down version of the game possible.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
render_for_old_card	yes	Activates the ULQ path, removing 3D grass and simplifying object meshes.
haze	no	Eliminates the “blue tint” in the distance, making planes in the sky much easier to spot.
grass	no	Ensures no 3D grass is rendered, preventing enemies from hiding in tall weeds.
lowResEffects	yes	Simplifies smoke and fire, preventing FPS drops during heavy artillery barrages.

Essential Launcher & In-Game Steps

To ensure your config.blk edits are respected, follow these steps:

• Launcher Settings: Do not click “Save” in the launcher after editing the file, as it may re-scan your hardware and overwrite your changes.
• PostFX Settings: In-game, go to Options > PostFX Settings. Set everything to “Default” or “None.” Turn off “Vignette” to keep the corners of your screen bright and clear.
• Small Trees/Bushes: Even in ULQ, some bushes remain. Use the “Rangefinder” or “Binoculars” view to check for silhouettes that might be partially hidden by the simplified 2D sprites.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• The “Restricted Content” Error: If you see an error about ULQ being “restricted,” it’s usually because the game detected a modern GPU. Forcing render_for_old_card:b=yes in the file usually bypasses this check.
• Blurry Textures: If the game is too blurry, you can change texquality:t="low" back to "high". High textures have almost zero impact on FPS if you have at least 4GB of VRAM.
• Settings Resetting: The Gaijin Launcher is notorious for resetting the config.blk. Once you are finished, right-click the file > Properties > Check Read-only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your config.blk, you are maximizing the engine’s competitive clarity. You can expect the total removal of 3D grass, a significant reduction in atmospheric haze, and rock-solid performance that ensures your frame rate never dips during critical dogfights or tank duels.