Best PC Settings for Nioh 3 (Optimization Guide)

Display Settings

Display Mode

Borderless

Nioh 3 does not support exclusive full-screen mode. Borderless works flawlessly and won't cause any performance issues.

VSync

Off

Introduces input-lag to gameplay, which is detrimental to the fast-paced combat the game offers.

Resolution

Native

If your monitor supports a 16:9 aspect ratio, you'll be able to select your native resolution here. If you have a 16:10 aspect ratio, you'll need to settle for the closest resolution available. Nioh 3 also supports Ultrawide resolutions on launch.

Frame Rate Cap

Maximum

-

Graphics Preset

Custom

We'll be tweaking individual settings, so there's no need to use a preset here.

FPS Dynamic Adjustment

On

Turning on the FPS Dynamic Adjustment will cause slowdowns in Nioh 3, even if you're getting high FPS. It's recommended to keep this setting on to play the game smoothly.

Resolution Advanced Settings

Upscaling Method

DLSS/FSR 3.1

Players who're using Nvidia RTX GPUs can select the Nvidia DLSS upscaler. Others could go for FSR 3.1 to improve Nioh 3's performance significantly.

Sharpness

Personal Preference

-

Rendering Resolution

50%

Setting the Rendering Resolution to 50% will select the "Performance" mode for both DLSS and FSR. It's a sweet balance between quality visuals and high performance.

Dynamic Resolution

Off

Since we're using DLSS/FSR, we don't need to use Dynamic Resolution, which is an obsolete feature to improve in-game FPS.

Frame Generation

DLSS FG/FSR 3 FG

If you're playing the game on an Nvidia RTX 40 series or higher GPU, you'll be able to select the DLSS Frame Generation option. Other players can select the FSR 3 Frame Generation option to get some additional frames and smooth out the gameplay. This setting can increase latency/input lag for some players though.

DLSS Multi-Frame Generation

GPU Dependent

If you have an RTX 40 series GPU, you'll be able to use 2x Frame Generation. Higher Multi FG options are reserved for RTX 50 series GPUs.

Advanced Visual Settings

Shadow Quality

Standard Quality

Shadow quality will impact your FPS, especially when you're outside. While it's not the most taxing setting in Nioh 3, it's better to use the standard preset for better performance.

Ambient Occlusion

High Quality

It will mainly control the diffused shadows on objects, especially in corners. High Quality does a good enough job, while not costing the FPS too much.

Model Quality

Standard Quality

It controls the resolution and appearance of in-game character models. It can be set to standard quality to maintain optimal performance in Nioh 3.

Model Texture Quality

GPU VRAM Dependent

6GB VRAM: Low, 8GB VRAM: Standard, 12GB+ VRAM: High-Ultra

Wind Sway

Standard Quality

This setting controls how in-game cloth materials flow with the wind. Does not impact performance much.

Anisotropic Filtering

16x

16x keeps textures crisp, and doesn't impact performance much.

Effects

Standard Quality

Nioh 3 features various effects from explosions to on-screen particles. Standard quality does not impact performance a lot, unless you have several enemies or dynamic effects on screen at once.

Motion Quality

High Quality

Controls how smooth and high-quality the character and NPC animations are. Best to keep it at high to avoid experiencing any janky animations.

Screen Space Reflections (SSR)

Standard Quality

Higher quality settings for SSR will activate the software-based ray tracing, which can tank Nioh 3's FPS. Standard seems to be the sweet spot between visuals and performance.

Background Mesh Quality

High Quality

Mainly controls the geometric complexity and level of detail (LOD) for background objects and distant environments. It's recommended to set this at high to avoid texture pop-in issues.

Terrain

Standard

Both the Terrain and Grass quality will control the ground texture and vegetation look and feel in-game.

Grass Density

Volumetric Cloud Quality

High Quality

It does not impact the FPS much, but it will improve the look of various smoke and fog effects in-game.

FPS (Cutscene)

60 (Fixed)

This mainly controls the FPS for cutscenes in-game. While it depends on your personal preference, cutscenes locked at 60 FPS look just as good as 120.

Cutscene Quality

Standard Quality

Keep this setting at standard to maintain high visuals during cutscenes.

Global Illumination

Standard Quality

This is the most taxing setting in Nioh 3, and it's best to keep it at the standard preset to avoid FPS drops and lag in-game. The trade-off is worth the performance gains.