Action-packed games are meant to make your heart race through the entire gaming session. However, when the game runs at a low frame-per-second, it feels nothing but like a slow-motion slideshow, which significantly dampens the thrill. We are talking about Apex Legends, as many players have complained about receiving lags and stutters in it, usually caused by a drop in frame rate. So, let’s fix the low FPS issue in Apex Legends on PC in this article, to ensure that you get the pump on point.
Causes of Apex Legends Low FPS Issue on PC and How to Fix
Did you ever check the FPS you’ve been getting in a game? Frames Per Second or FPS is the number of frames or images displayed on the screen per second. Higher FPS results in smoother and more fluid gameplay, while lower FPS can lead to choppy and less enjoyable view. Before we fix the issue, let’s take a look at the possible causes behind it and then go for the solutions.
- Incompatible Hardware Components
- Faulty or Outdated Graphics Drivers
- Improper Game Configurations
- Background Processes
- Outdated Game Files
- Overheating or Bottlenecking
Tip: Check the system requirements for Apex Legends and make sure that your hardware is compatible enough for the game. Also check for hardware damages if any and get them fixed.
Quick Answer
To fix this issue in the game, close all the background processes using the Task Manager. If that does not help, remove the FPS cap on Steam or Origin (EA app):
1. Open Steam or the EA app and navigate to the LIBRARY.
2. Right-click on Apex Legends and select Properties (Steam) or Game Properties (EA app) from the context menu.
3. Move to the GENERAL tab (Steam) or ADVANCED LAUNCH OPTIONS (EA app).
4. Add the command: +fps_max unlimited in the LAUNCH OPTIONS text field (Steam) or Command line arguments (EA app)
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Solutions
We’ll first start with some basic easy-to-go solutions that potentially could fix this error in almost no time.
Method 1.1: Close Background Applications
Background applications even if unused consume system resources like CPU, RAM, and GPU power, which ultimately leaves fewer resources available for Apex Legends to use, resulting in lower FPS. Here’s how to remove them:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager directly.
2. In the Processes tab, right-click on the application or program you want to close and select End task from the context menu.
3. Repeat the steps for all other applications and programs.
Method 1.2: Update Windows
Make sure that the Windows OS running on the PC is also updated to maintain compatibility and optimization with the GPU drivers and the game. You can refer to our guide on How to Download and Install Windows 11 Updates.
Method 2: Change Graphics Preferences
When you set the graphics preferences to high-performance mode, it instructs your GPU card to run at higher clock speeds, which can result in higher FPS and better performance in games. Follow the steps below to set it:
1. Launch Settings on the PC.
2. Move to the System tab and click on Display on the right-hand side.
3. Click on Graphics.
4. From the list of apps and games, select Apex Legends and click on Options.
5. From the Graphics preference pop-up, select High performance and click on Save.
6. Restart the PC to ensure the changes take effect.
Method 3: Set PC to High Performance
Windows has a Power Plan settings option that lets users customize the energy consumption and performance balance according to their specific needs. Now, if the PC is set to Power Saver mode, it could lead to Low FPS issues in Apex Legends. Follow the steps to change it:
1. Open Settings, move to the System tab and click on Power & battery on the right.
2. Expand the drop-down menu next to Power mode and select Best performance.
3. Start playing Apex Legends and check if you are getting the appropriate FPS.
Also Read: AMD CPUs Guide: Top 10 Best Ryzen Processors
Method 4: Modify Launch Options
Launch options in Steam/Origin/EA client are command-line parameters that you can apply to games before launching them. You can modify various aspects of the game, such as graphics settings, performance, and more to fine-tune how it runs on the system.
We suggest you remove the FPS cap placed to get the maximum performance depending upon the hardware configuration on which the game is being played. Follow the steps to modify launch options:
Option 1: On Steam
If you play Apex Legends on Steam, follow the steps:
1. Open Steam and navigate to the LIBRARY.
2. Right-click on Apex Legends and click on Properties from the context menu.
3. Move to the GENERAL tab and uncheck the checkbox next to Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.
4. Now, in the LAUNCH OPTIONS text field, add the command: +fps_max unlimited
Option 2: On EA App (Formerly Origin)
If you play Apex Legends on the EA app, follow the under-mentioned steps:
1. Launch the EA app and navigate to the My Game Library.
2. Right-click on Apex Legends and select Game Properties.
3. Move to the ADVANCED LAUNCH OPTIONS tab and in the Command line arguments text field, enter the command: +fps_max unlimited.
4. Click on Save.
We’ve added three launch options:
-
- -high: Prioritizes Apex Legends as a high-priority process for potential performance improvement.
- -dev: Enables developer mode.
- +fps_max unlimited: Sets the maximum FPS. You can adjust the value to match your desired maximum FPS. Just change the command to +fps_max required FPS, e.g., +fps_max 140
Method 5: Tweak In-Game Graphics Settings
Sometimes it becomes necessary to lower the game’s graphical settings such as resolution, shadows, effects, etc. to reduce the workload on the GPU, especially if you do not have a high-end gaming PC or dedicated GPU card. As the integrated one has to render less detail, it can do it comparatively quicker, resulting in higher FPS.
We have already a detailed article published on Ultimate Guide to Best Apex Legends PC Settings for Maximum FPS and Performance, where you can get all the details about appropriate in-game settings. Do refer to it.
Method 6: Disable Full-Screen Optimzation and High DPI
Full screen optimzation aims to improve the performance of the appliacations running in full-screen mode. DPI controls the size of content and items displayed on the screen. Disabling it can however resolve the low FPS issue in Apex Legends, especially in low-end PCs.
1. In the Windows drive, navigate to the game installation folder and then to the .exe file of Apex Legends.
2. Right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu.
3. In the Compatibility tab, check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimization.
4.Click on Change high DPI settings.
5. Tick the checkbox next to Override high DPI scaling behavior.
6. Expand the drop-down menu under Scaling performed by: and select Application from it.
7. Click on OK to save.
Also Read: 15 Best Budget RGB Fans for Your PC
Method 7: Update Graphics Drivers
Game developers regularly release updates and optimizations that are compatible with the latest graphics drivers. Now if the GPU drivers on the PC are outdated, they may not support these optimizations, leading to lower FPS.
1. Press the Windows + X keys to launch the Device Manager.
2. Double-click on Display adapters to expand the category.
3. Right-click on the Graphics card, i.e., AMD Radeon (TM) RX Vega 11 Graphics in our case.
4. Select Update driver from the context menu.
5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will now search for the latest driver updates online.
6. Once updated, Restart the PC.
Apex Legends should not be having LOW FPS issues anymore.
Also Read: 21 Best RAM, GPU and CPU Overclocking Software
Method 8: Disable Core Isolation to Boost FPS on Windows 11
Core Isolation in Windows 11 uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to isolate the key parts of the OS and protect it from malware & security threats. However, this occasionally affects the FPS in games such as Apex Legends. Follow the steps below to disable it:
1. Open Settings and move to the Privacy & security tab.
2. On the right pane, select Windows Security.
3. Click on Device security, followed by on Core isolation details under Core isolation.
4. Toggle off Memory integrity.
5. Select Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
Method 9: Reduce Overheating in PC
One of the major causes of frame drops in games is overheating. Usually after a long duration of gameplay and high-intensive tasks, the PC starts to throttle in order to prevent itself from overheating condition. Reduced GPU speed causes low FPS. You can however fix this. Refer to our guide on How to Fix an Overheating Laptop.
You can add better cooling solutions such as aftermarket CPU coolers or additional case fans, can help dissipate heat more effectively and prevent overheating.
Method 10: Upgrade Hardware
As we read earlier, internal and external hardware damage could lead to low frame rates in Apex Legends. Moreover, it might be possible that your current PC build might not be helping you with smooth game play on high intensity games. We suggest you to upgrade your PC.
Recommended: LHR vs Non LHR GPU: Which Cards are Best for Gaming?
We hope our guide has helped you fix the low FPS issue in Apex Legends on PC. If you have any queries or suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay connected to TechCult for solutions to more such game-related errors.
