Grim Dawn graphics settings

Optimal Grim Dawn graphics settings according to the FPSHQ model: the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 holds 60 FPS at 1080p on the Ultra preset (96–150 FPS); entry-level cards like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB should use High at 1080p (59–94 FPS). For 144 FPS at 1080p you need NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060-class performance on the Medium preset (130–210 FPS). Source of the numbers: FPSHQ model estimate (not a measurement); data as of Oct 14, 2026. (model accuracy)

42/100game demand
Ultrapreset for 60 FPS · GeForce RTX 3060
—upscalers in the game
+39%FPS gain: Ultra → Medium · GeForce RTX 3060
0independent measurements in our database
FPSHQ unified model estimate · data updated · methodology

Which preset to choose in Grim Dawn: 60, 120 and 144 FPS

For each GPU class — the best combination of resolution and preset at which average FPS is not below the target. Entry and mid classes start from 1080p, high-end from 1440p, enthusiast from 4K.

GPU class60 FPS120 FPS144 FPS
Entry level
GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
1080p · High
59–94
720p · Low
125–205
—
Mid-range
GeForce RTX 3060
1080p · Ultra
96–150
1080p · High
110–175
1080p · Medium
130–210
High-end
GeForce RTX 3080
1440p · Ultra
100–155
1440p · Ultra
100–155
1440p · High
115–180
Enthusiast
GeForce RTX 5080
4K · Ultra
105–165
4K · Ultra
105–165
4K · High
125–190

Calculated without a CPU bottleneck (like test benches). ● — value from a real measurement. "—" — target not reachable for the class even on low.

Grim Dawn FPS by preset (1080p)

Grim Dawn FPS by preset (1080p)Average FPS by graphics preset for a representative card of each GPU class; dashed lines are the 60 and 144 FPS targets.0100200300400Entry level — GeForce GTX 1060 6GB · Low: 99 FPS99Mid-range — GeForce RTX 3060 · Low: 186 FPS186High-end — GeForce RTX 3080 · Low: 279 FPS279Enthusiast — GeForce RTX 5080 · Low: 329 FPS329LowEntry level — GeForce GTX 1060 6GB · Medium: 80 FPS80Mid-range — GeForce RTX 3060 · Medium: 152 FPS152High-end — GeForce RTX 3080 · Medium: 244 FPS244Enthusiast — GeForce RTX 5080 · Medium: 322 FPS322MediumEntry level — GeForce GTX 1060 6GB · High: 66 FPS66Mid-range — GeForce RTX 3060 · High: 127 FPS127High-end — GeForce RTX 3080 · High: 210 FPS210Enthusiast — GeForce RTX 5080 · High: 311 FPS311HighEntry level — GeForce GTX 1060 6GB · Ultra: 57 FPS57Mid-range — GeForce RTX 3060 · Ultra: 109 FPS109High-end — GeForce RTX 3080 · Ultra: 183 FPS183Enthusiast — GeForce RTX 5080 · Ultra: 296 FPS296Ultra60 FPS144 FPS
Entry level — GeForce GTX 1060 6GBMid-range — GeForce RTX 3060High-end — GeForce RTX 3080Enthusiast — GeForce RTX 5080
Graphics card · 1080pLowMediumHighUltra
GeForce GTX 1060 6GB88–14571–11559–9451–81
GeForce RTX 3060160–255130–210110–17596–150
GeForce RTX 3080225–350200–310170–265150–230
GeForce RTX 5080270–410265–405255–390240–370
In short

How do I increase FPS in Grim Dawn?

model estimate Per the FPSHQ model, a GeForce RTX 3060 at 1080p delivers 96–150 FPS in Grim Dawn on Ultra, 110–175 on High, 130–210 on Medium and 160–255 on Low: dropping from Ultra to Medium gives +39% frames, to Low +71%. The fastest way to raise FPS is to lower the 3–4 heaviest settings from the list below, then enable upscaling, and only then reduce the render resolution. Source of the numbers: FPSHQ model estimate (not a measurement). (model accuracy)

GeForce RTX 3060 · 1080p Ultra
109 FPS
GeForce RTX 3060 · 1080p Medium
152 FPS
FPS gain: Ultra → Medium · GeForce RTX 3060
+39%

Grim Dawn is a moderately demanding Action game (load index 42 of 100). Below we cover which graphics settings affect FPS the most and how to maximize frames.

For Grim Dawn (Action), start from the High preset and gradually lower the heaviest options until FPS is comfortable. Begin with shadows and post-processing — they barely affect sharpness but noticeably ease GPU load.

The developers of Grim Dawn recommend a GPU around 1.5GB NVIDIA GeForce 500 series or ATI Radeon 6000 series or better. If yours is weaker, follow the tips above; if stronger, you can raise settings and resolution without losing smoothness.

Does Grim Dawn have DLSS, FSR or XeSS?

FPSHQ data shows no DLSS, FSR or XeSS support in Grim Dawn. What is left: the graphics preset, the render-resolution scale (if the game has one) and driver-level scaling — NVIDIA Image Scaling or AMD RSR.

What to do outside the game

  1. Update your GPU drivers to the latest version.
  2. Close background apps (browser, Discord overlay).
  3. Turn on Windows Game Mode and the High performance power plan; keep a laptop plugged in — on battery the GPU runs at a reduced power limit.
  4. If FPS fluctuates, cap it slightly below your monitor's refresh rate (in-game or in the driver panel) — frame pacing gets smoother and the GPU stops running flat out.
  5. If nothing helps — lower the render resolution.

Steps are general practice; the numbers above come from the FPSHQ model (GeForce RTX 3060), not a measurement on your PC.

What to lower first in Grim Dawn

If FPS is below your target, go down this list from the top: first come the settings that load the GPU the most in most games.

  1. Volumetric effects (fog, clouds, light) big FPS impact
    Volumetric fog and clouds are computed every frame; dropping them from max to medium usually gives a solid gain with little visual difference.
  2. Shadow quality and distance big FPS impact
    Shadow map resolution and draw distance are among the most expensive raster settings, especially in open worlds. Medium is a sensible compromise.
  3. Reflections (SSR) noticeable impact
    High-quality screen-space reflections noticeably load the GPU; on medium the difference shows mostly on water and glossy surfaces.
  4. Ambient occlusion noticeable impact
    Adds depth to the scene. Heavy variants (HBAO+, RTAO) can be swapped for simpler SSAO.
  5. Draw distance and level of detail noticeable impact
    Affects both the GPU and the CPU (more objects per frame). If you are CPU-bound, start here and with crowd/foliage density.
  6. Anti-aliasing noticeable impact
    MSAA and supersampling are very heavy; TAA or the upscaler's anti-aliasing (DLAA/FSR Native AA) give a comparable image for less.
  7. Texture quality depends on VRAM
    Barely affects FPS as long as VRAM is sufficient; when VRAM runs out you get stutters and texture pop-in. GeForce RTX 3060 has 12 GB of VRAM — you can max out textures, it costs almost no FPS.
  8. Post-processing (motion blur, depth of field, film grain) almost no impact
    Cheap in FPS and mostly a matter of taste; motion blur is often turned off for clarity.
  9. Anisotropic filtering almost no impact
    Almost free on modern GPUs — keep it at 8x–16x.

These are general rules for most games: the exact impact of each setting depends on the engine and the scene. FPS numbers on this page are FPSHQ unified model estimates for whole presets.

FPS measurements and aggregated data in Grim Dawn

There are no real measurements for Grim Dawn in our database yet — the values on this page are model estimates. Submit your benchmark: it will be included after moderation.

Which CPU you need for Grim Dawn

At high FPS the CPU becomes the limit. In the FPSHQ model the CPU ceiling depends on its Gaming Score and on the game's demand (Grim Dawn: 42/100).

TargetGaming ScorePopular CPU example
60 FPS≥ 1,739FX-8320
120 FPS≥ 3,478Ryzen 3 3100
144 FPS≥ 4,174Core i7-11800H

Gaming Score is the CPU gaming index in the FPSHQ catalog. The minimum is set so that the model's CPU ceiling does not drop below the target.

Grim Dawn system requirements

Min. GPU
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series or ATI Radeon X800 series or better
Rec. GPU
1.5GB NVIDIA GeForce 500 series or ATI Radeon 6000 series or better
Min. RAM
2 GB
Rec. RAM
6 GB

More on Grim Dawn

In short

What graphics settings should I use in Grim Dawn on the GeForce RTX 3060?

On the GeForce RTX 3060 in Grim Dawn the optimal choice is 1080p with the Ultra preset — the FPSHQ model gives 96–150 FPS. For more frames lower shadows and volumetric effects or enable upscaling.

updated · source: FPSHQ model estimate

FAQ

What graphics settings should I use in Grim Dawn on the GeForce RTX 3060?
On the GeForce RTX 3060 in Grim Dawn the optimal choice is 1080p with the Ultra preset — the FPSHQ model gives 96–150 FPS. For more frames lower shadows and volumetric effects or enable upscaling.
Which graphics card do I need for 144 FPS in Grim Dawn?
For 144 FPS at 1080p in Grim Dawn you need GeForce RTX 3060-level performance (Mid-range) on the Medium preset — 130–210 FPS by the FPSHQ model.
Which settings affect FPS the most in Grim Dawn?
As in most games, FPS drops the most from volumetric effects (fog, clouds), shadow quality and distance, reflections and heavy anti-aliasing. Textures barely matter as long as there is enough VRAM.
Why is my FPS in Grim Dawn lower than in the table?
The values are calculated without a CPU bottleneck, on current drivers. Real FPS depends on your CPU, memory speed and channel mode, background apps, game version and the specific scene. For a stable 60 FPS the CPU should be at least at the FX-8320 level.
How do I increase FPS in Grim Dawn?
Lower the heaviest settings (shadows, volumetric effects), then enable upscaling and update your driver. Per the FPSHQ model on a GeForce RTX 3060 at 1080p, going from Ultra to Medium in Grim Dawn gives +39% FPS.
How much FPS do I gain in Grim Dawn going from Ultra to Medium?
Per the FPSHQ model on a GeForce RTX 3060 at 1080p: 96–150 FPS on Ultra, 110–175 on High, 130–210 on Medium, 160–255 on Low — Medium gives +39% over Ultra, Low +71%.