[DbD] Reasons why the PC version is slow/stuttery and how to deal with it | A complete guide to improving lag and frame drops

In the PC version of Dead by Daylight (DbD),

• Stutters while playing
• Frame rate suddenly drops
• Heavier only during chase
• Processing crashes during generator or attack

There are many players who have the same problem.

In this article,

• Main causes of slow DbD
• Specific countermeasures for each setting/environment
• Mistakes you shouldn’t make

I will explain

systematically.

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Conclusion: The weight of DbD is not only caused by “insufficient PC specs”

The first thing that is important is

Heavy DbD does not necessarily mean poor PC performance.

Actually,

• Configuration error
• Insufficient optimization
• DbD-specific load points

In most cases,

overlaps.

---

Cause 1: Graphic settings are too high

DbD seems light at first glance, but

• Film performance
• Post processing
• Effect processing

This is a surprisingly heavy game.

Settings with particularly high load

• Image quality: high
• Effect quality: High
• Post process: enabled

These are likely to cause frame drops.

Treatment

• Image quality: low~medium
• Effect quality: Medium
• Post process: disabled

Visibility will also increase,
which will actually be an advantage in actual battles.

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Cause 2: Problem with resolution/full screen settings

Common symptoms

• Strangely heavy even though it is full HD
• Stutters after Alt+Tab

This is

• Virtual full screen
• Resolution scaling

may be the cause.

Treatment

• Use full screen (exclusive)
• Resolution should match your monitor
• Avoid windowed mode

There are many cases where this alone is sufficient to stabilize the system.

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Cause ③ Frame rate limit is inappropriate

DbD

• Frame rate is unstable
• Uselessly moving up and down

By doing so,
it becomes easier to feel the stutter.

Treatment

• Fix frame rate limit to 60 or 120
• Avoid unlimited

Maintaining a stable frame count will
obviously give you a better experience.

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Cause ④ Impact of background apps

Because DbD has a high CPU load,

• Distribution software
• Browser
• Overlay apps

It is easily affected when

is running.

Special attention

• Discord overlay
• Steam overlay
• Residency of GPU management software

Treatment

• Close unnecessary apps
• Turn off overlay function

This alone may improve the problem of getting caught during a chase.

---

Cause ⑤ Driver/OS side problem

GPU driver is outdated

• Dropped frames
• Drawing delay
• Sudden processing failure

This will cause

.

Treatment

• Update GPU driver to latest version
• Restart after update

On the other hand,
If a problem occurs, it is also effective to revert to the previous stable version.

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Cause ⑥ Lack of optimization specific to DbD

DbD is updated every time it is updated.

• Optimization breaks down
• Heavier on certain maps

It is not uncommon.

Common cases

• Map with a lot of rain and fog
• Immediately after new chapter implementation
• During the event period

This is a problem that cannot be completely solved by individuals.

Treatment

• Lower settings one step
• Temporarily tighten frame limits

to minimize damage.

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Cause ⑦ Installed on HDD

DbD when loading/changing areas

• Data loading
• Asset deployment

is done frequently.

For HDD

• Long loading
• Stutters right after the game starts

Symptoms such as

are more likely to occur.

Treatment

• Installing on SSD

This alone will make a big difference in your experience.

---

Mistakes you shouldn’t make

Highest settings will make you feel more comfortable

→ It’s the opposite.
The higher the DbD setting, the harder it is to see and the heavier it becomes.

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I think it’s heavy because the line is bad

• Stuttering = PC processing failure
• Lag = communication delay

The cause is completely different.

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Summary of minimum recommended settings

• Resolution: Match to monitor
• Full screen: exclusive
• Image quality: low
• Effect: Medium or lower
• Frame limit: 60-120
• Unnecessary overlay: OFF

This setting is
stable in many environments.

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Summary: DbD weight can be improved

The reason why the PC version of DbD is slow and choppy is

• Graphic settings
• Frame management
• Background load
• Optimization problem

are intricately intertwined.

However,

• Review settings
• Organize your environment

Just using

will definitely improve your
experience.

Before you give up because your PC isn’t powerful enough,
Please try out the contents of this article.