Optimizing Performance in Early Access: A Guide

As Cepheus continues to evolve during its early access phase, we’ll be making ongoing adjustments to optimize performance, especially as new mechanics and systems are implemented. To help you get the most out of your experience, here are some key recommendations and tips.

Install on SSD/NVME for Best Performance

We strongly recommend installing Cepheus on an SSD or NVME drive. Non-SSD/NVME setups may experience slower performance and longer loading times. Additionally, having high-end RAM (3200 MHz or higher) will significantly benefit your gaming experience. For reference, I personally use 6000 MHz RAM.

Upgrading for Lower-End PCs

If you’re using a lower-end PC, consider these tips:

• Auto-Configure Graphics Tool: Use the auto-configure graphics tool in the video options as a starting point. It provides a good baseline, but feel free to tweak settings as needed. Keep in mind that if you have a high-end video card, its impact will be limited as Cepheus is CPU-bound.
• CPU Matters More Than GPU: Because the game is CPU-bound, stable FPS and overall performance rely more on having a strong CPU. To get the most out of Cepheus, we recommend using a 10th generation or higher CPU (or AMD equivalent).

Graphics Settings Overview

• Key Graphics Settings: Adjusting settings like Anti-Aliasing, Shadows, and Texture Quality can significantly impact performance. Lowering these settings can help improve FPS, especially on lower-end systems.
• Preset Recommendations:
  • Low-End PCs: Lower settings across the board, particularly for Shadows and Post-Processing.
  • Mid-Range PCs: Medium settings should provide a good balance between visual quality and performance.
  • High-End PCs: High to Ultra settings will showcase the game’s full visual potential, though performance gains may be limited by the CPU.

General Crashes & Performance Tweaks

Even with a medium to high-end machine, poor maintenance can severely impact performance. Your computer, like a car, requires regular maintenance to run optimally. Here are some key tips:

• Multiple Video Cards: Unreal Engine can become unstable if you use multiple video cards (e.g., Laptop with integrated and dedicated GPUs or SLI configurations). This issue is beyond our control, as it’s related to the engine itself. We recommend disabling one of the cards when launching the game or configuring the Nvidia Control Panel to use only one.

Advanced Performance Tips

• Background Processes: Close unnecessary background applications (like web browsers or streaming services) that may consume CPU and RAM.
• Game Mode & Power Settings: Enable Windows Game Mode and switch to High-Performance power settings to prioritize gaming performance.

Maintenance Tips

Sometimes, engine crashes and poor performance stem from issues within your operating system, such as bad Windows updates or damaged system integrity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help maintain and potentially fix these issues:

1. Chkdsk Tool: If you’ve experienced a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) or sudden power loss, run this tool to repair your hard drive files. It can resolve certain crashes and even prevent future BSoDs.
   Command: chkdsk /f /r
2. SFC Tool: This tool checks your Windows installation for minor issues and fixes basic problems.
   Command: sfc /scannow
3. DISM Tool: This tool verifies the health of your Windows installation by checking with Windows servers. It’s typically used in combination with SFC.
   Command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. BIOS Updates: Ensure your BIOS is up to date for optimal hardware compatibility and performance.
5. Chipset & Audio Drivers: Update these drivers to ensure all components of your system work together efficiently.
6. Display Driver Update: Always keep your graphics drivers up to date for the best gaming performance.
7. Backup & Restore Game Saves: Before performing any system maintenance, back up your game saves. This ensures you won’t lose progress if anything goes wrong.
8. Driver Rollback: If you experience issues after a driver update, consider rolling back to a previous version that was more stable.

For more detailed instructions on using these tools, visit this Microsoft support page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is my game stuttering? Stuttering can often be resolved by lowering graphics settings, closing background applications, or ensuring your CPU isn’t being throttled by high temperatures.
• Why are my loading times so long? Ensure the game is installed on an SSD or NVME drive. Non-SSD setups will have longer loading times.
• What if my game crashes often? Follow the maintenance steps outlined above, and if issues persist, check for any pending Windows or driver updates.
• How can I contact support? Visit our support page or join our community forum to get help from both the developers and other players.

Community Feedback

We value your input! Share your own performance tips and tricks in the comments section or on our community forum. We’re committed to improving Cepheus, and your feedback plays a crucial role.

Regular Updates

We’ll be updating this guide regularly as new optimizations are made. Stay tuned for more tips and tweaks to enhance your gaming experience.