FPS Boost Optimization Config for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chornobyl
A configuration based on practical experience, aimed at significantly boosting FPS and improving responsiveness in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl without noticeably compromising graphics quality.
The file directly replaces GameUserSettings.ini in the %localappdata% folder, ensuring high reliability—the game always applies the optimized settings.
Optimization Goals
The mod focuses on:
Maximizing CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD performance.
Reducing stuttering and micro-freezes.
Enhancing game stability and smoothness.
Lowering input latency for responsive controls.
Improving image clarity by disabling unnecessary effects (film grain, chromatic aberration).
Optimizing upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS).
Boosting performance without bugs, crashes, or significant graphical quality loss.
Available VersionsVersionDescriptionTarget Systems
Balanced Users with mid systems.
Low Anyone seeking higher FPS and stability without significant loss in image quality.
UltraLow This preset is made for very low-end PCs. It disables all heavy graphics effects to achieve maximum FPS boost.
The visual quality will be reduced, but performance and smoothness will greatly improve.
Be aware of potential graphical bugs and use it at your own risk.
Still, don’t worry too much, I checked it out myself, even if it wasn’t for very long.
File Location
Replace the GameUserSettings.ini file in the appropriate folder:
Platform File Path
Steam/GOG %localappdata%\Stalker2\Saved\Config\Windows
Xbox/Game Pass %localappdata%\Stalker2\Saved\Config\WinGDK
After replacing:
Right-click the file → Properties.
Check “Read-only” → Apply → OK.
Important
Do not use this mod with other optimization mods, as it may cause crashes or conflicts.
Only one optimization file should be active at a time.
The mod uses Unreal Engine 5’s standard mechanism to override settings.
Installation Instructions
Download the archive and choose a version (Balanced, Low or UltraLow).
Back up the original GameUserSettings.ini file from the appropriate folder (see above).
Replace it with the provided file.
Set the “Read-only” attribute via file properties.
Launch the game and test performance.
Help and Answers:
Why don’t I see changes in the in-game settings menu?
Answer:
The menu may look the same as before, but the engine applies the optimized settings directly from the GameUserSettings.ini file.
Please check the actual gameplay smoothness and FPS improvements while playing.
Does it matter what my in-game settings were before installing? Should I set them to recommended first?
Answer:
No, it doesn’t matter. The mod completely overrides all previous settings with optimized ones.
You don’t need to set anything manually before installing.
If I want to change graphics settings later, what should I do?
Answer:
First, remove the mod (delete the GameUserSettings.ini file or disable the Read-Only attribute).
Otherwise, the game won’t be able to save any new settings.
How can I change the language safely?
Answer:
Before changing the language settings, remove the “Read-Only” attribute from the GameUserSettings.ini file.
After changing the language in the game, exit the game and reapply the “Read-Only” attribute to the file to keep the optimization active.
How can I change my screen resolution manually?
Answer:
If you want to lower your screen resolution for better FPS, follow these steps:
Remove the “Read-Only” attribute from the GameUserSettings.ini file.
Open the file with Notepad.
At the end of the section [Script/SandFall.ConfigurableGameUserSettings], or at the end of the file, add the following lines:
ini
ResolutionSizeX=1280
ResolutionSizeY=720
LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeX=1280
LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeY=720
(This example sets the resolution to 1280×720.)
Save the file.
Set it back to “Read-Only” after editing.
Can I still use DLSS, FSR, or XeSS after installing this mod?
Answer:
Yes, but it depends on the version you installed:
Balanced version uses XeSS by default with Quality mode.
Low and UltraLow versions have upscaling disabled for maximum FPS.
You can manually adjust the upscaler settings inside the GameUserSettings.ini file if needed.
Target Audience
Note: Detailed instructions and version descriptions are in the README file included in the archive. Read it before installation.
Conclusion
The optimization works on most systems.
Test both versions (Balanced,Low and UltraLow) to find the best fit for your PC.
Feel free to share your experience and results!
