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For a stable starting point in The Sinking City 2, change graphics options from the title screen, keep DLSS at Balanced or a higher-quality mode, and avoid DLSS Performance and Ultra Performance unless you are prepared for possible visual problems. If performance is still below your target, reduce output resolution or video quality and compare the upscalers available in your installed version. Frogwares added FSR 4.1.1 in Update 1.1.0, so launch-era advice saying the game has no FSR is outdated.
Recommended starting settings
There is no officially verified universal “best” preset for every PC. Frogwares’ guidance supports a cautious, iterative approach: start with your display’s native resolution if performance allows, use a stable upscaling mode where needed, and lower resolution or video settings only when necessary. The developer has not published controlled comparisons that establish one upscaler or preset as best across hardware.
- Record your baseline. Note your GPU, output resolution, monitor refresh rate, selected upscaler and mode, and current visual preset before changing options.
- Open settings from the title screen. Frogwares recommends making changes there because adjustments during gameplay may cause visual bugs.
- Start at native output resolution if performance is adequate. If it is not, try reducing the output resolution; Frogwares specifically suggests lowering 4K or 2K output to Full HD or below as a troubleshooting step.
- Choose an upscaler mode. For DLSS, use Balanced or a higher-quality mode as the developer’s stability baseline. With TSR or FSR, compare the modes available on your system rather than assuming one is universally superior.
- Reduce video quality if needed. Lower the preset or individual settings, then check the result in the same repeatable scene. Change one thing at a time so you can tell which adjustment helped.
These steps are a practical way to apply Frogwares’ support recommendations, not a published benchmark or guaranteed frame-rate recipe.
Which upscaling option should you choose?
The useful comparison is how each available option behaves on your own GPU, at your chosen resolution and with your desired image stability. The official sources do not provide controlled image-quality or frame-time comparisons among TSR, DLSS and FSR, so no universal ranking is established.
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| Option | What to know | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| DLSS | Frogwares says Performance and Ultra Performance are highly unstable and may cause artifacts, ghosting or other visual issues. Its support guidance recommends Balanced and above. | Begin with Balanced or a higher-quality mode. Avoid Performance and Ultra Performance as a routine fix for low performance. |
| AMD FSR | Update 1.1.0 added FSR 4.1.1 to PC Video settings. Older claims that the game lacks FSR do not reflect that update. | Compare the modes available in your installed version on your own hardware. |
| TSR | Steam lists TSR or comparable technology in the evaluation context for its stated PC targets; this does not establish that TSR is best for every system. | Use it as another available option to compare at the same resolution and in the same scene. |
Frogwares also warns that Low may produce artifacts and glitches. It is available for low-end graphics cards, with NVIDIA 1000-series and AMD equivalents cited by the developer, but should be used only if needed.
Frame Generation: prerequisites and monitor behavior
Frame Generation is an optional troubleshooting measure, not a substitute for adequate base performance. Frogwares’ FAQ says DLSS Frame Generation requires an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40- or 50-series GPU and Windows Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling enabled. The FAQ also advises disabling V-Sync when Frame Generation is enabled with a 60 Hz monitor.
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If the option is unavailable, check the stated GPU and Windows scheduling requirements. If you enable it, assess responsiveness and image stability as well as the displayed frame rate.
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What PC hardware do the official targets assume?
Steam’s 2026 listing gives the following minimum and recommended targets. They are declared targets from Frogwares, not independent guarantees for every scene or PC. Both target descriptions use TSR or comparable technology in their evaluation context.
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| Tier | Operating system and CPU | Memory | Graphics | Declared target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Windows 11 x64; Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 16 GB RAM | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700, 8 GB VRAM | 1080p at 30 fps on Low |
| Recommended | Windows 11 x64; Intel Core i5-14600K or AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | 32 GB RAM | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, 12 GB VRAM | 1440p at 60 fps on Medium |
Both listings specify DirectX 12 and an SSD. A system meeting a listed tier should not be treated as a promise of the same frame rate in every location or configuration.
Update 1.1.0 changes to check
Frogwares’ Update 1.1.0 notes add AMD FSR 4.1.1, HDR output, HDR10+ support and a Legacy mode for NVIDIA DLSS. HDR follows the system HDR setting and is not forced on when system HDR is disabled. The notes also describe visual changes: Quality mode uses strand-based hair, improved Lumen lighting and higher-quality reflections, while Performance mode renders at a higher internal resolution. These details are version-dependent, so check your installed patch and the current in-game options.
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
How to troubleshoot poor performance or visual glitches
- Performance is too low at 4K or 2K: try Full HD or a lower output resolution, then reduce video settings if needed.
- DLSS looks unstable or produces ghosting or artifacts: move to Balanced or a higher-quality mode rather than relying on Performance or Ultra Performance.
- Changes cause visual bugs: return to the title screen before adjusting options.
- Low mode looks glitchy: raise it if your hardware permits; Frogwares cautions that Low may introduce artifacts.
- Frame Generation is unavailable: verify the RTX 40- or 50-series GPU requirement and enable Windows Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling.
- Frame Generation is on with a 60 Hz monitor: follow Frogwares’ advice to disable V-Sync.
After each adjustment, revisit the same scene and compare the result at the same output resolution. That makes it easier to separate a genuine improvement from differences in scene complexity or settings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Next-Gen Intel Arc Graphics: Powered by Intel Arc A580 GPU with Intel Xe HPG microarchitecture, featuring 384 XMX engines for enhanced AI acceleration and content creation.
- High-Performance Memory: 8GB GDDR6 on a 256-bit interface running at 16 Gbps, delivering excellent bandwidth for 1440p gaming and creative workloads.
- Factory Overclocked: Engine clock set at 2000 MHz out of the box, providing optimized performance for smooth gameplay and multimedia tasks.
- Advanced Dual-Fan Cooling: Features a dual-fan design with striped axial fans and an ultra-fit heatpipe for efficient thermal management. 0dB Silent Cooling stops fans completely at low temperatures for silent operation.
- Durable Construction: Includes a stylish metal backplate for enhanced PCB rigidity and a premium aesthetic, backed by ASRock's Super Alloy components for long-term reliability.
Official references
- Frogwares Support: Known Issues — setting-change and DLSS stability guidance.
- The Sinking City 2 on Steam — published PC requirements and target tiers.
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