Best Graphics Settings for the Last of Us 2 Remastered PC

Check out our recommended graphics settings for The Last of Us 2 Remastered PC, balancing high visuals with smooth FPS performance.

Best graphics settings for the Last of Us 2 Remastered PC (Image via Steam, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Best graphics settings for the Last of Us 2 Remastered PC (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

The Last of Us 2 was, until recently, a PlayStation exclusive. The port of The Last of Us 2 Remastered to the PC has made it accessible to a broader audience. With the transition, Naughty Dog has upped the graphics of the game.

However, introducing improved visual fidelity is often accompanied by performance issues. Thus, it can be daunting for certain gaming rigs to run the game smoothly while maintaining a satisfactory level of graphics quality. Not to worry, though. In this article, we will extensively cover the best graphics settings for The Last of Us 2 Remastered on PC. So, let’s hop into it.

Note: Our recommended settings will have variable results depending on the PC’s hardware. Future patches might also further optimize the game’s performance.

PC Optimization Challenges in The Last of Us 2 Remastered PC

No doubt, the enhanced graphics of TLOU2 Remastered look majestic on PC. But they are also more demanding. Gamers have reported experiencing laggy performance and low frame rates.

To overcome this issue, we advise that you adjust certain settings. For example, initially, you might think that enabling frame generation will make the game run smoother. While that is true to some extent, it may also lead to undesirable artifacts.

Display Settings Optimization

TLOU2 Remastered for PC looks beautiful but can be demanding (Image via Steam, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
TLOU2 Remastered for PC looks beautiful but can be demanding (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Firstly, we will guide you on how to exactly tweak the display settings to achieve optimized performance. Changes to these settings will have a direct effect on the game’s rendering mode, along with the overall performance. You can change them according to your preference, too, if there is some performance headroom.

The table below outlines the display settings for The Last of Us 2 Remastered that we recommend for PC gamers:

Setting NameRecommended OptionNotes
Window ModeExclusive FullscreenProvides a 5% FPS boost compared to borderless fullscreen.
Aspect RatioAuto (or manually set to 16:9/16:10/21:9)Choose based on your display preferences.
Display ResolutionNativeEnsures clarity without unnecessary scaling.
VsyncOffHelps reduce input lag and may slightly improve performance.
Framerate CapMonitor’s Max Refresh RateAlternatively, cap at 60 FPS for consistent performance.
Anti-Aliasing ModeOffWith upscaling enabled, anti-aliasing is redundant.
Nvidia Reflex/AMD Anti-Lag 2OnAlternatively, cap it at 60 FPS for consistent performance.
Frame GenerationOffReduces latency, though it may have a minor performance impact.
Upscale MethodDLSS or FSROffers improved performance with minimal quality loss.
Upscale QualityQualityProvides a balanced approach between visual fidelity and FPS gains.
Dynamic Resolution ScalingOffUpscaling via GPU is already active, making this unnecessary.
Cinematic PillarboxesOffIt can cause stuttering and artifacts.
BrightnessPersonal PreferencePrimarily for ultrawide monitors; it does not affect performance significantly.

Graphics Settings Optimization

Lighting effects look great in TLOU2 Remastered on PC (Image via: Steam, Naughty Dog)
Lighting effects look great in TLOU2 Remastered on PC (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

After you have made your way through adjusting the display settings, the next step involves doing the same for the graphical settings. The complexity and how detailed the in-game visuals will be are determined by these settings. Thus, their impact on frame rates is significant.

Have a look at the table below for our recommended graphics settings for The Last of Us 2 Remastered for PC gamers:

Setting NameRecommended OptionNotes
Level of DetailHighHelps ensure textures look detailed without excessive resource use.
Texture QualityHighFilm Grain / Lens Dirt
Texture Filtering8 or 16Enhances texture smoothness and clarity.
Shadow QualityMediumHigh settings can significantly drop FPS.
Screen Space ShadowsMediumBalances quality and performance.
Image-Based LightingOnProvides improved lighting in dark scenes with minimal impact on performance.
Bounced LightingOnSupports realistic illumination effects without a substantial performance hit.
Ambient OcclusionPerformanceRetains occlusion detail while favoring performance; can be switched to Quality if needed.
Screen Space ReflectionsMediumReduces the load on the GPU compared to high settings.
Real-Time Reflections QualityLowMinimizes performance cost.
Real-Time Cloud Shadow ReflectionsOffDisabling this feature can contribute to performance improvements.
Refraction QualityMediumBalances visual quality with FPS performance.
Depth of FieldOnAdds a depth effect without significant FPS costs.
Depth of Field QualityHighKeeps the bokeh effect crisp.
Motion Blur Quality/IntensityOffTypically, motion blur can be visually appealing but may lower FPS; best to disable it.
BloomOnAdds visual flair with negligible performance impact.
Particle DensityMediumIt reduces the load from non-critical visual effects.
Volumetric Effects QualityMediumOffers acceptable visuals for fog and lighting without excessive FPS degradation.
Lens FlareFull ResolutionProvides a defined effect without excessive resource demand.
Field of ViewDefaultIncreased FOV may slightly reduce FPS.
Camera Shake5Purely aesthetic; does not impact performance.
Chromatic Aberration Intensity5Keeps unwanted visual distortions minimal.
Film Grain / Lense Dirt5Subtle effects that maintain routine performance levels.

And with that, you should be good to go. With these settings, you can expect around 60 FPS while using upscaling techniques like DLSS. Feel free to fine-tune it to suit your specific hardware.


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