Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
I ’m ready to pull throughElden Ring’sShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion on PC , but that experience get beyond just a code to tally to my Steam library . Over the past two year , I ’ve run throughElden Ringabout four prison term — once on my own and three more time with friend with the Seamless Co - op mod . And throughout my journeys in the Lands Between , I ’ve learned of two critical apps that vastly improve the experience on PC .
One is a free app and the other is a paid app , which I advocate using in tandem bicycle . They both propose to improve thesmoothness ofElden Ringand add features that are n’t usable in the PC port .
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The freebie
Let ’s part with the freebie . The app in head is Special K , which is described as the “ Swiss Army Knife ” of personal computer mod . It ’s a fireball utility that can do just about anything . It can forceNvidia Reflexin games , modify and lock stimulation to different display , and throw in HDR where it is n’t available . It ’s so dumb that I ’ve indite specifically aboutSpecial K for my ReSpec columnpreviously — and even then , I was only able to scratch the surface of what it ’s adequate to of .
Special K is a world-wide tool ; you could use it with any game short of those with anti - cheat package . However , it includes a handful of adjustments for specific titles , includingElden annulus . The most straightaway detectable one is an unsecured frame charge per unit . Elden Ringis crest to 60 frames per second ( fps ) on PC , but Special K can remove the cap .
It also enable a few calibre - of - life feature article . particular K include optional PlayStation push command prompt if you ’re using a DualSense or DualShock control , which are n’t uncommitted inElden Ringnatively . you’re able to also deactivate the biz ’s interface for screenshots through Special K.
TheShadow of the Erdtreeupdate broke the frame charge per unit unlock initially , and if you ’re using the stable variation of Special K right now , the app wo n’t work in the game at all . An observational version of the app is uncommitted that works with the latest interlingual rendition ofElden RingthroughSpecial K ’s Discord server .
One of the chief issues withElden Ringon PC is stuttering , and Special K can assist with that . It includes an passing in - depth frame pace limiter . Without getting too far in the grass , setting an fps cap is a lot more involved than you likely assume , and some frame rate clipper are better than others . Special K ’s is in all likelihood the best you’re able to get mighty now .
It helps enormously to smooth outElden Ring , particularly when you ’re traversing the capable world . If you want a deeper look at why Special K ’s frame pace clipper is so good , I ’ll point you tothis in - deepness poston the topic .
you could find a mickle of applications for Special K inElden Ring — I also habituate the mod ’s HDR capabilities in the game , for instance — but it carry a large caveat . exceptional K is a mod at the end of the day ; it messes with game files . Because of that , you have to setElden Ringto offline mode before loading the mod , and you ca n’t playact online . That means no summoning your champion for gaffer fights , no messages on the ground , and no PvP. Themod ’s creator also saysyou should stop the Easy Anti - Cheat software that the secret plan launches to avert any potential bans .
Those downsides are justified with how brawny Special K is . However , if you ’re just looking for a smoother experience and do n’t want to run a risk a ban , you still have an option — provided you’re able to part ways with $ 7 .
Frame generation without strings attached
Lossless Scaling is a $ 7 appon Steam that provides upscaling and frame generation across game . Unlike Special K , it does n’t mess with any biz filing cabinet . It sits on top of the game , so you ’re safe to expend it when playing online without lay on the line a banning . It ’s particularly utile inElden Ringwhere you do n’t have entree to carrying into action - boosting features like Nvidia ’s DLSS or AMD ’s FSR .
The upscaling bit of Lossless Scaling is useful , but it ’s the frame coevals that stand up out forElden Ring . The app includes its own machine - learning - ground flesh multiplication theoretical account , and it commit you the option to either double oreven triple your frame rate . It turn in the same way as something likeDLSS 3.5orFSR 3 . The game return two frames , Lossless Scaling compares them , and it spits out either one or two soma between the two . And just like that , you ’re watch two or three time as many frames .
Lossless Scaling accomplishes the same thing as DLSS 3 or FSR 3 , though with some quality loss . The frame contemporaries happens when you actually see the frame on your screen , so elements like the HUD are part of the appendage . With the in - locomotive shape generation putz , those elements are generally kept out . Still , Lossless Scaling operate shockingly well considering how it works .
And it ’s the reason I do n’t use Special K ’s unbarred figure rate . With Lossless Scaling , I ’m able to get the smoothness of 120 fps and the consistency of 60 fps . seize you ’re able-bodied to strike the frame rate crown inElden Ringconsistently , Lossless Scaling put up a near - unlined cost increase to the smoothness of the game .
There are still caveats here , particularly if you ca n’t hit the 60 fps detonator in the secret plan . Lossless Scaling require a ordered stream of frames to work properly , so if you have a highly variable frame charge per unit — let ’s say you ’re bounce between 35 Federal Protective Service and 50 fps — the tool wo n’t ferment well . It really shines when you ’re hitting the 60 fps cap inElden Ring .
Regardless of how you want to come on improving the smoothness and features of the plot , I wo n’t be bring up upShadow of the Erdtreewithout Lossless Scaling and Special K at the ready . These are two of the mostuseful apps for gaming on PC , and they shine specially bright in a game likeElden Ringthat ’s miss PC - exclusive feature .
