Confirm that Star Citizen is on an SSD and that the PC meets the current requirements. In Graphics Options, use the video-memory bar to keep the chosen settings within the GPU's memory, then compare DirectX and Vulkan with the same location. Use a current stable graphics driver, close recording and overlay tools, and verify the game files if performance remains abnormal.
Compare the PC with RSI's current minimum requirements. Star Citizen requires an SSD and substantial free storage. If the game is on a hard drive or the PC is below the minimum, settings changes cannot provide a reliable fix.
Use the same room, landing zone, or station view and repeat the same camera movement. Note the current resolution, renderer, graphics preset, and approximate FPS. A quiet ship interior and a busy landing zone are not equal tests.
3
Open Graphics Options and watch video memory
Open Options > Graphics. Use the video-memory bar while changing texture, resolution, clouds, and effects. Keep the total within the available video memory; exceeding it can cause pauses as data moves between the GPU and slower memory.
4
Lower the setting that matches the limit
If video memory is full, reduce texture quality or resolution. If the GPU is fully loaded, lower volumetric clouds, effects, or resolution. If the GPU has headroom but FPS remains low in busy locations, the processor or the game server may be the limit.
5
Compare DirectX and Vulkan
Select DirectX or Vulkan in Graphics Options, restart the game when asked, and repeat the same location. RSI notes that Vulkan can improve CPU performance on some systems, but the better renderer depends on the PC and driver. Keep whichever is stable.
6
Use a current stable driver
Install the latest stable driver recommended for the graphics card and restart Windows. If the problem began with a new driver, return to the previous stable version instead of installing a beta driver.
Close recording, browser video, and unneeded overlays, then retest. If performance is suddenly much worse than before, use the RSI Launcher verification control and let it finish before deleting shader or configuration folders manually.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If one landing zone is slow but space and interiors are smooth, the location, player count, or server can be the limit. Compare another server session before lowering every setting.
If Vulkan produces artifacts or crashes, return to DirectX and keep the stable renderer. Do not assume Vulkan is always faster on every GPU.
If the video-memory bar is already within budget but the GPU remains at full use, lower resolution or volumetric effects. If GPU use is low, investigate the processor, memory, storage, or server instead.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Star Citizen on Windows.
The written procedure uses current official support guidance and the game's visible settings. If a menu label moves after an update, use the linked official page and the option's description rather than an old screenshot.
