What is VRR and why it improves your gaming experience

You’ve finally found a moment of calm in the Lands Between. The Erdtree glows in the distance, and you’re about to face a crucial boss. You dodge, you weave, and as you go for the final strike—a jagged, horizontal line tears across the screen, breaking your immersion and possibly costing you the fight. This frustrating visual glitch is screen tearing, a common enemy for gamers that, thankfully, has a powerful counter: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).This article focuses on a specific and prevalent scenario: experiencing screen tearing or VRR not working properly in Elden Ring on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. Elden Ring, while a masterpiece, is known for its occasional frame rate fluctuations, especially in the open world. These fluctuations are the perfect storm for tearing when VRR isn't correctly enabled. The problem occurs because your display's fixed refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz) falls out of sync with the game's variable frame rate, causing the GPU to send a new frame while the monitor is mid-refresh. The result is that jarring tear.Let's banish the tearing and restore the flawless, immersive vistas of the Lands Between. Whether you're an impatient Tarnished seeking a quick fix or a detail-oriented warrior, this guide has your solution.

Causes of VRR Not Working in Elden Ring

Understanding the "why" helps find the "how" to fix it. Here are the typical culprits:

Incorrect System/Win11 & GPU Settings: VRR is a handshake between your console/PC and your display. If it's disabled at the system level, in the GPU control panel, or within the game itself, it won't function.

Using an Incompatible Display or Cable: Not all monitors and TVs support VRR (G-Sync, FreeSync, HDMI Forum VRR). Even if they do, using an old HDMI cable (pre-HDMI 2.1) or a low-quality DisplayPort cable can prevent the feature from activating.

In-Game Frame Rate Cap Conflicts: Elden Ring has an in-game frame rate cap (60 FPS on most consoles, 60/120 on PC). If this cap is set at a value outside your display's VRR range (e.g., your monitor's range is 48-144Hz and you cap at 30 FPS), VRR may disengage.

Outdated Drivers or Firmware: Graphics drivers (on PC) and display/TV firmware are essential for VRR compatibility and stability. An outdated version can cause handshake failures.

Fullscreen vs. Borderless Windowed Mode (PC): Traditionally, VRR technologies like G-Sync work best in exclusive fullscreen mode. Some implementations now support borderless windowed, but it can be a source of issues.

Quick Fix (For the Impatient Tarnished)

Before the deep dive, try this 2-minute checklist:

Console Players: Go to your system settings (PS5: Screen & Video > Video Output > VRR; Xbox: General > TV & display options > Refresh rate) and ensure VRR is set to On.

PC Players: Right-click desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings > Display section > Enable G-SYNC or FreeSync. Also, in Windows, go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings and enable Variable refresh rate.

Everyone: Check your display's on-screen menu (OSD) and ensure any VRR/G-Sync/FreeSync setting is Enabled.

Launch Elden Ring and go to Settings > Graphics/Display and set Frame Rate to "Variable" (consoles) or ensure the cap is at max (PC).

If the tearing persists, proceed to the detailed steps below.

Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

For PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S Players:

Verify Display Compatibility: Confirm your TV/monitor supports HDMI Forum VRR (PS5) or FreeSync over HDMI (Xbox). Check the manual or specs online.

Update Your Display Firmware: Visit the manufacturer's website and update your TV/monitor to the latest firmware via USB. This is crucial.

Enable VRR at System Level:

• PS5: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > VRR > Automatic.
• Xbox: Settings > General > TV & display options > Refresh rate > select 120Hz if supported, then check "Allow variable refresh rate" below.

Configure In-Game Settings: In Elden Ring, go to: Settings > Graphics/Display Settings > Frame Rate > select "Variable" (This is the key setting for consoles).

Use the Correct HDMI Port and Cable: Some TVs only support VRR on HDMI port 3 or 4. Use the HDMI cable that came with your console (a certified high-speed cable).

For PC (Windows) Players:

Update Graphics Drivers: Cleanly install the latest driver from NVIDIA or AMD. Use "Perform clean installation" or AMD's factory reset option.

Enable VRR in Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings (Win11) or Advanced display settings (Win10). Toggle "Variable refresh rate" to On.

1. Configure NVIDIA Control Panel:
   • Navigate to "Display" > Set up G-SYNC.
   • Check "Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible".
   • Select your display.
   • Choose "Enable for full screen mode."
   • Under "Manage 3D settings," ensure "Monitor Technology" is set to G-SYNC.
2. Configure AMD Radeon Software:
   • Go to Gaming > Display.
   • Ensure "FreeSync" or "Adaptive Sync" is Enabled.
3. Optimize Elden Ring In-Game Settings:
   • Launch the game. Go to Settings > Graphics.
   • Set Screen Mode to Fullscreen (not Borderless Windowed).
   • Adjust Frame Rate settings. Consider setting a max frame rate within your monitor's VRR range (e.g., 58 FPS for a 60Hz min range) using third-party tools like RTSS for absolute smoothness.
4. Check Power & Performance Modes: In Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode > set to Best performance. In NVIDIA Control Panel, set "Power management mode" to "Prefer maximum performance."

Alternative Solutions if the Problem Persists

• Use a Frame Rate Cap: If VRR is unstable, use a strict frame rate cap slightly below yourmonitor's max refresh rate (e.g., 117 FPS for a 120Hz display) viain-game settings or RTSS. This can reduce tearing even without VRR.
• Enable VSync as a Fallback: In your GPU control panel, try enabling VSyncwhile VRR is active. The combination (VSync ON in control panel + VRR ON) can help handleframes at the top of the refresh rate range, preventing tearing andminimizing input lag. Disable any in-game VSync.
• Perform a Clean Boot (PC): Rule out software conflicts by performing a clean boot of Windows andthen launching only the essential services to run the game.

How to Prevent VRR Issues from Recurring

• Keep Everything Updated: Regularly check for graphics driver, Windows, and display firmware updates.
• Use Certified Cables: Invest in a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
• Standardize Your Settings: Once you find a stable configuration (Fullscreen + VRR + appropriate frame cap), avoid changing multiple settings at once.
• Check Per-Game Settings: Some games have unique VRR implementations. Always check the in-game graphics menu for a VRR or V-Sync option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does VRR increase input lag?
A: No. Unlike traditional VSync, VRR reduces input lag by displaying frames as soon as they are ready, without waiting for the next fixed refresh cycle.

Q: I have a 60Hz monitor. Do I need VRR for Elden Ring?
A: It is highly beneficial. Elden Ring often fluctuates between 45-60 FPS. VRR smooths out those fluctuationson a 60Hz display, eliminating the tearing and stutter they would cause.

Q: What's the difference between G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDMI VRR?
A:G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) are proprietary adaptive sync technologies. HDMI Forum VRR is a standardized, non-proprietary version built into the HDMI 2.1spec. Consoles primarily use HDMI VRR, while PC users will use G-Sync or FreeSync depending on their GPU.

Q: Will VRR fix all stuttering in Elden Ring?
A: No. VRR fixes stutter and tearing caused by frame time inconsistencies(small fluctuations). It cannot fix major engine stutters or shadercompilation stutters, which are game-code-related issues.

What is VRR and Why It Radically Improves Your Gaming Experience

At its core, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a display technology that allows your screen to dynamically adjustits refresh rate in real-time to match the exact frame rate output byyour console or PC. This synchronization eliminates the fundamentalcause of screen tearing (where two frames are shown at once) and minimizes stuttering (uneven frame delivery). The result is a buttery-smooth, immersivevisual experience where the on-screen action flows seamlessly, exactlyas the developers intended, even when the frame rate isn't perfectlylocked. For a game as visually rich and demanding as Elden Ring, VRR isn't just a luxury; it's a transformative tool that preserves the artistic vision and enhances gameplay fluidity.

Closing & Call to Action

Conquering the Elden Beast is hard enough—you shouldn't have to battle your ownhardware. By enabling and optimizing VRR, you're not just fixing aglitch; you're unlocking the definitive visual experience of Elden Ring. A world free of tearing is a world of pure immersion.

Ready to experience The Lands Between as never before? Work through the steps above, tailor them to your platform, and claimyour victory over screen tearing. Share this guide with fellowTarnished, and if you have your own VRR tips, shout them out below. Now, go forth. Become Elden Lord, flawlessly.

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