The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The best starting point is Vulkan on PC, the intended GPU selected, a quality reconstruction mode, and high texture detail. Use DLSS Quality on a compatible RTX card, XeSS where the game exposes it, or PSSR on supported PlayStation hardware. Keep Planet Quality and textures high while frame time and VRAM allow; reduce volumetrics, reflections, shadows and post-processing before lowering texture detail. These are tuning baselines, not guaranteed FPS results: No Man’s Sky performance changes with hardware, resolution, planets, weather, bases and headset targets.
Recommended baseline settings
Start from this quality-first baseline, then change one setting at a time while watching frame time in the same demanding scene. The order protects surface detail and reduces the effects that usually make exploration scenes expensive.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Setting | Quality-first baseline | Performance fallback | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics API (PC) | Vulkan | Keep Vulkan; troubleshoot within it before changing other options | GPU selection, V-Sync behavior and frame-time consistency |
| Upscaling or anti-aliasing | DLSS Quality on compatible RTX hardware; XeSS where available; PSSR on supported PlayStation hardware; native or DLAA-style rendering if there is ample headroom | Balanced mode only if Quality misses the target | Shimmering, fine-detail stability, ghosting and internal-resolution softness |
| Textures | High or Ultra when VRAM is sufficient | Lower one step only after lighting-heavy settings are reduced | Texture pop-in, hitching and VRAM pressure |
| Planet Quality | High or Ultra | Reduce when distant vegetation detail is less important than stable frame time | Grass and flora detail at distance, especially on PC |
| Volumetrics | High if the target frame rate is stable | Medium or Low | Clouds, fog, atmosphere and GPU utilization |
| Reflections | High if image quality is the priority | Medium or Low | Water and glossy-surface quality versus GPU time |
| Shadows | High | Medium or Low | Shadow resolution, distance and frame-time spikes |
| Post-processing | High, with your preferred motion-blur and depth-of-field choices | Reduce or disable effects you do not value | Clarity during movement and the cost of extra image effects |
| V-Sync (PC) | Use the Vulkan option that matches your display; adaptive is a useful compromise | Triple-buffered V-Sync when you prefer even pacing and can accept its latency behavior | Tearing, latency and pacing rather than average FPS alone |
This table is a starting point, not a universal preset. A high-end desktop at 1440p, a laptop at 1080p and a VR headset have different frame-time limits even when they use the same menu values.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why Vulkan should be your PC starting point
Hello Games replaced OpenGL with Vulkan in its 2019 Vulkan update. Vulkan is therefore the documented PC graphics API for the game, and its video controls include GPU selection plus adaptive and triple-buffered V-Sync choices.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Confirm the graphics API and GPU
- Open the game’s video or graphics options and confirm that Vulkan is active.
- If the computer has integrated and discrete graphics, inspect the GPU-selection entry and choose the intended gaming GPU.
- Apply the change, restart if the game requests it, and verify that the selected adapter is the one reporting load while you play.
- Only after this check begin tuning quality sliders. A game running on an integrated adapter can make every other setting look ineffective.
V-Sync is a pacing control, not an image-quality preset. Adaptive V-Sync can avoid a hard drop when frame rate falls below the display refresh, while triple buffering can make presentation more even at the cost of a different latency and memory trade-off. Test the two Vulkan choices with the same camera movement and keep the one that feels consistent on your display.
Choose reconstruction before reducing detail
Upscaling determines how much work the GPU performs for each frame and how that work is reconstructed into your output resolution. Pick the highest-quality compatible option first.
| Option | When to use it | Strength | Limit or qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLSS Quality | Compatible NVIDIA RTX graphics cards | Usually the best first performance step while retaining more fine detail than lower-quality modes | Requires compatible RTX hardware; image behavior varies by resolution and scene |
| DLSS Balanced | When DLSS Quality does not meet the target frame rate | More GPU headroom than Quality | Lower internal resolution can make thin geometry, foliage and distant detail softer or less stable |
| XeSS | Systems and game versions where Intel Xe Super Sampling is available | Platform-dependent reconstruction alternative | Availability and results depend on the GPU, output resolution and implementation |
| PSSR | Supported PlayStation hardware | Platform-native reconstruction option | Only appears on supported PlayStation hardware and software versions |
| Native or DLAA-style rendering | When performance headroom is already available | Clarity-first presentation with no aggressive internal-resolution reduction | Highest rendering cost among these choices |
Hello Games added DLSS support for compatible RTX cards in the 2021 Prisms update. In the 2024 Worlds Part I update, it described DLSS3 as multiplying performance by up to four times compared with traditional rendering while retaining great image quality. That figure is the developer’s stated claim under its own conditions, not an independent result or a promise for every PC.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The 2025 Voyagers update added Intel XeSS 2 and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Because those features are platform-dependent, use the option that the game actually exposes rather than forcing a setting through a driver or external tool. If Quality mode is close to your target, keep it; switch to Balanced only when the measured frame-time shortfall justifies the visible compromise.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Textures and Planet Quality: preserve surface detail first
Textures
Keep textures on High or Ultra when your GPU has enough VRAM. Texture settings primarily affect the detail stored and streamed for surfaces, so lowering them can make rocks, buildings, ships and terrain look visibly flatter even when the frame-rate gain is small. The Worlds update discusses texture streaming and texture-detail work, which is why texture reduction is a later step for a GPU-limited system rather than the first slider to pull.
If you see hitching when entering a base or landing on a new planet, watch VRAM use and frame-time spikes rather than average FPS. A texture step-down can be justified when streaming pressure is the cause, but make that change after testing volumetrics, reflections, shadows and post-processing. Keep the setting high if VRAM usage is comfortable and frame time remains stable.
Planet Quality
Planet Quality Ultra improves distant grass and flora detail on PC, according to the Origins update. It is most noticeable while flying low over a planet, surveying a valley or taking exploration screenshots. If your priority is a stable frame time during travel, lower Planet Quality before textures; the main sacrifice is distant vegetation density and definition rather than the detail of every surface close to the camera.
- Choose Ultra for screenshots, scenic exploration and systems where the GPU has spare time.
- Choose High as the balanced default for general play.
- Lower it when vegetation-heavy scenes produce spikes and you value consistent movement more than distant grass detail.
Reduce lighting-heavy effects in the right order
Volumetric lighting, screen-space reflections and related lighting systems are significant parts of the game’s rendering workload. They are the sensible first reductions when reconstruction is already at Quality and you need more frame-time headroom.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Volumetrics
Volumetrics affect atmospheric fog, clouds and light shafts. Lowering them can make a storm or dense atmosphere look less rich, but it often preserves the important geometry and texture detail of the scene. Test a drop from High to Medium first; use Low only when the target frame rate still is not stable.
Reflections
Reflections are most visible on water and glossy surfaces. A lower setting can reduce reflection complexity while leaving terrain and object textures intact. If your typical play includes oceans, rainy worlds or large bases with reflective materials, compare the same shoreline or landing pad at each level so you can judge the trade-off directly.
Shadows
Shadows add cost through resolution and distance. Medium shadows are a practical performance fallback because they retain directional depth without spending as much time on distant shadow detail. Lower them further only if shadow-heavy scenes continue to create spikes.
Post-processing
Post-processing includes effects that alter the final image after the scene is rendered. Reduce the options you do not value, especially if motion blur or depth-of-field makes movement feel less clear. Keep the effects that contribute to your preferred presentation; there is no performance reason to disable every effect when a single volumetric or shadow reduction solves the frame-time problem.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Quality-first and performance-first presets
These two presets show where to begin. They are deliberately described by behavior rather than promised FPS, because the official update notes do not publish a cross-hardware benchmark table for every setting.
| Category | Quality-first preset | Performance-first preset | Expected trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| API and adapter | Vulkan, intended discrete GPU | Vulkan, intended discrete GPU | No quality preset can compensate for the wrong adapter |
| Reconstruction | Native/DLAA-style if headroom allows; otherwise DLSS Quality, XeSS or PSSR | DLSS Balanced, XeSS equivalent or PSSR where available | More headroom with increased softness or temporal artifacts |
| Textures | High or Ultra | High; reduce only if VRAM pressure is evident | Lower textures reduce surface detail and may not fix a lighting bottleneck |
| Planet Quality | Ultra | High or Medium | Less distant grass and flora |
| Volumetrics | High | Medium or Low | Less atmospheric richness and cheaper fog/cloud lighting |
| Reflections | High | Medium or Low | Lower water and glossy-surface fidelity |
| Shadows | High | Medium | Reduced shadow detail and distance |
| Post-processing | Personal preference | Reduced effects that do not contribute to your preferred look | Cleaner or flatter presentation depending on the effect |
| V-Sync | Adaptive or the mode that matches your display behavior | Adaptive for avoiding large pacing changes; test triple buffering if it feels smoother | Different latency, tearing and pacing behavior |
A repeatable tuning procedure
- Set a realistic target. Pick the frame rate your display or headset can sustain, not the highest number shown for a few seconds. Stability during storms, dense flora, bases and atmospheric flight matters more than a menu-screen peak.
- Record a repeatable test route. Use one demanding location: a busy base, a planet with dense vegetation, a storm, or a low flight over terrain. Keep the same resolution, camera path and V-Sync state while comparing changes.
- Verify Vulkan and the adapter. Confirm the game is using Vulkan and the intended GPU before touching quality values.
- Select reconstruction. Start with native or DLAA-style rendering if you have headroom. Otherwise select DLSS Quality on compatible RTX hardware, XeSS where available or PSSR on supported PlayStation hardware.
- Set textures and Planet Quality. Use High or Ultra while VRAM and frame time permit. Pick Ultra Planet Quality when distant vegetation matters; choose High for a safer general baseline.
- Lower one lighting-heavy setting. Move volumetrics from High to Medium and repeat the same route. If the target is still missed, test reflections, then shadows, then post-processing. Do not change all four at once or you will not know which compromise helped.
- Use Balanced reconstruction only when needed. If Quality remains below target after the lighting adjustments, switch to Balanced and inspect foliage, thin structures and distant terrain for softness or shimmer.
- Address VRAM pressure separately. If entering new areas causes streaming hitches while GPU utilization is otherwise reasonable, test one texture step down. Keep the change only if it improves frame-time consistency.
- Choose V-Sync behavior. Compare adaptive and triple-buffered Vulkan V-Sync with the same route. Keep the option that gives the smoothest presentation at an acceptable latency.
- Stop when the target is stable. Extra reductions that do not improve frame time only make the image worse.
How to read the symptoms
The GPU is fully loaded and frame time is too high
Use the reconstruction and lighting order: move from native to Quality, reduce volumetrics, then reflections and shadows. A lower output resolution or Balanced mode can provide additional headroom, but inspect fine geometry after each change.
Frame rate looks high but movement feels uneven
Check V-Sync and frame-time consistency rather than the instantaneous FPS number. Adaptive and triple-buffered Vulkan choices can feel different even at a similar average. Test them in a demanding scene and keep the smoother option.
The image is soft or foliage shimmers
Return from Balanced to Quality if possible, or from an aggressive reconstruction mode to native/DLAA-style rendering when there is headroom. Planet Quality affects distant grass and flora on PC, so verify that it was not lowered when the complaint is specifically about vegetation detail.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
New areas hitch while textures load
Check VRAM use and texture streaming behavior. Lower textures one step and repeat the same landing or base-entry route. If the hitch does not improve, restore the texture setting and investigate other bottlenecks instead of sacrificing surface detail without a benefit.
Storms, clouds or fog cause the largest drops
Lower volumetrics first. This targets atmospheric lighting while leaving textures and most geometry settings intact.
Water or glossy materials are the problem
Lower reflections one step and compare the same shoreline or reflective structure. Keep shadows and textures unchanged until you know reflections are responsible for the spike.
Recommended Free Tools
Best settings for No Man’s Sky VR
VR needs a stable headset frame time, not merely a high monitor FPS. A dropped or reprojected frame is more noticeable in a headset, so begin with the platform’s supported reconstruction option and a conservative quality target.
- Choose the supported reconstruction technology exposed by your platform: DLSS on compatible RTX hardware, XeSS where the game provides it, or PSSR on supported PlayStation hardware.
- Start at Quality if the headset frame time is stable. Move to Balanced only when Quality misses the headset target.
- Keep textures high when VRAM permits, because surface detail remains valuable at close range.
- Reduce volumetrics before textures if atmospheric scenes are expensive. Hello Games’ VR notes specifically discuss DLSS and volumetric support, but they do not publish one universal VR preset.
- Lower reflections and shadows next, then remove post-processing effects that do not help your preferred presentation.
- Test cockpit, planetary flight, dense flora, storms and large bases separately. A setting that is stable in a quiet space scene may fail during atmospheric flight.
Headset resolution, refresh target and reprojection behavior vary by platform, so do not copy a monitor preset unchanged. The correct VR preset is the one that holds the headset’s frame-time target in your most demanding normal activity.
Platform notes and feature availability
- PC: Vulkan is the documented graphics API. GPU selection and adaptive or triple-buffered V-Sync are available through Vulkan’s controls. DLSS requires a compatible NVIDIA RTX card; XeSS depends on the game version and supported hardware.
- PlayStation: PSSR is available only on supported PlayStation hardware and software versions. Use it when exposed, then tune quality and lighting settings around the console’s frame-time target.
- VR: Use the reconstruction option supported by the headset platform and prioritize stable frame time over Ultra values. Official notes cover DLSS and volumetric support but do not establish a single setting combination for every headset.
What the official performance evidence does—and does not—show
Hello Games’ update notes document the rendering technologies and feature additions, but they do not provide an independent, cross-hardware FPS table for every graphics setting. The one named performance figure in the available notes is the Worlds Part I statement that DLSS3 can multiply performance by up to four times versus traditional rendering. Treat it as a developer claim tied to its stated conditions. Your own target frame rate, resolution, GPU, VRAM, planet type and scene complexity determine the result.
For that reason, the reliable method is controlled tuning: verify Vulkan and the adapter, choose the highest-quality compatible reconstruction mode, preserve textures while VRAM permits, reduce lighting-heavy effects in sequence, and judge each change by frame-time stability and the image areas you actually care about.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
