Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
For low average FPS in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy on PC, first turn off ray-traced reflections, choose DLSS on NVIDIA or FSR on AMD, and lower textures if your graphics card has only 4–6 GB of VRAM. If the average FPS looks good but the game still hitches, investigate frame-time causes instead: shader compilation when entering new areas, limited RAM, overlays, overheating, or a refresh-rate and V-Sync mismatch. The game uses DirectX 12 and has a documented severe performance problem on NVIDIA GTX 900-series Maxwell cards; those cards are below the official minimum.
Is low FPS the same problem as stuttering?
No. Low average FPS usually means the graphics workload is too heavy for the GPU or the settings are too demanding. Stuttering despite a high average FPS points instead to uneven frame delivery, such as shader compilation, memory paging, a background overlay, thermal throttling, or a display-sync mismatch.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Start by identifying which symptom you have. Changing many settings at once can hide the cause and make it harder to tell whether the game actually improved.
- Low FPS throughout a scene: lower ray tracing and resolution demands, enable upscaling, and reduce textures if VRAM is limited.
- Brief hitches on first visits to areas or after outfit changes: DX12 shader compilation is a known cause; check whether the same spots become smoother on repeat visits.
- Stutter plus long loads or disk activity on an 8 GB system: RAM paging is a likely explanation.
- Performance falls after 10–20 minutes: check GPU and CPU temperatures, airflow, dust, and overclocks.
- Audio hitches without an obvious frame-rate drop: disconnect extra gamepads as a diagnostic; PCGamingWiki notes gamepad-related audio stutter, including a DualSense report.
- Crash to desktop with ray tracing enabled on NVIDIA: test with ray tracing off before pursuing more involved fixes.
If an overlay displays utilization, sustained GPU use around 99% while CPU use is lower suggests a GPU limit; a CPU at 99% while the GPU is underused suggests a CPU limit. These are diagnostic clues, not measurements specific to every system or scene.
Popular on Amazon
- 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.
Does your PC meet the game’s requirements?
Compare the actual PC components with the Windows requirements listed on the Steam store. The minimum GPU is a GTX 1060 6GB or Radeon RX 570; a GTX 900-series card is not equivalent to that minimum, even if its name sounds close.
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit, Build 1903 | Windows 10 64-bit, Build 1903 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 1400 / Intel Core i5-4460 | AMD Ryzen 5 1600 / Intel Core i7-4790 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 570 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super / AMD Radeon RX 590 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 80 GB available space | 80 GB available space |
These are the requirements published by Steam/Valve in 2021 and still listed in 2026. Some secondary pages report 150 GB, but that conflicts with Steam’s 80 GB figure; use the official store listing for the stated requirement. An SSD is not listed as mandatory. It can be a sensible option if the game is installed on a slow, nearly full hard drive, but it will not compensate for a GPU below the minimum.
Recommended Free Tools
To check the hardware, open the Windows Start menu, type dxdiag, and review the System and Display tabs for the processor, memory, DirectX version, GPU model, and graphics memory. On a laptop with both integrated and discrete graphics, go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, add gotg.exe if it is not listed, open its options, and choose High performance. The game can otherwise launch on the integrated GPU.
Which graphics settings should you change first?
Turn ray tracing off first, then use the appropriate upscaler and reduce VRAM-heavy settings. The game supports DLSS 2.3 and FSR 1; native rendering generally asks more of the GPU than upscaling.
- Disable ray-traced reflections and transparent reflections. This is the first setting to test for both low FPS and NVIDIA crashes. The game’s ray-tracing features can be costly, and disabling them is the simplest stability path.
- Enable upscaling. Use DLSS 2.3 on a supported NVIDIA GPU; use FSR 1 on AMD. Start with Quality if the picture remains smooth enough, then try Balanced if FPS is still too low. The exact labels and available modes can vary with the installed GPU and game settings.
- Lower texture quality if VRAM is tight. On a graphics card with 4–6 GB, try Medium or Low textures. A 4 GB laptop GPU can run out of VRAM even at Low textures, so reducing other settings may not solve every hitch.
- Reduce shadows. Medium or Low is a reasonable starting point near the minimum GPU requirement.
- Use Borderless Windowed if exclusive fullscreen is unstable. This has been recommended in AMD-related reports and secondary troubleshooting guidance; it is a stability test, not a guaranteed FPS boost.
A practical baseline is Borderless Windowed, a 60 FPS limit, Medium textures, ray tracing off, Medium or Low shadows, and DLSS or FSR set to Quality. This is a secondary-guide baseline, not a measured best-settings benchmark for every PC. If that stabilizes the game, raise one setting at a time to find the point where performance becomes inconsistent.
Why do GTX 900-series cards perform so poorly?
NVIDIA Maxwell cards such as the GTX 970, GTX 980, and GTX 980 Ti have a documented compatibility and performance problem in this game. PCGamingWiki reports around 15 fps on Maxwell cards with modern drivers; launch-era figures from DSOGaming show how severe the issue could be.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
DSOGaming reported 20 fps at 1080p Low on GeForce GTX 980 Ti — DSOGaming, 2021. The same report found the GTX 980 Ti still ~98% GPU-bound at 720p with 50% resolution scale — DSOGaming, 2021, while the Radeon RX 580 averaged 70 fps at 1080p Max — DSOGaming, 2021. These are named, launch-era results, not a 2026 re-test; they illustrate the unusual Maxwell issue rather than predict performance on newer hardware.
The GTX 1060 6GB is the official minimum, so even a GTX 980 Ti’s higher-tier product name does not make it a dependable choice for this title. The durable solution for a Maxwell owner is a GPU that meets or exceeds the official minimum. PCGamingWiki documents a historical rollback to NVIDIA driver 471.11 and notes that developers advised the workaround in February 2022. That driver misses years of security updates, and should be considered only as a last-resort historical workaround for GTX 900 owners—not a recommendation for RTX or GTX 10-series and newer cards.
Could a driver or overlay be causing the problem?
Yes. A GPU-driver change, a background overlay, or a monitoring tool that hooks into the game can introduce stutter or instability. Update from the GPU maker’s official driver channel; if the problem began immediately after an update, a clean installation of the current driver is a useful isolation step.
- NVIDIA: install a current Game Ready driver through NVIDIA’s driver channel or GeForce app. The 471.11 exception applies only to the documented GTX 900 Maxwell issue.
- AMD: use current Adrenalin drivers unless a specific regression is known. To isolate conflicts, temporarily turn off Anti-Lag, Chill, and Surface Format Optimization. An AMD launch-era report recommended Adrenalin 21.10.2 after problems with 21.10.3, but that is a historical workaround, not a default for current RX 6000-, 7000-, or 9000-series cards.
- Intel Arc: keep the driver current. In a June 2025 community thread, Intel pointed players to WHQL 32.0.101.6881. Intel support reported no significant stuttering in its own B580 tests, so individual stutter reports do not establish that Arc is generally broken—or that every system is unaffected.
For a clean troubleshooting run, close the Steam overlay, Discord overlay, GeForce Experience in-game overlay, AMD overlay, Xbox Game Bar, MSI Afterburner/RTSS, and other RGB or hardware-monitoring injectors. Close browsers and pause live antivirus scanning temporarily; if scanning is implicated, allow-list the game’s install folder rather than leaving protection disabled. Disable CPU and GPU overclocks while diagnosing crashes.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A full driver removal utility is a more involved step, not the place to start. General troubleshooting guides suggest using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode before reinstalling a driver, but that is a general driver-cleanup measure rather than a demonstrated game-specific fix.
How do you reduce shader-compilation and memory hitches?
Guardians of the Galaxy uses DirectX 12, and shader compilation can cause short hitches when the game first encounters an area or character outfit. Player reports describe this as most noticeable on new areas and outfit changes; repeat visits often become smoother. If a hitch occurs once at a new scene and then fades, that pattern is different from persistent drops throughout play.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
RAM is another common frame-time constraint. Steam lists 8 GB as the minimum and 16 GB as the recommended amount. On an 8 GB PC, Windows and the game can compete for memory, pushing data to disk; the resulting long loads and intermittent pauses can resemble GPU stutter. If the system is already at 8 GB and the drive shows heavy activity during a hitch, moving to 16 GB is more relevant than repeatedly lowering a setting that does not address paging.
Texture pressure is distinct from system RAM pressure. A 4 GB graphics card can run out of VRAM even with Low textures. Lower texture quality and ray tracing, then check whether the stalls coincide with VRAM saturation. One Steam user with an i5-9300H and GTX 1650 4GB reported reducing VRAM pressure and achieving a locked 30 fps at 1080p with high shadows and SSR on, while still seeing typical DX12 shader-compilation hitches. That is one player’s configuration and report, not a target guaranteed on comparable hardware.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →General driver-cache advice sometimes suggests increasing the shader-cache allowance or clearing DXCache/GLCache. Those steps have not been established as a specific fix for this executable. Consider a cache rebuild only after simpler checks, and expect shader-compilation pauses to recur as new content is encountered.
Could refresh rate, the FPS cap, or Windows settings be involved?
Yes. Match the game’s selected refresh rate to the monitor’s actual refresh rate, then test a conventional cap if frame delivery remains uneven. PCGamingWiki records a default 144 FPS cap and warns that setting an in-game refresh rate above the display’s rate, or leaving it unset, can contribute to input delay.
Although PCGamingWiki notes that the cap can be removed with MaxRefreshRate=0, uncapping is not a first-line stutter fix. The wiki also records possible scripting or physics issues above 60 fps with a citation-needed qualification. Treat 60 fps as a community workaround to test for consistency, not as a proven engine limit. A cap can reduce fluctuations if the GPU cannot sustain its peak rate, but it will not fix shader compilation, insufficient RAM, or the Maxwell driver problem.
- Test both exclusive fullscreen and Borderless Windowed if one mode crashes or stutters.
- On Windows, test Game Mode both on and off. Secondary guidance says it can help some capable PCs but worsen performance on minimum-spec systems.
- Test Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (HAGS) both on and off rather than assuming one setting is correct. General Windows guidance disagrees on which state helps, and no game-specific benchmark settles it.
- Choose a high-performance Windows power plan when diagnosing power-related throttling, and leave 10–20 GB free on the installation drive so updates and caches have room to unpack.
If the game begins smoothly but slows after 10–20 minutes, prioritize temperature and power checks over display-mode tweaks. Clean dust from the cooling path, confirm fans can move air, and remove overclocks while testing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAlso popular on Amazon
- 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.
How can you repair files and common Windows components?
Use the storefront’s built-in file verification before editing the registry or executable. It can restore missing or damaged game files without requiring a manual reinstall.
- Steam: open Library, right-click Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files, and let the check finish.
- Epic Games Store: open the game’s menu, choose Manage > Verify, and wait for the repair check to complete.
- Update Windows components: install Microsoft’s latest supported Visual C++ redistributable and update DirectX through Microsoft’s supported channels if the game crashes or fails to launch.
- Test administrator rights only for a relevant crash: run
gotg.exeas administrator if ray tracing crashes persist, then see whether the failure changes.
Steam launch options -nosplash -nolauncher can skip the launcher on Steam; they do not work with the Microsoft Store version. This may shorten startup, but it is not an FPS fix.
When should you edit the registry or use a community fix?
Only consider configuration edits after ordinary settings, drivers, overlays, and file verification. Back up the relevant key first: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareEidos MontrealGuardians of the Galaxy. A mistaken change can create new display or performance problems, and edits to the game files can be overwritten by verification or an update.
- Disable forced TAA: the game has no in-game TAA off switch. PCGamingWiki documents changing the registry value
AntiAliasingfrom 1 to 0; a hex edit or Windows Game Patches is another reported route. This is primarily a clarity option, though it may help headroom on a 4 GB GPU. - Disable ambient occlusion: the registry value
AmbOcclusioncan be changed from 1 to 0. - Uncap the frame rate:
MaxRefreshRate=0is the documented configuration value. Because an uncapped rate can introduce other inconsistencies, retain the normal cap unless you have a specific reason to remove it. - Keep ray tracing with NVIDIA Profile Inspector: PCGamingWiki documents opening the game profile, going to 06 Rendering Features > Experimental – Raygen Scheduler Override Shader List, changing
ReflSpec_RGto0x00000000, then applying the profile. The wiki reports about a 1–2% framerate drop when clearing the Raygen Scheduler Override; this is a specialized stability path, not a guaranteed FPS gain.
Hex-editing gotg.exe can also change TAA or internal resolution, but it is advanced and verification or updates can undo it. The executable is listed as bingotg.exe. Community tools such as Flawless Widescreen address presentation rather than performance. OptiScaler is not a simple universal upscaling fix: the game can expose DLSS inputs if nvngx.dll is present, but GPU spoofing can impose substantial overhead, and reports describe frame-generation swapchain crashes on NVIDIA when certain injected DLLs are used.
Do platform-specific steps differ for NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Linux?
Yes. Keep the troubleshooting branch focused on the hardware and platform in use; a fix for one vendor or operating system can be irrelevant or harmful on another.
NVIDIA
Use a current Game Ready driver, enable DLSS, and turn ray tracing off as the first stability test. GTX 900 owners are the exception with the documented Maxwell issue; a historical 471.11 rollback is not suitable advice for newer NVIDIA cards and carries a security-update trade-off.
Also popular on Amazon
- 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.
AMD
Use current Adrenalin software unless a known driver regression applies, test FSR 1, and temporarily disable driver extras such as Anti-Lag, Chill, and Surface Format Optimization while isolating a problem. Try Borderless Windowed if exclusive fullscreen is unstable. Avoid NVIDIA-GPU spoofing through OptiScaler without understanding the configuration: the OptiScaler wiki reports that spoofing can cause major performance overhead and identifies Dxgi=false as needed for AMD/Intel.
Intel Arc
Update to a current WHQL driver and note whether hitches cluster around cutscenes or scripted events. In June 2025, Intel support suggested Windows Memory Diagnostic, wmic diskdrive get status, and System File Checker (SFC) as diagnostic checks in a stutter thread. These tests look for system memory, drive, or Windows-file problems; they do not establish that the GPU itself is faulty.
Linux through Proton
ProtonDB user reports describe the Steam version working under Proton, including one report of slightly better performance than Windows 11 on GE-Proton. Other reports still mention shader hitches in new areas and after outfit changes, and one notes lower NVIDIA FPS under Proton than Windows. These are community reports, not a Valve compatibility rating or a controlled comparison. Proton launch options and Wayland settings vary by system, so change one at a time and keep a record of the working configuration.
When is a hardware upgrade the sensible fix?
Upgrade only after confirming the game is using the intended GPU, ray tracing is off, the driver and files are current, and the machine is not overheating. A hardware change is most relevant when the PC remains GPU- or RAM-bound on low settings, not when the only remaining pauses are brief first-visit shader hitches.
- At 8 GB system RAM: 16 GB is Steam’s recommended memory level and can reduce paging-related stalls.
- Below the GPU minimum: a graphics card at least in the GTX 1060 6GB / RX 570 class is the stated floor; the recommended tier is GTX 1660 Super / RX 590.
- On a GTX 900-series Maxwell GPU: the unusual title-specific driver behavior makes an upgrade a more durable path than relying on an old driver rollback.
- On a slow, nearly full HDD: an SSD can be a loading and streaming improvement, but it is not a Steam requirement and will not raise a GPU-bound average FPS by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denuvo cause stuttering in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy?
The Steam store listing says the game incorporates Denuvo Anti-tamper, but no measured frame-time cost for Denuvo in this executable is established. Its presence alone does not show that it caused a particular player’s stutter.
Has the PC version received a current official patch or build number?
The Steam store page did not list a current official patch or build number in the information accessed on October 29, 2026. That does not prove no update exists elsewhere; check the storefront’s live update history for the version currently installed.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Why do some PC requirements pages say 150 GB of storage?
That figure appears in some secondary listings, but Steam and PCGamingWiki list 80 GB. Steam’s published requirement is the more authoritative figure for the Steam edition.
Can Steam cloud saves help if I reinstall the game?
PCGamingWiki lists 95.37 MiB of Steam Cloud storage for the game. Before reinstalling or changing save-related files, confirm Steam Cloud has synchronized and keep a separate copy of saves if they matter to you.
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.
