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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Some links on this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 an RTX 3060 Ti, begin Phantom Blade Zero at 2560×1440 output, DLSS Super Resolution Quality, Super Resolution Output Scale 100%, the High preset, High-Quality Hair Off, and Ray Tracing Quality Off. If demanding fights fall below your target, switch DLSS to Balanced before cutting several quality settings at once. This is an evidence-informed starting configuration, not a guarantee of a locked 60 FPS: S-GAME’s recommended RTX 3060 Ti tier assumes upscaling, and published measurements show averages above 60 can still have sub-60% lows.
The game’s 1440p output is therefore not necessarily a native 2560×1440 render. DLSS reconstructs the displayed image from a lower internal resolution, while the separate output-scale control determines the final output size. Keeping that scale at 100% gives you a consistent image-quality baseline while you tune performance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality baseline | Clearer image while establishing performance | 1440p output; DLSS Quality; output scale 100%; High preset; Hair Off; RT Off | Oct 2026 |
| Balanced fallback | Higher base FPS in difficult combat | 1440p output; DLSS Balanced; output scale 100%; High preset; Hair Off; RT Off | Oct 2026 |
| Raster-focused tuning | More consistent frame pacing on the 8GB card | High shadows, lighting, effects, materials and view distance; Medium environment detail; Very High textures; RT/PT Off | Oct 2026 |
These are profiles rather than promises. Select the first one, measure a repeatable combat scene, and move to the next only when the base rendered frame rate or frame pacing requires it.
What does the RTX 3060 Ti target actually mean?
S-GAME’s August 12, 2026 recommended PC specification lists an RTX 3060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM (or a Radeon RX 6700 XT with 12GB), a Core i5-10600K or Ryzen 5 5600X, 16GB of RAM, Windows 10/11 64-bit, DirectX 12 and an SSD. Its stated target is 1440p at 60 FPS with upscaling enabled, not native 1440p and not a ray-traced mode. See the developer specification at S-GAME’s system-requirements page.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Ray tracing and path tracing are separate, more demanding targets in the same specification. S-GAME names an RTX 5060 for its 1080p/60 ray-tracing tier and an RTX 5080 for its 2160p/60 path-tracing tier. Those GPU classes should not be interpreted as requirements for the rasterized, upscaled RTX 3060 Ti target.
Steam lists 145GB of available storage and explicitly requires an SSD for installation. Neither Steam nor S-GAME says that the SSD must use NVMe; the practical requirement is an SSD with enough free space for the installation and updates. The game is released: Steam displays October 28, 2026, while S-GAME’s page uses October 29, so treat those as source-specific date displays rather than an unreleased-game estimate. Check the current storefront listing at Steam.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How should I set Phantom Blade Zero for 1440p first?
Use these settings in order so that every later change has a known baseline.
- Set output/display resolution to 2560×1440. This is the monitor output resolution, not a claim that every pixel is rendered natively.
- Choose Super Resolution Method: DLSS. Set DLSS mode: Quality first. Quality preserves more internal detail than Balanced, so it is the appropriate image-quality baseline.
- Set Super Resolution Output Scale to 100%. This control is separate from the DLSS Quality/Balanced choice. An unofficial launch-build comparison observed Auto selecting 90% (2304×1296 output) on one RTX 3060 Ti setup; Auto should not be assumed to preserve full 1440p output. The distinction and the launch-build observation are discussed in Wccftech’s PC performance guide.
- Select the High graphics preset. Then manually set High-Quality Hair: Off. Hair is a disproportionately expensive effect in the available RTX 3060 Ti comparisons.
- Set Ray Tracing Quality: Off. This keeps both regular ray tracing and path tracing out of the baseline and leaves the card’s budget for rasterized lighting, effects and geometry.
- Leave Frame Generation off while tuning. Measure the actual rendered frame rate and input response first. Generated frames can make an overlay number look higher without turning 45 rendered, responsive frames into 60 rendered frames.
Play a demanding combat encounter for each comparison. Record the average, the 1% low if your overlay provides it, and whether camera movement or attacks feel uneven. Change one expensive setting at a time; otherwise you cannot tell which compromise solved a hitch or blur.
Should I use DLSS Quality or Balanced?
Use DLSS Quality when the baseline is close to your desired frame rate and image clarity matters most. Use DLSS Balanced when Quality cannot maintain acceptable combat lows. Balanced lowers the internal reconstruction resolution, normally improving base GPU headroom at the cost of finer detail and potentially more visible reconstruction artifacts.
Wccftech’s guide states: “We recommend starting with Quality mode on capable GPUs, then lowering the internal resolution only when necessary.” That is guidance from the guide’s author, not a performance guarantee for every 3060 Ti system. If Balanced still struggles, reduce a costly detail setting rather than immediately lowering the monitor output below 2560×1440.
The game also exposes a dynamic-resolution 60-FPS target. It can hold closer to a requested frame rate by varying internal resolution, but image sharpness changes as the workload changes. Treat it as a fallback for smoother motion when a stable reconstructed image is less important than reducing dips.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which graphics settings should I lower first?
Start with the following order. The values are compromises for an 8GB RTX 3060 Ti, not universal best settings for every GPU.
High-Quality Hair
Keep it Off. A separate RTX 3060 Ti comparison reported 91 FPS with Hair Off versus 64 FPS with Hair On. Those readings come from separate configurations and are not a promise of the same result in every scene, but they identify hair as a high-impact switch with a relatively small gameplay cost.
Shadows
Keep shadows at High before trying Ultra. The same published RTX 3060 Ti comparison recorded 61 FPS on High shadows versus 48 FPS on Ultra shadows. Higher shadows can add contact and distance detail, but the reported readings show why Ultra is a poor first choice when combat lows matter more than subtle shadow refinement.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Lighting, effects, materials and view distance
Leave these at High initially. They preserve the overall look of the High preset without spending the additional GPU time associated with the most aggressive quality tiers. If the frame rate remains short after switching to DLSS Balanced, lower the single setting that coincides with the largest frametime spikes, rather than dropping everything to Medium.
Environment detail
Use Medium when you need another rasterization compromise. Environment detail can affect distant geometry and scene complexity, while character detail is more visible during combat. Compare the same camera route after changing it so that any gain is measured against an identical workload.
Character and environment textures
Start at Very High, then watch VRAM use and frame pacing. A published RTX 3060 Ti comparison measured 6,202MB at Very High textures and 6,359MB at Ultra at 1440p with DLSS Quality. The roughly 157MB difference is small in that comparison, but an 8GB card still needs room for the game, driver and other allocations. If you see streaming stutter or memory pressure, reduce textures before sacrificing output resolution.
Wccftech’s optimized recommendations used Very High shadows and Ultra textures on an RTX 4090. That is a different GPU and test system, so those values should be treated as evidence of a visual/performance trade-off, not as an RTX 3060 Ti prescription.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAlso popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Should ray tracing or path tracing be enabled?
No, not for the 1440p/60 RTX 3060 Ti starting target. Keep Ray Tracing Quality Off while establishing rasterized performance. RT and path tracing improve lighting and reflections but consume additional GPU and VRAM budget; the developer’s own RT/PT targets name substantially faster GPUs at lower or higher output tiers.
If you experiment later, change only the RT control and repeat the same combat test. Do not compare an RT average with a rasterized average and call the difference a DLSS or shadow result. Advanced rendering can also increase memory demand, and the exact cost varies by scene and hardware.
What should I do with Frame Generation and Reflex?
Measure with Frame Generation Off. A generated-frame counter is not equivalent to 60 freshly rendered frames, and generated output cannot repair a low base frame rate or poor frame pacing. Consider an available frame-generation mode only after the base image and responsiveness already feel comfortable.
Do not assume RTX 50-series Dynamic Multi Frame Generation works on an RTX 3060 Ti. Wccftech also reported that Reflex could not be enabled independently of DLSS Frame Generation in its tested build, so an unconditional “turn Reflex on” instruction is not reliable for this configuration. Use the options that the installed game build actually exposes and verify whether enabling one toggles the other.
What performance evidence is available for an RTX 3060 Ti?
The numbers below come from different configurations and must not be combined into a single benchmark.
| Source and hardware | Configuration or comparison | Reported result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Blade Zero DB, 2026; RTX 3060 Ti, Ryzen 7 5700X3D | 1440p, optimized settings, DLSS Balanced | 71 FPS average; 54 FPS 1% low | An average above 60 did not produce a 60-FPS low; the site describes averages from launch-day on-screen overlays. |
| Phantom Blade Zero DB, 2026; separate RTX 3060 Ti comparison | Hair Off versus Hair On | 91 FPS versus 64 FPS | An isolated hair comparison, not an end-to-end settings benchmark. |
| Phantom Blade Zero DB, 2026; separate RTX 3060 Ti comparison | High shadows versus Ultra shadows | 61 FPS versus 48 FPS | An isolated shadow comparison under its own configuration. |
| Phantom Blade Zero DB, 2026; separate RTX 3060 Ti comparison | Very High versus Ultra textures, 1440p DLSS Quality | 6,202MB versus 6,359MB VRAM use | A memory-use reading, not an FPS result. |
| Wccftech, Sebastian Castellanos, 2026; RTX 4090, Core i7-14700K | 1440p native TSR, RT/PT Off: Ultra versus optimized | 74 versus 103 FPS average; 63 versus 87 FPS 1% low; 39% average improvement | Useful for identifying expensive options, but not transferable to an RTX 3060 Ti or DLSS Balanced. |
Read the RTX 3060 Ti result as “60 FPS is plausible with compromises,” not “60 FPS is locked.” The 54-FPS 1% low shows why combat smoothness matters more than an average alone.
How do I troubleshoot dips and stutter?
- Confirm the baseline. Verify 2560×1440 output, DLSS Quality, output scale 100%, High preset, Hair Off and RT Off.
- Reproduce the same workload. Use one demanding combat encounter or camera route and keep background applications unchanged.
- Check base performance first. Disable Frame Generation while diagnosing so the overlay reflects rendered frames and input response.
- Switch Quality to Balanced. If the average and lows improve enough, decide whether the clarity trade-off is acceptable.
- Lower one detail control. Try shadows first, then environment detail or another control that coincides with a frametime spike. Do not assume a setting’s gain on one GPU applies to yours.
- Check memory behavior. If texture streaming hitches accompany high VRAM use, move textures from Very High to High before making broad image-quality cuts.
- Evaluate lows and pacing. A higher average with severe 1% lows or uneven frametimes is not an improvement for reaction-heavy fights.
If none of these steps produces acceptable lows, use the game’s dynamic-resolution 60-FPS target or reduce output resolution as a final choice. Both options trade image consistency or sharpness for a steadier presentation.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What other hardware and storage checks matter?
The GPU alone is not the complete recommended configuration. Match the card with at least the developer’s listed CPU class (Core i5-10600K or Ryzen 5 5600X), 16GB RAM, Windows 10/11 64-bit and DirectX 12. CPU-limited combat dips will not be fixed by lowering texture quality, and an SSD is mandatory for installation.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteReserve 145GB of free SSD space as listed by Steam, with additional headroom for patches. The specification does not require a particular SSD interface, so do not infer an NVMe-only rule from the storage requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What are the common mistakes with a 1440p/60 setup?
- Confusing output scale with DLSS mode: 100% output scale does not mean native internal rendering; Quality and Balanced still determine reconstruction resolution.
- Leaving Auto unchecked: one launch-build comparison observed Auto at 90% output scale, so verify the actual value when image sharpness matters.
- Turning on RT because the option exists: the RTX 3060 Ti target is the rasterized/upscaled tier, not the developer’s separate RT/PT tiers.
- Using an average as a lock: 71 FPS average paired with a 54 FPS 1% low demonstrates why lows and pacing must be recorded.
- Copying RTX 4090 settings: Wccftech’s Very High shadows and Ultra textures recommendation was for an RTX 4090 system, not this card.
- Stacking changes: changing DLSS, shadows, textures and environment detail simultaneously hides which trade-off helped.
- Counting generated frames as rendered frames: frame generation can raise displayed FPS without improving the underlying base workload or latency.
How we selected these settings
The starting profile follows the developer’s RTX 3060 Ti 1440p/60-with-upscaling target, the Quality-before-more-aggressive-upscaling guidance in Wccftech’s 2026 PC guide, and the available RTX 3060 Ti comparisons for hair, shadows and texture memory. Rasterized settings are prioritized because the developer assigns RT and path-tracing targets to other GPU classes. Every performance figure is kept tied to its named source and test system rather than presented as a universal result.
FAQ
Does DLSS Balanced make a 1440p monitor look like 1080p?
It still outputs a 2560×1440 image when the output resolution and scale remain set to those values. Balanced renders from a lower internal resolution than Quality, so fine foliage, hair and distant geometry may look softer or show more reconstruction artifacts during motion.
Is 8GB of VRAM enough for these settings?
The developer explicitly places an 8GB RTX 3060 Ti in its recommended 1440p upscaled tier. Published comparison data showed about 6.2GB of texture allocation at 1440p DLSS Quality, leaving less margin than a card with more memory; watch for streaming stutter rather than assuming every Very High or Ultra combination will behave identically.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do I need an NVMe drive?
No interface is specified. Steam requires an SSD and lists 145GB available space, but neither Steam nor S-GAME states that the drive must be NVMe, so a suitable SATA SSD also meets the stated storage requirement.
Why can the game feel uneven when the counter says more than 60 FPS?
An average combines fast and slow frames. The published RTX 3060 Ti example averaged 71 FPS but reported a 54 FPS 1% low, showing how combat spikes can remain visible even when the headline average exceeds 60.
Also 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.
Can I enable frame generation first to reach 60 FPS?
It is better to establish a comfortable base frame rate first. Generated frames increase displayed cadence but do not replace the responsiveness or frametime consistency of genuinely rendered frames, and support for newer multi-frame modes should not be assumed on an RTX 3060 Ti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DLSS Balanced make a 1440p monitor look like 1080p?
It still outputs a 2560×1440 image when the output resolution and scale remain set to those values. Balanced renders from a lower internal resolution than Quality, so fine foliage, hair and distant geometry may look softer or show more reconstruction artifacts during motion.
Is 8GB of VRAM enough for these settings?
The developer explicitly places an 8GB RTX 3060 Ti in its recommended 1440p upscaled tier. Published comparison data showed about 6.2GB of texture allocation at 1440p DLSS Quality, leaving less margin than a card with more memory; watch for streaming stutter rather than assuming every Very High or Ultra combination will behave identically.
Do I need an NVMe drive?
No interface is specified. Steam requires an SSD and lists 145GB available space, but neither Steam nor S-GAME states that the drive must be NVMe, so a suitable SATA SSD also meets the stated storage requirement.
Why can the game feel uneven when the counter says more than 60 FPS?
An average combines fast and slow frames. The published RTX 3060 Ti example averaged 71 FPS but reported a 54 FPS 1% low, showing how combat spikes can remain visible even when the headline average exceeds 60.
Can I enable frame generation first to reach 60 FPS?
It is better to establish a comfortable base frame rate first. Generated frames increase displayed cadence but do not replace the responsiveness or frametime consistency of genuinely rendered frames, and support for newer multi-frame modes should not be assumed on an RTX 3060 Ti.
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.
