Recommended Free Tools
For Fortnite’s current Performance rendering mode on PC, Epic’s support instructions give the launch argument -d3d12 -FeatureLevelEs31. Enter it in Epic Games Launcher’s Fortnite settings, or switch to Performance from inside the game. Both routes are covered below, along with the one troubleshooting case where Epic lists a different string.
Where the command goes
Epic’s support article for a rendering mode that will not save describes this exact launcher method and gives the full argument. Epic Games Support, “My rendering mode option in Fortnite was not saved.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
FORTNITE - Darkfire & Ice Bundle - Nintendo Switch 2 (Code in Box) | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fortnite Video Game for Switch Pack Transformers (FR) Download Code | $37.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite - Anime Legends- Nintendo Switch | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Poppy Playtime Triple Pack Nintendo Switch | $38.45 | Buy on Amazon |
Method 1: Epic Games Launcher (launch argument)
- Open Epic Games Launcher and click Settings.
- Expand the Fortnite entry.
- Enable Additional Command Line Arguments.
- Clear any existing text in the field. Leftover arguments can conflict with the new one.
- Enter
-d3d12 -FeatureLevelEs31. - Launch Fortnite.
Use this route when the in-game rendering-mode choice does not stay saved between sessions. Epic documents it for that case specifically.
Method 2: In-game setting
- In Fortnite, open Settings > Video > Rendering Mode.
- Choose Performance.
- Apply the change and restart the game.
Epic’s performance mode setup article describes this as the ordinary way to enable the mode. If the choice reverts after a restart, use Method 1.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Darkfire Bundle: Including 3 outfits (with LEGO Styles) and back blings; Dark Power Chord, Dark Six String, Molten Omen, Molten Battle Shroud, Shadow Ark, Shadow Ark Wings, plus 3 wraps, 3 dual-wielding pickaxes, and an emote!
- Deep Freeze Bundle: Cool off with the Deep Freeze set and 1,000 V-Bucks. Includes the frostbite outfit (with LEGO Style), freezing point back bling, chill-axe pickaxe, and cold front glider.
- The Fortnite – Darkfire & Ice Bundle includes 10+ cosmetics and 1,000 V-Bucks!
What the argument does
-d3d12 selects the DirectX 12 renderer. Epic’s 37.00 release notes say DirectX 12 Performance Mode replaces the previous DirectX 11 Performance Mode, and the older mode stays available as a legacy option. Epic’s April 30, 2026 PC settings guide also describes Performance rendering as running on DirectX 12.
| Mode | Renderer | Status per Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Performance (current) | DirectX 12 | Current Performance rendering; set with the argument above or in-game |
| Previous Performance mode | DirectX 11 | Legacy option, still available (37.00 release notes) |
A different string for crash troubleshooting
Epic’s graphics troubleshooting article tells players with DX12 crashes, freezing, or black screens to enter -d3d12 -es31. That is a fault-finding step, not the Performance mode command. If you are setting Performance mode, use -d3d12 -FeatureLevelEs31. Launch-argument lists published by the community are not Epic guidance, so treat them with caution.
Rank #2
- Platform Compatibility: Fortnite Video Game designed specifically for Nintendo Switch console
- Visual Design: Multicolor presentation featuring vibrant graphics and engaging visual elements
- Compact Dimensions: Measures 17 x 0.8 x 10.2 cm for convenient storage and handling
- Product Reference: Reference number S7193683 for easy identification and ordering
- Digital Download Code: Includes Transformers Pack content delivered via download code for instant access
What Performance mode trades for frame rate
Epic’s April 30, 2021 article describes the mode this way: “Performance Mode is made possible by lowering in-game visual quality to increase frame rate and is a great way for players to hop in and experience the game as long as they meet the Fortnite system requirements.” The 2021 explanation adds that the mode reduces memory use and CPU/GPU load at the cost of some visual quality.
Epic says Performance Mode may increase FPS, but the gain depends on the PC. Its 2026 guide notes that PC hardware varies and recommends balancing performance against visual clarity.
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Historical 2021 examples
Epic’s 2021 article included two example results from a Squads comparison at 720p. They show what two machines saw in 2021, not what your PC will get on a current build.
| Test machine (as described by Epic) | Default FPS | Performance Mode FPS | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| One laptop | 24 | 61 | Squads comparison, 720p, 2021; hardware specs not stated |
| Another machine | 18 | 45 | Squads comparison, 720p, 2021; hardware specs not stated |
Scope
These instructions apply to Fortnite on PC through Epic Games Launcher. The launcher argument field is a PC launcher feature, and this guide does not cover console versions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes the 1st three chapters; Chapter 1: A Tight Squeeze, Chapter 2: Fly in a Web, & Chapter 3: Deep Sleep
- Each chapter features engaging new toy characters that can be either friend or foe
- Survive and progress by solving challenging puzzles
- Each game reveals to you a newly discovered area of the massive toy factory
- The Poppy Playtime Triple Pack includes a reversible coversheet and a Poppy Playtime sticker sheet
Rank #4
- Reimagine your reality starting October 2022! The Anime Legends Pack makes its premiere at retail on October 14 and in digital stores October 22. This Pack includes ten items total, including new looks for fan-favorite characters
- Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Explore concerts, live events, games, and more or be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build.
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.
