Why does Star Wars Outlaws consume so much VRAM at 4K resolution?

Star Wars Outlaws is a graphically intensive game with high-resolution textures, complex environments, and advanced visual effects, which demand a significant amount of VRAM, especially at 4K resolution. The game’s open-world design also contributes to the high memory usage.

How much VRAM does Star Wars Outlaws use at 4K resolution?

In our testing, Star Wars Outlaws consumed over 20GB of VRAM when played at 4K resolution. This means that only high-end GPUs with ample VRAM, such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, can handle the game smoothly at this resolution.

What are the recommended PC specifications for Star Wars Outlaws?

Ubisoft has provided system requirements, but given the game’s demanding nature, especially regarding VRAM, it’s recommended to have a high-end GPU with at least 16GB of VRAM for 4K gaming. A powerful CPU and sufficient RAM (at least 16GB) are also necessary for optimal performance.

Can mid-range GPUs handle Star Wars Outlaws at lower resolutions?

Yes, mid-range GPUs can handle the game at lower resolutions, such as 1080p, but even at 1080p High settings, the game can consume more than 8GB of VRAM. Players with 8GB GPUs may need to lower the graphics settings to ensure smooth gameplay.

Is Star Wars Outlaws optimized for PC?

While the game offers stunning visuals, the high VRAM consumption suggests that it may have optimization challenges on PC, particularly for mid-range GPUs. Ubisoft may release future patches to improve performance, but currently, the game is quite demanding.

How does Star Wars Outlaws perform on consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series S|X?

Ubisoft has stated that Star Wars Outlaws supports 60FPS gameplay on consoles. However, given the game’s demands on PC, it will be interesting to see how well the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X handle the game without sacrificing visual quality.

What can I do to reduce VRAM usage in Star Wars Outlaws?

To reduce VRAM usage, you can lower the resolution, turn down texture quality, or reduce other graphical settings like shadows and post-processing effects. Monitoring VRAM usage with tools like MSI Afterburner can also help you adjust settings for optimal performance.

Will future updates reduce VRAM consumption?

It’s possible that Ubisoft will release patches or updates to optimize the game further and reduce VRAM consumption. Keep an eye on official announcements and patch notes for any improvements.

: Is Star Wars Outlaws still worth playing despite the high VRAM usage?

Absolutely! Star Wars Outlaws offers an immersive and visually impressive experience, especially for Star Wars fans. Just be prepared to adjust your settings if you're running on a mid-range PC to ensure smooth gameplay.

Should I upgrade my GPU to play Star Wars Outlaws at its best?

If you’re aiming to play Star Wars Outlaws at 4K with high settings, upgrading to a GPU with at least 16GB of VRAM might be necessary. However, for 1080p or 1440p gaming, a solid mid-range GPU should suffice with adjusted settings.

Star Wars Outlaws: A VRAM-Hungry Beast at 4K Resolution

Ubisoft’s much-anticipated Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Massive Entertainment, is finally making its debut on August 30. As reviews start pouring in, including our own, one thing is abundantly clear: while the game’s visuals are stunning, it comes with some significant technical challenges, particularly for PC gamers.

If you’re planning to dive into this expansive galaxy, be warned: Star Wars Outlaws is a VRAM-hungry beast, especially at 4K resolution. Let’s explore what this means for you and your gaming rig.

The VRAM Conundrum: 20GB and Beyond at 4K

One of the standout findings from our testing was the game’s astonishing VRAM consumption. At 4K resolution, Star Wars Outlaws can gobble up over 20GB of VRAM. Yes, you read that right — 20GB! For those with top-tier GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, which boasts 24GB of memory, this is still within playable limits, but it raises serious questions about the game’s optimization.

Testing Specs: A Closer Look

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the system we used for testing:

CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard: MSI X670 ACE Gaming
GPU: GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC
RAM: G.Skill XFlare 32GB @ 6000MHz CL30

Running the game at a 3440×1440 ultrawide resolution on High settings resulted in VRAM usage exceeding 15GB. When we pushed the resolution up to 4K using Nvidia DSR, the VRAM consumption skyrocketed to 21GB. While the RTX 4090 handled this admirably, it’s clear that Star Wars Outlaws is a demanding title, perhaps more than anyone anticipated.

Why This Matters: Mid-Range GPUs Beware

This level of VRAM consumption is particularly concerning for those using mid-range GPUs, many of which come with 8GB of memory. Even at 1080p High settings, Star Wars Outlaws can easily surpass that 8GB threshold, potentially leading to performance issues for a significant portion of the gaming community.

What’s even more intriguing is that Nvidia sponsors Star Wars Outlaws, yet the game appears to be stretching the capabilities of many of Nvidia’s cards. This raises the question: was this level of demand anticipated, and should players with mid-range GPUs be prepared for a less-than-optimal experience?

The Console Conundrum: 60FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series S|X?

While PC gamers are wrestling with VRAM issues, console players are eager to see how Star Wars Outlaws will perform on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. Ubisoft has promised 60FPS gameplay on these consoles, but considering the game’s demands on PC, it will be fascinating to see if the consoles can maintain this performance without compromising on visual fidelity.

The consoles’ hardware is obviously different from that of high-end gaming PCs, but the sheer demand Star Wars Outlaws places on resources suggests that even these powerful machines could face challenges. Will the consoles be able to deliver the seamless, high-fidelity experience that players expect? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts: A Game of Trade-Offs

Star Wars Outlaws is shaping up to be an epic addition to the Star Wars gaming universe, but it’s clear that players will need to manage their expectations when it comes to performance, especially on PC. The game’s VRAM demands are nothing short of staggering at 4K resolution, and even at lower resolutions, players with mid-range GPUs might find themselves making some tough decisions regarding graphical settings.

For now, it’s safe to say that Star Wars Outlaws is a visually stunning but technically demanding title that will push your hardware to its limits. Whether this is a testament to the game’s ambition or a sign of potential optimization issues is still up for debate.

So, as you gear up to explore the galaxy far, far away, make sure your PC is ready for the challenge. May the VRAM be with you!

If you’re on the fence whether to get the game, go check out our review here.

Check out our ever-growing list of gaming guides for Star Wars: Outlaws:

The VRAM Conundrum: 20GB and Beyond at 4K

Testing Specs: A Closer Look

Why This Matters: Mid-Range GPUs Beware

The Console Conundrum: 60FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series S|X?

Final Thoughts: A Game of Trade-Offs

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