helldivers 2 low gpu usage

ELiv 2025

3 min read 06-03-2025

Meta Description: Experiencing low GPU usage in Helldivers 2? This comprehensive guide dives into troubleshooting steps, optimization techniques, and potential fixes to maximize your graphics card performance and enjoy smoother gameplay. Learn how to identify bottlenecks, adjust settings, and enhance your gaming experience. (158 characters)

Introduction

Helldivers 2, the explosive sequel to the acclaimed cooperative shooter, demands a powerful PC setup. However, some players report frustratingly low GPU usage, leading to subpar frame rates and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. This guide tackles the problem of low GPU usage in Helldivers 2, offering solutions to help you get the most out of your graphics card. We'll explore common causes, effective troubleshooting steps, and optimization techniques. Don't let low GPU usage ruin your strategic alien-blasting fun!

Identifying the Bottleneck: CPU vs. GPU

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to determine if your GPU is truly the bottleneck. Low GPU usage might actually stem from a CPU limitation. If your CPU struggles to feed your GPU enough data, your graphics card will sit idle.

Here's how to determine the bottleneck:

Monitor your CPU and GPU usage: Use monitoring tools like MSI Afterburner or the in-game overlay (if available) to track both CPU and GPU utilization during gameplay. If your CPU is consistently at 100% while your GPU is low, your CPU is the problem.
Check your CPU specs: An older or weaker CPU might struggle with the demands of Helldivers 2, even with a powerful GPU.

Troubleshooting Low GPU Usage in Helldivers 2

Here are several key areas to examine and adjust:

1. Updating Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a frequent culprit behind performance issues.

Update your graphics drivers: Visit the websites of NVIDIA or AMD (depending on your card) and download the latest drivers for your specific model. Clean uninstall your old drivers before installing the new ones for optimal results.

2. In-Game Settings Optimization

Helldivers 2 offers various graphical settings that impact performance. Experiment with the following:

Reduce Shadow Quality: Shadows are computationally expensive. Lowering the shadow resolution or quality significantly improves performance.
Lower Texture Resolution: High-resolution textures demand more VRAM. Opt for medium or low settings if needed.
Decrease Anti-Aliasing: Anti-aliasing smooths jagged edges, but it impacts performance. Try disabling it or selecting a less demanding option like FXAA.
Lower View Distance: Reducing the draw distance decreases the number of objects the game needs to render, boosting performance.
Disable unnecessary effects: Post-processing effects like bloom, depth of field, and motion blur can heavily impact performance. Disable or lower their quality if necessary.

3. Game Files Verification

Corrupted game files can also cause unexpected behavior, including low GPU usage.

Verify game files: Use your game client's built-in feature (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.) to verify the integrity of Helldivers 2's game files. This will automatically redownload any corrupted or missing files.

4. Background Processes

Background applications consume system resources that could be utilized by Helldivers 2.

Close unnecessary programs: Before launching the game, close any unnecessary applications, especially resource-intensive ones like video editors or web browsers with numerous tabs open.

5. Power Settings

Ensure your computer is set to "High Performance" power mode.

Check power settings: Go to your Windows power settings and select the "High Performance" power plan. This maximizes the power allocated to your components.

6. Overclocking (Advanced Users)

If you've overclocked your CPU or GPU, try reverting to stock settings to rule out instability.

Check for overclocking issues: If you've manually overclocked your hardware, try resetting it to its default clock speeds to see if it improves stability and GPU utilization. Overclocking instability can lead to unpredictable behavior and performance drops.

7. DirectX Version

Ensure you are running the correct DirectX version. Check the game's requirements and your system's DirectX version. Update if necessary.

Further Optimization Strategies

Update Windows: Make sure you're running the latest version of Windows. Windows updates often include performance improvements and driver updates.
Check for Malware: Malware can consume system resources. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
Consider a Hardware Upgrade: If you've exhausted all software optimization options, you might need to upgrade your CPU or RAM to alleviate the bottleneck. A more powerful GPU won't help if your CPU is the limiting factor.

Conclusion

Low GPU usage in Helldivers 2 can be frustrating, but through systematic troubleshooting and optimization, you can significantly improve your gaming experience. Remember to prioritize identifying the bottleneck (CPU or GPU) before implementing solutions. By following the steps outlined above and experimenting with different settings, you should be able to boost your GPU usage and enjoy smoother, more enjoyable gameplay. Don't forget to share your results and experiences in the comments below!