Contains details and a fix for the arbitrary FPS caps, allowing for full FPS unlocking.

Introduction

Although the game has a separate FPS restriction, it simulates one by using V-Sync and reloading on the nth vertical blank of the display… which is bad for a number of reasons. The Max FPS and VSync options you see in the settings of the game are in fact misnomers.

Regardless of in-game settings, V-Sync will always be used. What the “Max FPS” and “VSync” settings control is the sync interval of V-Sync — on which nth refresh that a new frame from the game should be presented.

Solution

1. Install Special K. – [special-k.info]
2. Launch the game through the Special K Injection Frontend app.
3. Open the in-game control panel of Special K by using the Ctrl+⇧ Shift+← Backspace hotkey.
4. Expand the SwapChain Management section.
5. Change the Presentation Interval value to either 1 (normal V-Sync enabled) or 0 (V-Sync disabled; unlocked framerate).
6. Activate the hotkey once again to close the control panel, or click the X in the top-right corner of the window to do so.
7. Vertical synchronization will no longer be able to be dynamically engaged or disengaged in the game.

Notes

• Running the game in fullscreen mode partially resolves the problem by requiring a 60 Hz refresh rate, but this also stops VRR users from genuinely taking use of their display’s decreased latency.

 

Remarks

Depending on the system configuration, this method of simulating an FPS limiter by using vertical sync can lead to a number of different problems, including a frame rate that fluctuates greatly, capping at arbitrary framerates, and repeatedly disengaging and reengaging VRR, which can lead to visual flickering on some displays.

• On a 60 Hz display the Max FPS option will be populated with 60 FPS (Sync Interval: 1) and 30 FPS (Sync Interval: 2)
   

   

• On a 120 Hz display it will be 60 FPS (Sync Interval: 2) 40 FPS (Sync Interval: 3), and 30 FPS (Sync Interval: 4).
   

   

• On a 144 Hz display it will be 48 FPS (Sync Interval: 3) and 36 FPS (Sync Interval: 4).
   

   

• On a 175 Hz display it will be 58 FPS (Sync Interval: 3), 43 FPS (Sync Interval: 4), and 35 FPS (Sync Interval: 5).
   

   

• On a 240 Hz display it will be 60 FPS (Sync Interval: 4), 48 FPS (Sync Interval: 5), 40 FPS (Sync Interval: 6), and 34 FPS (Sync Interval: 7).
   

   

• And so on…

The PCGamingWiki article – [pcgamingwiki.com]  didn’t up until now publish a proper fix for the cause of this problem, but did describe a few somewhat usable workarounds that came with their own set of limitations or problems. Since then, I’ve improved the solution in the article.

It is not often I come across weird “FPS limiter” implementations like this, but it always creates annoying and unexpected issues for players. Another game that had a similar issue was the release version of NieR: Replicant, which saw users similarly capped at arbitrary frame rates or experience massive stuttering…

This is all about Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy – FPS Drop Fix + V-SYNC; I hope you enjoy reading the Guide! If you feel like we should add more information or we forget/mistake, please let us know via commenting below, and thanks! See you soon!