MSFS Key Settings Guide | Are you changing the right settings for best performance? AI Traffic & LOD

We dive into the AI Traffic and both the Terrain and Object LOD (level-of-detail) settings in MSFS to understand how they work and their big impact on performance.
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CREDITS
Subject content based on video from STARbugsENG channel. Check out his video here • MSFS 2020 - Graphic Se...
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[@SimHangerFS]

Hope you find this useful. 😊 content idea based on a video from KZbinr STARbugsENG. Credit and link to his excellent video in the notes below my video.

[@autonormalverbraucher]

Hey Mate, thx that you told your community that you get this information from my video. I like transparency. It is nice that you put a link into the description. I hope to get the 1.000 subs. Perhaps your community can help me.

[@SimHangerFS]

@@autonormalverbraucher hi, thanks loved your video. I was working on a video covering exactly the same subjects, but could not really find a good way to demonstrate the render levels OLOD. Your video example was inspired, so thanks again!

[@stratcat3216]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@Updukat]

One of your best videos! This is helpful for so many who got stuck in the black hole of tweaking things not understanding the basic and most important sliders already in the sim.

[@adamfarkas5327]

I totally agree. These videos helped me gain a lot of performance in my sim as I have a mid-tier laptop. So for me, who's flying in a stuttery way, it helped me a lot, especially when I'm on VATSIM.

[@erikhany4486]

Thank you very much. I didn’t know that these settings determine WHEN the items get rendered. 🙏

[@morganbisley886]

Thanks mark. I really do enjoy your content. The best out there in my opinion

[@SimHangerFS]

Thank you so much, greatly appreciated 🎉

[@urs1414]

Thanks for all the informative Videos!

[@SimHangerFS]

Thank you for supporting the channel, very kind of you and greatly appreciated. 🙏😀

[@AdminVortex762]

Thanks for this. Always useful. My system is now eight years old (GPU GTX 970, CPU i7-6700K 4.00GHz on a 1920x1200 monitor) but I'm shocked that it can still run MSFS very well, stutter-free on High settings. I can only imagine what modern rigs can achieve.

[@mikedelta1441]

I have a i5-6500K 4.25GHz, GTX1070 (both overclocked about 20%) and play in VR at about 20-25fps with no problems.

[@steven-nb6rt]

I also have an older system(Radeon sapphire 280x, cpu i7-4790k 4.4ghz on a 1920x1080, 32inch samsung tv and the sim works great on it at medium to high settings.

[@movingsocks579]

Hugely informative. I had no idea Terrain Level of Detail was draw distance. I thought it affected my immediate surrounding lol.

[@paulkirkland3263]

A good intro for newcomers to MSFS - and a reminder for longer term users - about the impact of LOD settings, and that 'more' is not always 'better'. Good stuff, Mark.

[@bakzetary3145]

Thank you so much, it's rare to find a video that actually explains what these darn settings do in this level of detail. Are you going to continue and analyse the other settings in the future too? Much appreciated.:)

[@bindervegas8006]

I want you to realize how amazing and valuable your video is to us simmers!! I've had MSFS2020 for over a year and never ever thought to do all the things you just displayed for us all!! I now have something to experiment with and have an understanding of what I'm tweeking!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@SimHangerFS]

Glad I could help!

[@Buddy308]

I've understood the functions of those sliders for a long time, but I really learned a LOT from your back-and-forth comparisons! Thanks very!

[@wilfredgroeneweg]

After watching this video I realized I was adjusting the wrong settings all the time!! So OpenXR doesn't need to be 130 or more to get a higher FPS rate. And changing configuration files is now also a thing of the past. Another nice explanation, thanks Mark!

[@RobertGeez]

Thank you for explaining these settings. You’ve definitely improved my sim experience as a result.

[@muffinmoochy2573]

Hi! You Sir are...TOTALLY AMAZING! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU! You are the 5th person/video I have used to REMOVE "ALL" the Stutter/Lock Ups I have been having (up to 15, with one of them lasting a WHOPPING 15 seconds) both Off-Line & during my LIVE Twitch Streams. My game now runs smoother then a Buttery Smooth Landing! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU! ❤🤓😁

[@frankwi2]

I have watched several videos about MSFS performance, but this is definitely the best I have seen. Very informative and not too technical. One of the biggest surprises for me is that FSLTL is less burdensome than the default AI. I will check it out.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

On Series X for Traffic I run Traffic at Real time online, AI traffic density 0%, Show traffic nameplates OFF, Airport life all set to 0%, Land and Sea traffic all set to 0%, Show multiplayer aircraft in close proximity OFF. And as importantly I have no multiplayer enabled.

[@bigmaxy07]

Very informative. Draw distance and scenery LODS, just dressed up in new fancy names that aren't really necessary.

[@antoinecouve5096]

Dear Mark, thank you for your continuous generosity and passion, useful video!!!

[@simaviationnexus6101]

Excellent video, I saved this in my archives and share it with everyone who has no concept of what AI Traffic and LOD actually do to their performance.

[@countdavis]

Thank you for testing this info and sharing. Much appreciated ✈

[@levashov]

Thank you Mark. To be honest firstly i click on the like button than watch your amazing tutorials. Thank you for your time and effort. Btw i would also like to watch a video about yourself: how did you start simming, what is your expirience, did you or do you fly in the real life. Thank you!

[@KarlBeeThree]

Excellent presentation. Information was simply and clearly set out making it very easy to understand what you were trying to demonstrate. God job !

[@DP-xz8xr]

Excellent video! ❤ having just moved from 1400 to 4K, my FPS is now just hovering around the 30 mark on my 3090 but these settings might help me push it a little bit higher and avoid buying a 4090!

[@Delboyii]

Finally I understand the Terrain & Object level of detail! Thank You

[@anonymousanonymous4830]

Much needed video in MSFS community 🎉

[@nzbankboyinvr4713]

Thanks Mark, always learn something new from your videos, keep up the great work helping the F/S community!

[@MrPeterhemm]

Thanks Mark, one of the most informative videos on the subject! You’ve really helped make my flight sim experience even better!

[@johnpeters5906]

Thanks for this video and your time .

[@privelegec2012]

WOW!!!! Thank you Sir. This really change everything.

[@acward2007]

Brilliant information, I'm really new to the MS Flight Sim since I've only just built a new rig. Details like this are exactly what I need. Many thanks for making this clip. Looking forward to seeing more now I've subscribed.

[@swflKVNC]

Mark, thanks for doing this.

[@mcroudson]

Hi Mark, I always look forward to your passing on your knowledge. I always send a 'like' but do not always write a response. This time IMHO you have excelled yourself in terms of benefiting me and many others, so maybe you are really onto something because Microsoft does not bother to give out this kind of information. I believe you are responsible for keeping people continuing in this frustrating program. I don't think Microsoft cares so I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for acknowledgment from that source. We do appreciate what you are doing. Thanks again. Michael

[@SimHangerFS]

Thanks for your ongoing support. 🙏

[@HeliSimDriver]

This by far is the best explanation about the settings that affect FPS the most and what the settings mean. Great job👍👍👍

[@pinkfloyd7572]

Thank you. I really needed this video.

[@stevejones924]

In my old pc system, I hope it can make even a dent in my visual fun!😊

[@AnthonyJordanWairoaboyNZ]

Many thanks for this, superb outline of the sim for a beginner. Appreciate it a lot :)

[@NJFlyer606]

Thank you for highlighting the importance of these particular settings! An excellent video that really explains how the sim is working.

[@4secsharkmr352]

Hi Mark, Excellent explanation. As you said very often people do not understand these options. Thx and take care.

[@SimHangerFS]

👍😀

[@zzzzzzz1zzzzzzzzzz1z]

Thank you for the calm and clear explanations, that is actually the most awesome about this video

[@fedemalfu]

Thank you so much! I've just applied those settings and it looks amazing! 😊

[@westcastlemodelrailway8190]

Hi Mark… thanks for the informative video. One thing I have found out recently that a LOD setting of less than 70 can make the runway lights disappear at night! Not good when landing at airports after dark! Keep up good work!

[@SimHangerFS]

I hadn’t noticed that, thanks.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@SimHangerFS This was an excellent video to demonstrate how a Series X console can perform so well IF one has a 24/7 rock solid pure fiber optic internet connection. System on a Chip or SOC is absolutely the way of the future and within another decade the "next gen" Xbox consoles will be absolute number crunching behemoths yet at the same time being power misers compared to the old PC component format. The only thing I MUST do on my Series X is turn all extraneous "extra special effects" down to zero and disable multiplayer. Then on my 86" 4K UHD TV it makes FS 2020 simply and literally fly!!!!!!!!!!!! Cheers kind sir.

[@flyingscampi]

Great video, thanks! I just got back into simming and bought 2020 (guessing 2024 without bugs is about a year away). I've noticed my LOD and AMD FX settings on Windows are changing dynamically. AMD 7090XT and 5800X3D. They all increased from the installation settings which I checked before the first flight.

[@mikecoffee100]

Spot on video as usual and now I can fly in the UK one of my aircraft has a BA Livery.

[@69columbus]

Thank you for this. There are lots of videos that try to show you how or come up with ways for you to get a better, smoother experience in MSFS. But very few are as thoughtful and take the time explain things like you do. One thing for sure though. MSFS is one of the most highly un-optimised piece of software I've ever used. The developers just don't seem to care it seems.

[@KaiTakApproach]

This is far more helpful than any video I have seen on this topic before. Too many BooTubers trying to grow their channel at my expense.

[@hiortintexasracing]

Very interesting and useful information for making informed decisions.

[@roberthatcher2773]

Thanks Mark, a wonderfully informative video! Coffee for you Sir, one lump or two!

[@SimHangerFS]

Thank you sir 😊

[@MrJLRAR]

Very insightful, thanks!

[@WoodyPembs]

Thanks Mark. Newcomer to FS2020, scouring around for any info. Biggest take-away for me is you saying 30fps ok, a bit more is better. Been dissapointedly lowering settings on my newly built (R5 5600/RX 6650 XT/32gb) pc to maintain around 55 fps. Exploring closer to 35fps should allow graphical improvements. And of course good to know the purpose & impact of those sliders.

[@ervmoore1111]

Excellent as always, didn’t have clue! Tks Mark!

[@WilhelmvonFahrvergnugen]

Thank you StarbugsENG!

[@RedRuffinsore]

Great video. I will be playing with these settings tomorrow!

[@Macbrowndog]

Mark, thanks for these tips .. I have a high end machine with a 4090 I had the LOD at 200 and detail at 150 in VR PMDG flying. Clearly not required . I am using your setting and can see no difference expect for higher fps… 🎉🎉

[@SimHangerFS]

Very nice! 😊

[@tasercs]

Your most useful and succinct video yet Mark. Just brilliant. Thanks

[@ede8193]

This is great information Mark!! I love the way you explain things, very easy to understand!! And thank you!!

[@Squirel]

Thank you Mark. Excellent explanation of a topic I really wasn't sure about.

[@leerose9436]

Great video Mark ! Very interesting ! That’s another 🍺 on the slate ! Cheers 👍🙏🏻✈️👨‍✈️

[@SimHangerFS]

👍

[@delalima]

excellent video , just yesterday i was about to land and the stutters started , thanks now i ll go play with the settings

[@sascenturion]

Excellent video Mark .....lot of work! Thanks 👍

[@dtrjones]

Thank you Mark, very clear and informative video. This will help lots of folks. 👍

[@chrispatton7215]

Awesome video. Really appreciate the explanations. Can't wait to try this out on my system. Thanks again.

[@tubeztoonz]

Another very helpful video-thank you, Mark!

[@alanpaul1234]

Excellent video Mark with a load of very useful information to try. Thank you very much and see you on one of your multiplayer events soon.

[@Dreamsofwings]

Fantastic explanation of the topic sir!

[@lmo3154]

Fantastic an explanation that appears to make sense. I would be nice if the Devs explained each setting and labeled them for the layman also a number next to the to indicate the expected performance hit

[@akdavis3450]

Great video! Thank you for explaining these items. I always get valuable information from your videos!

[@SimHangerFS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamwidjaja850]

well explained. thanks

[@cryptombt5880]

Very good videos. You should explain all the settings in the graphics tab if you know what they all do. That’ll be really helpful

[@RTRT-de8vz]

Please take note other video providers that is how you do it very well explained very articulate and very patient. Thank you.

[@marcosgazamanes6165]

Thanks for this

[@GreyMatter2006]

I dont know if it's still the case, but I remember photogrametry resolution being linked to terrain LOD too.

[@andyholmes9485]

Thanks ever so much Mark. Really unlocks fps.

[@benvanboom8907]

Great explanation Mark, thanks !

[@Pashwintime]

Nice stuff

[@stratcat3216]

All of you MSFS pilots please join us in DCS as well. The flight models of both are amazing. And ofc.. you get to use guns in DCS. Have a great day pilots !

[@Craig_Barker]

Wow!!! So you're telling me that after pulling most of the hair I have left, out my head because of this sim. That's all I had to do 😂.... subscribed so I don't miss anymore brilliant tips .... thank you 🙌🙏🤝, my sim is running 10x better than it was.... 🤯

[@jakeperl5857]

ELATION = Discovering this video, giving me hope for better performance. CRUSHING DISAPPOINTMENT = Discovering that all my settings already match all the tips in this video 😁😢😬😢😁😢

[@rccosplay3249]

Great video as always... I was on the i9 12900K, EVGA 3090 hybrid and 32GB DDR5 5200mhz ram. Had that system for about 1 year since Alder lake came out and it works great. Now that I finally got all the components for a 13th Gen build i9 13900KS, Tuf 4090OC, 6200mhz DDR5 32GB ram No matter what settings I have it's over 60FPS! BTW I did have the 4090 since day 1 3 months ago and it sure performed just like everyone was saying, however once I stuck that 13900KS in the mix... Whoa! even with the air traffic(FSLTL) It does NOT drop to below 55-60 FPS even @ KJFK, Heathrow, Tokyo... ect... Yeah with the eye candy cranked all the way up.

[@SimHangerFS]

I’m envious

[@mcroudson]

I suppose I am envious too but specs bragging is crass at least.

[@jay790962666]

Really helpful video!

[@gwalker3092]

Interesting but I figured while back ai traffic was a fps killer. However the other info is very useful so thx for explaining these settings .

[@xINTENSORx]

Thany you, This helps.

[@m.mal-hamad7955]

great information and details thanks very much

[@maverik19671]

Very helpful Mark...thanks

[@ZenonZolek]

What a great video, and explained brilliantly, thank you

[@garymclachlan9193]

Very helpful tips a big help for me THE BEST

[@fightsimverse]

Great video, really helped out!

[@MrFiideell]

I love your vids. Unfortunately it basically says to all of us that none PC can run this sim on MAX settings.

[@thegundalun9226]

Thanks mate

[@waynesstuff6308]

great video

[@pchow6829]

Excellent tutorial.

[@Goatfriend]

I have observed that airport beacons get drawn very close to the airport. But once they have been drawn I can use the free mode camera and go far far away and still see the beacon, it's still loaded in. I mostly do VFR flying so those beacons are of big importance to me. My TLOD is 300 and OLOD is 150. Anyone reading this knows what setting to play with to see beacons further out?

[@liveincork]

Excellent video

[@REALSIMPILOT777]

As always great information- thank you .

[@ben433]

Great video. I’ll note that with your 4090 and 10th generation processor that you’re mostly cpu bound. For those with worse gpus or better CPUs, other settings will be more important.

[@SimHangerFS]

Agreed but the proportional impact will be similar.

[@johnf6545]

Expert enough, thanks.

[@mikeluchia6555]

I'ts my understanding the the Off Screen PreCaching is loading scenery off to the sides and rear only so that when you turn the screen or turn you head in VR, that has already been loaded and it is to reduce stuttering. Great Video as always.

[@SimHangerFS]

Agreed, my understanding too.

[@SimHangerFS]

@Truth Filter For KZbin , I have searched for additional details on this, so I don’t know, but based on my fps tests it suggests it is actually a render and not a cache. You could be right though 😊

[@antoniomaruge8218]

Great video 🙏🏽

[@jwaveartdesign5686]

Now that was extremely helpful!!!

[@SimHangerFS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DeltaTristar500]

perfect video with samples thank you

[@sprwil]

Great video, thank you so much!!!

[@jazziz09]

So helpful thank you