How to Fix Flickering Graphics in Farming Simulator 25 in PC
Key Takeaways:
- Flickering graphics in Farming Simulator 25 are a common issue, likely tied to shaders, optimization bugs, or driver conflicts.
- Solutions include adjusting in-game settings, refreshing your monitor’s settings, and troubleshooting GPU features like V-Sync or FreeSync/G-Sync.
- While no single fix is guaranteed, following these steps should significantly improve your gameplay experience or at least reduce the flickering.
Farming Simulator 25 has arrived, offering exciting new features and mechanics that farming game enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. However, the launch hasn’t been entirely smooth. A widespread flickering issue has left many players frustrated, even if their PC setup meets the game’s system requirements. This problem isn’t just an eyesore it can cause headaches, ruin immersion, and make the game nearly unplayable for some.
So, what’s causing the flickering? While the root cause remains uncertain, most signs point to shader issues, optimization flaws, or GPU driver conflicts. This problem existed in Farming Simulator 22 as well, so it’s possible the backend engine requires further refinement. But don’t worry; we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you fix or reduce the flickering problem and get back to enjoying the game.
Why Does Flickering Happen in Farming Simulator 25?
Before diving into the fixes, let’s explore the likely reasons behind the issue:
- Shader Compilation Problems: Shaders, responsible for rendering graphics, may not load properly. This can cause textures or lighting to flicker in the environment.
- Incompatibility with GPU Drivers: Players with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs have reported flickering issues, suggesting that outdated or incompatible drivers might be a contributing factor.
- Settings Not Sticking: Some users report that game settings like shadows, DLSS, and V-Sync revert to defaults or fail to apply correctly, which exacerbates the issue.
- Backend Optimization Flaws: This problem is familiar from Farming Simulator 22, implying that the game engine needs further optimization.
How to Fix Farming Simulator 25 Flickering: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down potential fixes into easy-to-follow steps.
1. Update or Roll Back Your GPU Drivers
Graphics card drivers are often the first suspect when games experience flickering or stuttering.
- Update Drivers: Check for the latest NVIDIA or AMD drivers on their official websites and install them.
- Roll Back Drivers: If a recent update worsens the flickering, revert to an older driver version that worked well with Farming Simulator 22 or other games.
- Tip: Always perform a clean driver installation to avoid conflicts.
2. Adjust Monitor Refresh Rate and Match In-Game FPS
Your monitor’s refresh rate and the game’s frame rate should align to minimize flickering.
How to Set Monitor Refresh Rate:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Display > Advanced Display Settings.
- Select your display and click on Display Adapter Properties.
- Navigate to the Monitor tab and set the refresh rate to 60 Hz (or 120 Hz if supported by your monitor).
In-Game FPS Settings:
- Open Farming Simulator 25.
- Go to Options > Display Settings.
- Set the frame rate to match your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 60 FPS for 60 Hz).
- Apply and save the changes.
3. Enable or Disable V-Sync
V-Sync (Vertical Sync) synchronizes your GPU’s frame output with your monitor’s refresh rate to eliminate screen tearing, but it may also help with flickering.
- Turn V-Sync On: In the game’s display settings, enable V-Sync and set the frame rate to match your refresh rate.
- Turn V-Sync Off: If enabling V-Sync doesn’t help, try turning it off and see if it resolves the flickering.
4. Tweak FreeSync or G-Sync (For AMD/NVIDIA Users)
If your monitor supports adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync, they might be causing conflicts with Farming Simulator 25.
- AMD FreeSync:
- Open AMD Adrenalin Software.
- Locate FreeSync settings.
- Disable FreeSync and test the game. If the flickering persists, try re-enabling it.
- NVIDIA G-Sync:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to Display > Set Up G-Sync.
- Disable G-Sync and test the game. If necessary, re-enable it.
5. Switch to Exclusive Full Screen Mode
Some players report that using exclusive full screen mode reduces flickering.
- Open Farming Simulator 25 and navigate to Display Settings.
- Change the display mode to Exclusive Full Screen.
- Apply the changes and restart the game.
6. Lower Volumetric Fog and Disable DLSS
Volumetric fog and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) are often heavy on resources and can lead to visual glitches.
- Set Volumetric Fog to Low in the advanced graphics settings.
- Disable DLSS entirely, even if your GPU supports it. This setting is found in the game’s display options.
7. Replace DisplayPort with HDMI (Hardware-Specific Fix)
If you’re using a DisplayPort cable, switch to an HDMI cable. Some players found this resolved flickering issues entirely, especially when combined with windowed mode and V-Sync turned off.
8. ReShade as a Workaround
Some users suggest installing ReShade (a post-processing tool) to manage the game’s shaders more effectively.
- Download and install ReShade from its official website.
- Select Farming Simulator 25 during the installation process.
- Skip additional shaders during setup to minimize performance impact.
- Launch the game to see if the flickering is reduced.
9. Keep the Game Updated
Farming Simulator 25 is still relatively new, and developers are likely working on patches to address these issues. Ensure you’re running the latest version of the game by checking for updates through Steam or your chosen platform.
10. Test Alternative Settings
If all else fails, experiment with the following:
- Turn off Windows Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in your system settings.
- Test different graphic presets like Medium or High instead of Ultra.
- Disable or lower Shadow Quality.
What If Nothing Works?
If you’ve tried every fix and the flickering persists, you might have to wait for an official patch. Alternatively:
- Request a Refund: If the game is unplayable, contact the platform you purchased it from for a refund.
- Revisit Later: Some players have chosen to wait for updates before diving back in.
FAQs
1. Is the flickering issue related to my hardware?
Not necessarily. Both high-end and mid-range PCs experience this problem, suggesting it’s a software optimization issue rather than a hardware limitation.
2. Will using an older GPU driver fix the issue?
In some cases, reverting to an older driver has helped. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution and may affect performance in other games.
3. Why does the flickering get worse after updating drivers?
New drivers can introduce conflicts with unoptimized games. If a driver update makes the flickering worse, consider rolling back to a previous version.
4. Will disabling G-Sync or FreeSync affect my performance?
Disabling these features shouldn’t significantly affect performance but may help eliminate flickering. You can always re-enable them if needed.
5. When will the developers fix this issue?
While there’s no official timeline, Farming Simulator’s development team has historically released patches for similar problems. Keeping the game updated is your best bet.