Starfield – Should I Turn Film Grain On or Off?

Film grain on or off? A question as old as time. So in Starfield should you turn film grain on or off?
Starfield Ship Captain
Image: Bethesda Game Studios

In the world of gaming, visual settings can significantly impact your experience. One such setting that’s been a topic of debate is the film grain effect. It’s a very hit-and-miss visual effect that, when used correctly, immerses you more deeply into the game, but when used all the time, the effect can be too much.

So, when you’re venturing into the vast universe of Starfield, should you keep the film grain on or switch it off?

Should I Have Film Grain On or Off in Starfield?

From my almost 30 years of gaming, I’ve consistently preferred to turn off the film grain in every title I’ve played. Doing so has made the visuals crisper and more vibrant. When I tried this with Starfield, the results were no different. So I recommend turning them off completely, or maybe down low at the very least.

The game’s default setting has the film grain at 1.00. Interestingly, many fellow gamers on Reddit echoed my sentiment, suggesting that turning it off enhances the visual clarity. Even Steam Discussions said the same.

Film grain is a feature that many modern games activate by default. Developers often argue that it offers a cinematic touch, enhancing the overall ambiance of the game. However, a lot of the gaming community believes this effect is used more as a cover-up for certain technical shortcomings, such as low-resolution textures or low level of detail.

Yet it all boils down to personal preference. Some players might appreciate the visuals with both depth of field and film grain effects turned on, while others might prefer a different combination of settings. And then there’s the consideration of motion blur, another setting that can change the game’s look and feel. Experiment with the settings in Starfield to find the visual combination that you love.

That said, film grain isn’t without its merits. It can be particularly effective in specific scenarios, like during a flashback or seeing from an old robot’s eyes. In such contexts, the grainy effect can add to the narrative at play, and you can become more immersed. However, having it on continuously might not be the best choice for everyone.

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter is the Managing Editor at Try Hard Guides, and main guide writer. With over five years of experience in games media, including almost three years as an Assigning Editor for Pro Game Guides, and before that a Staff Writer.

His writing and game guide work has also been featured on platforms such as Metro UK and Game Rant, along with other smaller publications. He has been a devoted gamer since the days of Amiga, with a journey spanning roughly 31 years.

Mark's future goals are to grow the Try Hard Guides network as much as possible while helping gamers everywhere with gaming guide content. When not immersed in gaming, Mark enjoys delving into the worlds of D&D (Dungeons & Dragons), strumming his guitar, and indulging in a good read. His heart belongs to RPGs, the Final Fantasy series, and The Legend of Zelda. Moreover, he has a keen affection for dogs.

Contact: mark@tryhardguides.com

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