📄 README — Optimization for Avowed
Avowed — GameUserSettings.ini (Balanced & Low)

This file contains optimized GameUserSettings.ini configurations for Avowed.
It is designed to improve performance and reduce stuttering on weak and mid-range PCs.
The Balanced version preserves better visuals, while the Low version minimizes settings for maximum FPS.

📌 IMPORTANT — Before Installation:

1.  Locate the Original File: First, find your original GameUserSettings.ini file in the game's configuration folder:
    *   Steam / GOG:        %localappdata%\Alabama\Saved\Config\Windows
    *   Xbox / Game Pass:   %localappdata%\Alabama\Saved\Config\WinGDK
    *   (Tip: Press Win + R, paste the path, press Enter)

2.  Make a Backup: Rename the original file (e.g., to GameUserSettings.ini.backup) OR move it to another folder. Do not delete it yet. This is your backup.

3.  Copy Your Resolution: Open the original file (or the backup copy you just renamed/moved) and find and copy the lines containing your screen resolution. They look like this (your numbers will be different):
    
    ResolutionSizeX=1680
    ResolutionSizeY=1050
    LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeX=1680
    LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeY=1050
    
    (Note: In the original Avowed file, these lines are often located after many settings within the [/Script/Alabama.AlabamaGameUserSettings] section, before the [ScalabilityGroups] section).

4.  Extract the New File: Download the archive containing the new GameUserSettings.ini (Balanced or Low version) and extract it to any convenient temporary location (like your Desktop).

5.  Edit the New File: Open the new, extracted GameUserSettings.ini (Balanced or Low) from the temporary location. Find the section header [/Script/Alabama.AlabamaGameUserSettings]. Paste the resolution lines you copied in step 3 inside this section, for example, right after the SettingsDefaultVersion=5 line. Make sure these lines are within the [/Script/Alabama.AlabamaGameUserSettings] section and before the [ScalabilityGroups] section starts. Save the changes to this new file.
    *Example of where to paste:*
    
    [/Script/Alabama.AlabamaGameUserSettings]
    ... (other settings like FSRQuality, DLSSQuality, etc.) ...
    SettingsDefaultVersion=5

    ; PASTE YOUR RESOLUTION LINES HERE:
    ResolutionSizeX=1920  <-- Your value
    ResolutionSizeY=1080  <-- Your value
    LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeX=1920  <-- Your value
    LastUserConfirmedResolutionSizeY=1080  <-- Your value

    ; ... (Other settings like VSyncEnabled, FPSLimit, etc.) ...

    [ScalabilityGroups]
    ...
    

6.  Move the New File into the Game: Now, move or copy the edited new GameUserSettings.ini from the temporary location (e.g., Desktop) into the game's configuration folder (the same place where the original file was, see step 1). Replace the existing file if prompted.

7.  Set "Read-Only": Find the new GameUserSettings.ini file inside the game's config folder, right-click on it → Properties → General tab → Check the "Read-only" box → Apply → OK. This prevents the game from overwriting your optimized settings.

8.  Launch the game.

⚙️ Balanced Version:
- Resolution quality = 100%
- Visual quality preserved, heavy effects removed
- VSync ON for smoother frame pacing
- Medium texture and foliage quality

⚙️ Low Version:
- Resolution quality = 50%
- All heavy graphics features disabled
- Lowest settings for textures, shading, shadows
- VSync OFF for minimal input latency
- Maximum performance gain for weak systems

❗Important:
- Avoid changing graphics settings in-game.
- Use only one optimization config file at a time.
- Game UI may not reflect changes, but engine settings are applied. Test performance in gameplay.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Is this compatible with other optimization mods?
A:
The GameUserSettings.ini may conflict with other mods that change graphic settings, especially parameters like sg.*, r.*, VSync, FrameRateLimit, and more.

If you're using other mods (including .pak files in the ~mods folder or tweaks made to Engine.ini), conflicts are possible, as they may override the same settings. This won’t necessarily cause problems, but it may cancel out some tweaks or reduce the overall optimization effect.

👉 It’s recommended to test each mod separately to find which one works best for your setup.

Q: I don’t see any changes in the game menu?
A: The menu may look the same, but the engine applies settings from the .ini file in real gameplay.

Q: Should I enable or disable VSync?
A:
- Balanced enables VSync — reduces screen tearing.
- Low disables VSync — best input response and FPS.
Choose based on your preference.

To change manually:
1. Open GameUserSettings.ini
2. Find the line:
   VSyncEnabled=(bCurrentValue=True,bIsDefault=False)
3. To disable VSync, change to:
   VSyncEnabled=(bCurrentValue=False,bIsDefault=False)
4. Save and set the file to "Read-Only".

Q: Can I enable DLSS / FSR / XeSS manually?
A: 
By default, they are disabled for stability reasons. You can enable them manually if you are confident about compatibility with your system.
To do this:
1. Open GameUserSettings.ini
2. Find the section:
   [/Script/Alabama.AlabamaGameUserSettings]
3. Insert the following lines into it (if they are not already present):
   CurrentSelectedUpscaler=DLSS
   CurrentSelectedUpscalerQualityMode=1
   (0 = Performance, 1 = Balanced, 2 = Quality, 3 = Ultra Performance)
4. Save the file.
5. Set the 'Read-only' attribute back:
Right-click the file → Properties → Check 'Read-only' → Apply.

Q: How to uninstall?
A:
- Delete the GameUserSettings.ini file.
- The game will auto-generate a new one on next launch.
- Or restore your backup.

Enjoy the game!