Is Destiny 2 CPU Or GPU Intensive – Fix Destiny 2 Lag Today!

March 12, 2025 Eli Cohen

“I upgraded my GPU, expecting better FPS in Destiny 2, but my old CPU still caused stutters in PvP. After switching to a faster processor, the game ran much smoother. Turns out, Destiny 2 relies more on the CPU, especially in multiplayer.”

Destiny 2 uses both CPU and GPU, but the CPU is more important, especially in PvP. A strong CPU helps with smooth gameplay, while a good GPU improves graphics. If you have FPS drops, upgrading your CPU or lowering CPU-heavy settings can help.

Stay tuned with us! Now, we will talk about “Is Destiny 2 CPU or GPU Intensive?” Understanding this will help you get better performance and smoother gameplay in Destiny 2. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Is Destiny 2 CPU or GPU-intensive?

Destiny 2 uses both CPU and GPU, but the CPU is more important in many cases. The CPU handles game logic, physics, and player interactions, especially in multiplayer. The GPU is needed for better graphics and higher resolutions. If you play at 1080p, the game depends more on the CPU. If you play at 1440p or 4K, the GPU becomes more important.

How Does the CPU Affect Destiny 2 Performance?

The CPU controls enemy movements, physics, and network-related tasks. In multiplayer matches, it processes player actions, hit detection, and game updates. If the CPU is slow, the game may have lag or FPS drops. A strong CPU helps maintain high frame rates, especially in PvP. If the game stutters in crowded areas, the CPU might be struggling to keep up with all the processes.

How Does the GPU Affect Destiny 2 Performance?

The GPU processes graphics, textures, and visual effects. If you play at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, the GPU works harder to render details. Settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, and textures put more load on the GPU. A weak GPU can cause low FPS and stuttering. Lowering graphics settings can improve performance if the GPU is struggling to handle the game smoothly.

Read: Red Light On GPU When Pc Is Off – Resolve Your Issue Now!

CPU vs. GPU Usage at Different Resolutions

At 1080p, the CPU handles most of the work because the GPU is not heavily loaded. At 1440p, both the CPU and GPU share the workload more evenly. At 4K, the GPU takes on most of the work, as rendering high-resolution graphics requires more power. If your game runs slow, check if the CPU or GPU is maxed out and upgrade accordingly.

Best CPU for Destiny 2

For smooth gameplay, a CPU with strong single-core performance is best. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-13600K are good for high FPS. If you want better future-proofing, Ryzen 7 5800X3D or Intel i7-13700K can help. Destiny 2 does not use many cores, so clock speed matters more. A strong CPU improves FPS, especially in PvP and crowded areas.

Best GPU for Destiny 2

For 1080p gaming, an NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti or AMD RX 6600 XT is good. For 1440p, an RTX 3070 or RX 6800 XT provides smooth performance. If you play at 4K, an RTX 4070 Ti or RX 7900 XT is better. Destiny 2 can run on weaker GPUs, but you may need to lower graphics settings. More VRAM helps for high-resolution textures.

How to Optimize Destiny 2 for Better Performance

1. Lower Graphics Settings:

Reducing shadows, anti-aliasing, and depth of field can improve FPS. High settings put more load on the GPU, while lower settings make the game run smoother. Adjust textures and effects to match your hardware for better performance.

2. Close Background Programs:

Too many running apps can slow down the game. Close browsers, streaming apps, and unnecessary software before playing. This frees up CPU and RAM, making Destiny 2 run faster and reducing stutters or lag during gameplay.

3. Update Graphics Drivers:

Outdated GPU drivers can cause performance issues. Install the latest NVIDIA or AMD drivers to improve FPS and stability. Updated drivers fix bugs and optimize the game, ensuring smoother gameplay without crashes or sudden frame drops.

4. Enable FPS Limit:

Setting an FPS cap prevents unnecessary GPU and CPU load. If your monitor is 60Hz, limit FPS to 60. This reduces overheating and power usage while keeping gameplay smooth. Higher FPS than needed can cause performance drops.

5. Adjust Resolution and Render Scaling:

Playing at a lower resolution can improve FPS if your GPU is weak. Lowering render scaling from 100% to 80% reduces the load on the GPU while keeping graphics sharp. This helps maintain a smoother gaming experience.

Is Destiny 2 More CPU Dependent in PvP?

Yes, Destiny 2 relies more on the CPU in PvP. The game needs to process player movements, hit detection, and online synchronization. A fast CPU helps maintain high frame rates and reduces lag. If the CPU is weak, FPS drops and stuttering can happen. Lowering CPU-heavy settings, like physics and character detail, can improve performance in PvP battles.

Is Destiny 2 More GPU Dependent in PvE?

Yes, Destiny 2 depends more on the GPU in PvE. Large open areas, enemy effects, and high-quality textures require strong graphics power. A better GPU helps render visuals smoothly and improves FPS. The GPU does most of the work at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. Lowering settings like shadows and anti-aliasing can improve performance if the GPU struggles.

Common CPU and GPU Bottlenecks in Destiny 2

Low FPS in Crowded Areas:

When many enemies or players are on the screen, the CPU struggles to process everything, causing FPS drops. A stronger CPU with high clock speed helps fix this issue and keeps the game running smoothly.

High GPU Usage at 1440p and 4K:

At higher resolutions, the GPU works harder to render detailed graphics. If the GPU is weak, FPS drops happen. Lowering settings like shadows and anti-aliasing can improve performance and reduce GPU stress.

CPU Stutters in Multiplayer Matches:

In PvP, the CPU processes player movements, hit detection, and game updates. A slow CPU may cause lag or stuttering. Using a fast CPU with good single-core performance helps keep gameplay smooth.

VRAM Overload on High Settings:

If the GPU has low VRAM, using ultra textures can slow down the game. This can cause FPS drops and stuttering. Lowering texture settings or using a GPU with at least 6GB VRAM can improve performance.

GPU Bottleneck at Low Resolutions:

If you play at 1080p with a powerful GPU but a weak CPU, the GPU waits for the CPU, causing FPS to drop. Upgrading the CPU or increasing resolution to 1440p helps balance performance.

Read: GPU Only Works In Second Slot – Boost Performance Now!

Is Destiny 2 a GPU or CPU Game?

Destiny 2 uses both the CPU and GPU, but the CPU plays a bigger role in handling game logic, AI, and multiplayer actions. The GPU manages graphics, textures, and resolution. At lower settings, the CPU is more important, while at higher resolutions, the GPU does most of the work. A balanced system gives the best performance.

Is Destiny 2 Graphically Demanding?

Destiny 2 is not the most demanding game, but it still requires a good GPU for high-quality graphics. At lower settings, even mid-range GPUs can run it smoothly. However, playing at high resolutions, like 4K, with ultra settings requires a powerful GPU. Features like shadows, textures, and lighting affect performance the most.

AMD Ryzen vs Intel CPU for Destiny 2 on High End Computers

Both AMD Ryzen and Intel CPUs run Destiny 2 well on high-end computers. Intel CPUs have faster single-core speed, helping in PvP. AMD Ryzen offers more cores, useful for streaming and multitasking. For high FPS, choose a fast CPU with good cooling.

For more details, you can check this Reddit discussion.

Why Is Destiny 2 Using So Much CPU?

Destiny 2 uses a lot of CPU power because it processes AI movements, physics, and online multiplayer actions. In PvP, the CPU tracks other players and handles hit detection. In PvE, it manages enemy AI and world events. If the CPU is weak, the game may stutter, especially in high-action scenes with many players.

How Much GPU Does Destiny 2 Use?

The amount of GPU usage in Destiny 2 depends on the resolution and graphics settings. At 1080p, the GPU is used less, but at 1440p or 4K, it works much harder. High settings, such as shadows and anti-aliasing, increase GPU load. A mid-range GPU can handle 1080p, but higher resolutions need more power.

Read: Runtimeerror: No GPU Found. A GPU Is Needed For Quantization. – Fix GPU Error Now!

Does Destiny 2 Run Better With A Strong CPU Or GPU?

Destiny 2 needs both a good CPU and GPU, but the CPU is more important for smooth gameplay, especially in PvP. The CPU handles AI, physics, and player actions, while the GPU manages graphics. If you play at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, the GPU matters more. For 1080p gaming, a strong CPU helps the most.

What Causes FPS Drops In Destiny 2?

FPS drops in Destiny 2 can happen due to high CPU or GPU usage, background apps, outdated drivers, or slow RAM. Playing on high settings with a weak GPU can also cause lag. In PvP, the CPU works harder, which can lower FPS. Keeping drivers updated and adjusting settings can help improve performance.

Can An Old CPU Affect Destiny 2 Performance?

Yes, an old CPU can slow down Destiny 2, especially in PvP and busy areas. The game needs fast processing for AI, physics, and player movements. If the CPU is too slow, you may see FPS drops and stuttering. Upgrading to a modern CPU with better speed and more cores can improve performance.

How Much VRAM Does Destiny 2 Need For Smooth Gameplay?

Destiny 2 needs at least 4GB of VRAM for 1080p gaming on low settings. For 1440p or high settings, 6GB or more is better. If playing in 4K, 8GB or higher is recommended. If VRAM is too low, textures may look blurry, and FPS might drop. Choosing the right settings can help balance performance.

Does Overclocking The CPU Help In Destiny 2?

Yes, overclocking the CPU can help improve FPS in Destiny 2, especially in CPU-heavy parts like PvP. A faster CPU can reduce lag and improve smoothness. However, overclocking increases heat and power usage, so a good cooling system is needed. If the CPU is already fast, overclocking may not make a big difference.

Read: Is Beamng CPU Or GPU Intensive – Complete Guide 2024!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is Destiny 2 Optimized For Multi-Core CPUs?

Yes, Destiny 2 uses multiple CPU cores, but it performs best on processors with strong single-core speeds. More cores help, but a fast CPU clock speed matters more for high FPS.

2. Does Destiny 2 Run Well On Budget GPUs?

Yes, Destiny 2 can run on budget GPUs if settings are lowered. Reducing shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing helps improve FPS. A GPU with at least 4GB VRAM is recommended.

3. Why Is Destiny 2 Stuttering Even With A Good GPU?

Stuttering can happen due to CPU bottlenecks, background apps, outdated drivers, or high graphics settings. Lowering CPU-heavy settings and updating drivers can help improve performance.

4. What Graphics Settings Affect CPU Performance The Most?

Settings like character detail, physics effects, and render distance put more load on the CPU. Lowering these settings can help reduce CPU usage and improve overall FPS.

5. Can Destiny 2 Run On Integrated Graphics?

Yes, but performance will be low. Integrated graphics struggle to run the game smoothly, even on low settings. A dedicated GPU is recommended for a better experience.

6. Does Destiny 2 Benefit From A High Refresh Rate Monitor?

Yes, but only if your PC can run the game at high FPS. A 144Hz or 240Hz monitor makes gameplay smoother, but a strong CPU and GPU are needed.

7. How Does Destiny 2 Perform On AMD Vs. Intel CPUs?

Both AMD and Intel CPUs run Destiny 2 well. Intel often has better single-core speeds, which helps in PvP. AMD’s Ryzen CPUs perform well in multi-threaded tasks and future updates.

8. What Is The Best FPS Setting For Destiny 2?

For smooth gameplay, set FPS to match your monitor’s refresh rate. 60 FPS is good for most players, but 144 FPS or higher is better for competitive gaming.

9. Will Upgrading RAM Improve Destiny 2 Performance?

Yes, if you have less than 16GB RAM, upgrading can improve performance. More RAM helps in open areas and reduces stutters, especially when running other apps in the background.

10. Does Destiny 2 Support DLSS or FSR for Better Performance?

No, Destiny 2 does not support DLSS or FSR. However, lowering resolution scaling and turning off demanding settings can help improve performance on lower-end systems.

Conclusion:

In Conclusion, Destiny 2 needs both CPU and GPU, but the CPU is more important, especially in multiplayer. A strong CPU helps with smooth gameplay, while a good GPU improves graphics. Lowering settings, updating drivers, and upgrading hardware can fix FPS drops. Check what is slowing your game and adjust settings for better performance. Enjoy smoother gameplay in Destiny 2!

Related Posts:

Eli Cohen