Playing PUBG Mobile on modern smartphones often depends not so much on processor power, but on the limitations of the graphics engine and resource optimization. Dense vegetation, detailed landscape textures and complex lighting effects put a serious strain on the device's RAM. For many gamers, especially those using budget models or older flagships, this “beauty” causes a critical drop in frames per second (FPS) and input lags. GPU and device RAM. For many gamers, especially those using budget models or old flagships, this “beauty” causes a critical drop in frames per second (FPS) and input lag.
There is a misconception that it is impossible to change the grass rendering parameters without using third-party software or hacking the game client. However, the ecosystem Android provides the user with enough tools to fine-tune the visual component. We will look at both standard methods through the settings menu, as well as more advanced methods of editing configuration files that allow you to forcibly disable vegetation rendering.
It is important to understand that completely removing grass textures can give an unfair advantage in competitive mode, so developers are actively fighting such modifications. In this article, we will focus on legal optimization methods, reducing system load and improving the visibility of opponents by reducing visual noise, without violating the game's user agreement.
Limitations of built-in graphics settings
The first and most obvious step to optimization is the standard settings menu inside the application itself. The developers Tencent Games have provided several quality presets, each of which determines the level of detail of objects, including vegetation. However, these settings are often a compromise between performance and visual quality, preventing the grass from being turned off completely.
When selecting the mode Smooth (Smooth), the game automatically reduces texture resolution and simplifies terrain geometry. In this mode, the grass becomes less dense and almost transparent from a distance, which makes it much easier to spot enemies lying in ambush. However, even at minimum settings, some vegetation elements remain visible, since they are part of the map and are necessary for navigation.
It is worth noting that the available graphics options directly depend on the model of your device. The game automatically checks hardware at startup and blocks high-performance modes on weak smartphones. If your phone does not support the mode HDR or Ultra HD, you will not be able to see the corresponding items in the menu, even if the processor is theoretically capable of processing them.
⚠️ Attempts to change graphics settings through third-party launchers or modified clients may lead to Temporary or permanent account blocking by the anti-cheat system BattleEye.
To access the basic settings, you need to go to the main menu of the game, click on the down arrow in the right corner of the screen and select the tab Settings. Here you will find a section Graphics and soundwhere you can experiment with combinations of parameters. The optimal combination for maximum performance is considered to be Smooth in combination with frame rate Extreme or 90 fpsif it is supported by the screen of your gadget.
Manual editing of configuration files
Deeper customization requires direct intervention in the file structure of the game. Configuration files PUBG Mobile are stored in a protected system directory Android and contain parameters responsible for rendering various objects, including grass, bushes and trees. Changing these values forces texture quality to be reduced below the level available in the normal menu.
You will need access to the file system to perform this procedure. On devices without root access this can be done by connecting to a computer and using the utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or special file managers that work in access mode to system folders (for example, through mode Shizuku). The path to the configuration files usually looks like this: Android/data/com.tencent.ig/files/UE4Game/ShadowTrackerExtra/Saved/Config/Android/.
The file of main interest is GameUserSettings.ini. Inside it you can find sections responsible for the quality of the landscape. For example, the parameter sg.FoliageQuality controls the density of vegetation. Setting the value to 0 or 1 can significantly reduce the number of displayed objects. It is also worth paying attention to the parameter sg.ViewDistanceQuality, which affects the drawing distance of objects.
sg.FoliageQuality=0sg.GrassQuality=0
sg.LandscapeQuality=0
After making changes, you must save the file and set the attribute to “Read-only”. This will prevent the file from being overwritten by default settings the next time you launch the game. If the attribute is not set, the game will detect a checksum mismatch at startup or simply overwrite the file with its standard values, and all your efforts will be in vain.
☑️ Preparing to edit configs
What to do if the file is reset?
If the game constantly resets its settings, try clearing the application cache before the first launch after editing. Also make sure that you are editing the file specifically for the current version of the game, since the structure of the configs may change with major updates.
Using developer modes and USB debugging
The Developer Toolkit Android provides options for forcing changes in rendering parameters at the operating system level. This method does not directly remove grass from the game, but it does cause the GPU to ignore certain overlay layers or reduce the overall quality of textures for all applications, which can have a positive impact on performance in PUBG.
To activate these features, you need to go to your phone's settings, find the section About phone and quickly tap on the Build Number seven times. After this, a new item will appear in the menu For developers. Here we are interested in settings related to hardware acceleration and log buffer size. Some firmware has an option Disable HW overlaythat shifts the compositing task to GPU.
You can also use the command ADB to change global scaling settings or disable certain graphic effects. By connecting your phone to your PC and launching the console, you can enter a command to change the pixel density (DPI), which will visually shrink objects, including grass, making them less noticeable, but freeing up resources for rendering frames.
adb shell wm density 320Lowering the DPI can make the game's interface appear smaller, but it will also reduce the size of the grass textures on the screen, which can sometimes help you see enemies better. However, be careful: setting the DPI too low may make controls awkward, and some interface elements may extend beyond the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the developer settings or using ADB commands may lead to system instability, overheating of the device, or a factory reset if used incorrectly.
Do not forget that after the end of the gaming session it is recommended to return everything DPI values and developer settings to the original parameters. Constant operation in a changed mode may negatively affect battery life and display durability.
Before changing DPI, write down the original value. Standard indicators for most smartphones are in the range from 360 to 480 dpi.
Third-party optimization tools and Game Booster
The application market for optimizing games on Android is overflowing with various utilities that promise a miraculous increase in FPS and removal of lags. apps such as Game Booster 4x Faster, GFX Tool or built-in game modes from smartphone manufacturers (for example, Game Turbo from Xiaomi or Game Launcher from Samsung) work on the principle of reallocating system resources.
These applications do not directly remove grass textures from game files, but they can force close background processes, clear RAM before launching and block notifications that can cause micro-freezes. Some advanced GFX Tools allow you to unlock hidden graphics settings that are not available in the standard menu, including choosing a rendering resolution lower than the native screen resolution.
Using third-party GFX tools carries certain risks. Although many of them simply change configuration files (as described above), some are introduced into the game process, which can be regarded by the anti-cheat as cheating. It is safer to use official game modes built into the shell of your smartphone, since they have system privileges and do not require modification of game files.
| Type of tool | Principle of operation | Risk of ban | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Game Mode | Cleaning RAM, CPU/GPU priority | No | Average |
| GFX Tool (without injections) | Editing .ini files | Low | High |
| GFX Tool (with injections) | Introduction into the game process | High | Very high |
| Booster applications | Closing background applications | No | Low |
When choosing third-party software, always check the reviews and reputation of the developer. Avoid apps that require root access without good reason, or those that promise "automatic aiming" along with graphics optimization - this is a sure sign of malware or cheat.
The safest optimization method is to use the built-in game modes from the smartphone manufacturer, since they do not modify the game files.
Hardware limitations and impact on performance
It is impossible to talk about graphics optimization without touching on the hardware component. Removing grass using software methods gives the greatest effect on devices with a weak video processor (GPU) and limited RAM. On powerful flagships with level chips Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9200 The presence of grass has virtually no effect on FPS, since the performance reserve allows you to render millions of polygons without delays.
The main problem arises when the video memory is full of high-resolution textures. At this point, the system begins to use RAM to swap data, which causes sudden drops in frames (stuttering). Simplifying the landscape reduces the load on video memory and the data bus, making gameplay smoother even with a high level of detail of other objects.
It is also worth considering heat dissipation. When actively drawing complex vegetation, the processor and video card work to the limit of their capabilities, which leads to throttling - an automatic reduction in the clock frequency to prevent overheating. By removing unnecessary objects from rendering, you lower the temperature of the chips, allowing them to maintain the maximum frequency for longer.
If your smartphone heats up after just 10 minutes of playing, then optimizing graphics becomes not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity to maintain the health of the device. In such cases, reducing the landscape quality to a minimum is the most effective solution.
⚠️ Note: Graphics engine implementation details and configuration files may change with each major game update. Always check the current paths and parameter names in official sources or modder communities.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to completely remove grass without banning your account?
It is difficult to completely remove grass without risk. File editing .ini is in a “gray zone”: anti-cheat may not notice changes to local files if they do not provide a clear advantage (like a wallhack), but there is no 100% guarantee of security. Using third-party GFX tools with the Unlock All function significantly increases the risk of blocking.
Why were the graphics settings reset after updating the game?
When updating the game client, the data folder is often replaced or cleared, or the game forcibly overwrites the configuration files with standard values when the new version is launched for the first time. You will have to reapply the settings or restore the file from a backup.
Does removing grass affect the visibility of opponents?
Yes, this is the main point of optimization. Fewer grass and bushes improve visibility, making it easier to spot enemy movements in ambush. However, the complete absence of vegetation can deprive you of natural cover, making you more visible to enemies in open spaces.
Are root access needed to change graphics settings?
No, to edit files in a folder Android/data on modern versions of Android (11 and above), Root is not required, but a special one is required file manager or access via ADB. On older versions of Android, access to this folder was open by default.
Is it safe to use GFX Tool for PUBG Mobile?
Using GFX Tool is always risky. The game developers periodically update the third-party software detection system. If the tool simply changes configs, the risk is minimal. If it is embedded in the process memory, the risk of ban is very high. Use such apps at your own peril and risk, preferably not on the main account.