Playing Soulbound, an immersive MMORPG, directly in your internet browser offers convenience, but to get the best experience, you need to ensure your system is optimized for performance. This guide will walk you through essential settings on both Mac and PC to ensure that your browser and system are configured to deliver the best possible gaming experience.
While the instructions here apply to Google Chrome, you can also take similar steps to improve performance on other Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge.
Why Performance Optimization Matters
Since Soulbound runs inside your web browser, the game’s performance is directly influenced by how well your browser and system are optimized. Factors such as hardware acceleration, GPU settings, and system resources play a crucial role in determining your in-game experience, affecting everything from frame rates to overall smoothness.
Use the installable PWA
Install the PWA for optimal performance.
Optimising Chrome for Gaming on Mac
1. Enable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration allows Chrome to utilize your GPU (graphics processing unit) instead of relying solely on your CPU (central processing unit). This is crucial for gaming, as it can significantly improve performance.
• Step 1: Open Chrome.
• Step 2: Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
• Step 3: Select “Settings.”
• Step 4: Scroll down and click on “System.”
• Step 5: Ensure that the “Use hardware acceleration when available” option is toggled on.
• Step 6: Restart Chrome to apply the changes.
2. Force Chrome to Use Your Dedicated GPU
By default, macOS may use the integrated graphics card (iGPU) to save battery life, but for optimal gaming performance, you want to use your dedicated GPU (if your Mac has one).
• Step 1: Go to the “Energy Saver” settings from the Apple menu > “System Settings.”
• Step 2: Uncheck “Automatic graphics switching.” This forces the Mac to always use the dedicated GPU when available.
• Step 3: Restart your Mac to ensure the changes take effect.
3. Manage Chrome Extensions
Chrome extensions can consume valuable resources. Disable or remove unnecessary extensions to free up memory and processing power.
• Step 1: Open Chrome and go to the Extensions page (chrome://extensions/).
• Step 2: Review and disable or remove any extensions that you don’t need during gameplay.
4. Close Unnecessary Applications
Running multiple applications can strain your system’s resources, particularly RAM and CPU usage. Close any non-essential apps before launching the game.
It's known that running intensive Electron style apps like Figma have massive impacts on the performance of Soulbound.
Optimizing Chrome for Gaming on PC
1. Enable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration is just as important on a PC as it is on a Mac. Follow the steps below to ensure it’s enabled:
• Step 1: Open Chrome.
• Step 2: Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
• Step 3: Scroll down and select “System.”
• Step 4: Toggle on “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
• Step 5: Restart Chrome.
2. Ensure Chrome Uses the Dedicated GPU
Windows may default to using integrated graphics for power saving, but you can force Chrome to use your dedicated GPU.
• Step 1: Open “Settings” by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
• Step 2: Navigate to “System” > “Display.”
• Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Graphics settings.”
• Step 4: Under “Choose an app to set preference,” select “Desktop app” and then click “Browse.”
• Step 5: Locate and select the Chrome executable file (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe).
• Step 6: Click “Options,” then select “High performance” to force Chrome to use the dedicated GPU.
• Step 7: Click “Save” and restart Chrome.
3. Adjust Power Settings
Make sure your power settings are optimized for performance rather than energy efficiency.
• Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Power Options.”
• Step 2: Select “High performance” or create a custom power plan that prioritizes performance.
4. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Background programs that start with your PC can consume resources needed for gaming.
• Step 1: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Step 2: Go to the “Startup” tab.
• Step 3: Disable any programs that aren’t necessary.
5. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date for the best gaming performance.
• Step 1: Identify your graphics card model by searching for “Device Manager” and expanding “Display adapters.”
• Step 2: Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD) and download the latest drivers for your card.
• Step 3: Install the drivers and restart your computer.
Common Tips for Both Mac and PC Users
1. Keep Chrome Updated
Always use the latest version of Chrome, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Step 1: Open Chrome.
• Step 2: Go to “Settings” > “About Chrome.”
• Step 3: Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
2. Use a Wired Connection
For online gaming, a wired Ethernet connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, reducing latency and potential lag.
3. Monitor System Resources
Keep an eye on your system’s performance during gameplay. Tools like Activity Monitor (Mac) or Task Manager (PC) can help you identify any resource hogs.
• Mac: Open “Activity Monitor” from the Utilities folder to monitor CPU, memory, and GPU usage.
• PC: Use Task Manager to monitor performance. Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager,” then go to the “Performance” tab.
Conclusion
By following these optimization steps, you can ensure that you get the most out of your gaming experience when playing Soulbound in Chrome, whether you’re on a Mac or PC. Properly configuring Chrome to use your system’s hardware, along with managing your system resources effectively, can make a significant difference in how the game performs. Enjoy your time in Soulbound with smooth gameplay and optimal performance!