Frame generation is a recent graphics technology that helps smooth out gameplay by creating extra frames between the ones your GPU renders. In Borderlands 4, this can really boost performance—especially during intense combat or large open‐world scenes. If you’re trying to enable frame generation but aren’t sure how, here’s a clear, step‐by‐step guide written for anyone with moderate PC knowledge.
What is Frame Generation & Why It’s Useful
- Frame generation (often bundled with DLSS 4 for NVIDIA cards) inserts extra frames using AI or interpolation, making motion look smoother and reducing perceived stutter.
- It helps especially when your hardware can’t always keep up with high graphical settings or when you want better FPS (frames per second) without dropping image quality too much.
- However, it can lead to visual artifacts (ghosting, slight blur) or instability on some setups if your hardware is at its limit.
Check If Your System Meets the Requirements
Before trying to turn this on, make sure:
- You have a compatible GPU. NVIDIA RTX 40‐series and 50‐series officially support frame generation in Borderlands 4.
- Your Windows and GPU drivers are up to date. NVIDIA has pushed driver versions ensuring DLSS 4 works correctly.
- Your PC has enough VRAM and CPU power so that frame generation doesn’t make things worse. If your base frame rate is very low, turning on frame generation may not help or could even cause instability.
How to Enable Frame Generation Officially
If you have a GPU from the “official list” (RTX 40 or 50 series), here’s how to enable it in Borderlands 4:
- Update Drivers
Install the latest NVIDIA drivers and the NVIDIA App. These often include support for DLSS 4 and frame generation functions. - In-Game Settings
- Open Borderlands 4.
- Go to Video or Graphics Options.
- Under upscaling settings, select DLSS (the DLSS 4 version if available).
- There should be a “Frame Generation” checkbox or toggle. Turn it on.
- Also, turn off VSync if it’s causing input lag, use full screen mode.
- Fine-Tuning
Adjust the DLSS preset (Quality, Balanced, Performance) to match how smooth vs how sharp you want the visuals. Higher presets tend to soften the image slightly but help maintain smoother motion.
How to Enable Frame Generation on Older/Unsupported GPUs (RTX 20 & 30 Series)
If you have an RTX 20 or 30 series card, frame generation may not be officially supported in Borderlands 4, but there are community methods and tools that many players are using. Note: using these may carry risks (stability, possible conflicts, etc.). Proceed carefully.
- DLSS Enabler Tool
A third-party utility called “DLSS Enabler” has been used to copy certain files into the Borderlands 4 game folder. This can unlock or enable the frame generation toggle even when it’s grayed out. - Overriding via NVIDIA App
Sometimes the NVIDIA App allows you to create overrides for specific games:- Add Borderlands 4 to the app’s program settings.
- Force DLSS features or frame generation if the option is available.
This requires the newer driver versions.
- Modding / INI Tweaks
Players have made tweaks or mods (especially in configuration files or using “OptiScaler” UI tools) to adjust settings like frame gen, DLSS upscaling, and so forth. These are less stable than official options but often effective. Always back up your game folder before modding.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- If the “Frame Generation” option is greyed out, check that you have the latest GPU drivers and that the game is detecting your GPU correctly. Also, check that DLSS is selected (sometimes frame‐gen depends on upscaling being active).
- Use full‐screen mode, rather than windowed, as many reports suggest this helps in properly enabling the option.
- If you notice visual glitches (ghosting, lag, blur), try lowering the DLSS preset (move toward “Performance” rather than “Quality”), or reduce some settings like reflections or shadows to lighten the GPU load.
- Monitor temperature and GPU/CPU load. Frame generation adds extra work; if your cooling is not adequate, you may face thermal throttling.
- Always test in less demanding areas first (low action) before entering heavy combat or large open scenes to ensure stability.
