How do I remove the 60 FPS cap in KF2?

Enable the option called variable frame rate (smooth frame rate) in the graphics menu; it removes the 60 FPS lock.

Which setting causes the most stutter?

Nvidia FleX particle physics for blood, explosions and gibs; the guide says to turn it off because it causes freezes in big fights.

Should I install KF2 on an SSD?

Yes. The author measured about 5 to 8 minutes to launch on an HDD versus roughly 1 minute on an SSD, with faster map and server loading.

Binds & Console

KF2 Best Graphics Settings for FPS: Setup and SSD Tip

This page paraphrases a Russian community guide on getting more performance out of Killing Floor 2 without losing much visual quality. The author's system was a Ryzen 5 2600, RTX 2060 and 16 GB DDR4. With all settings maxed, the average FPS in a six-player Hell on Earth fight was 60 to 80; with his optimized preset it rose to 120 to 160 with no more stutters. For INI-based tweaks see KF2 graphics INI.

Move the game to an SSD

The type of SSD (SATA or M.2) does not matter; the game just does not work well with HDDs. On an HDD the average launch took 5 to 8 minutes, on an SSD about a minute, and maps and server connections load faster. The game is simply large.

Settings screen

Recommended graphics settings The author's graphics settings screen.

V-Sync: off. It is supposed to remove tearing, but it limits performance.
Fullscreen: on. It raises the game's priority and FPS.
Variable frame rate: on. It removes the 60 FPS cap, though the menu name hides this.
Film grain: optional. It does not affect FPS, but the author finds the noise unattractive.
Nvidia FleX: off. It adds physical blood, explosions and gibs, but it is very heavy and causes freezes in big fights.
Environment and character detail: excellent or as you wish.
Effects: medium or lower; high settings drop frames in big fights, and the author sees no difference between medium and excellent.
Texture resolution: excellent if the system allows.
Shadow quality: high; there is almost no difference to excellent.
Real-time reflections: off. It is a moderate GPU load with no noticeable visual difference.
Anti-aliasing: FXAA, which costs practically no performance.
Bloom (light haze): off; the author could not see a visual difference.
Motion blur: off; it spoils the look and the gameplay and loads the GPU.
Ambient occlusion (SSAO): off; no visible difference in this dark game but it costs performance.
Depth of field: off; it adds blur and noise.
Volumetric light rays, lens flares, twilight rays: optional; they hardly affect performance.

FAQ

How do I remove the 60 FPS cap in KF2?: Enable the option called variable frame rate (smooth frame rate) in the graphics menu; it removes the 60 FPS lock.
Which setting causes the most stutter?: Nvidia FleX particle physics for blood, explosions and gibs; the guide says to turn it off because it causes freezes in big fights.
Should I install KF2 on an SSD?: Yes. The author measured about 5 to 8 minutes to launch on an HDD versus roughly 1 minute on an SSD, with faster map and server loading.