Monitoring frame rates is one of the most essential aspects of optimizing gaming performance on PC. For users of the Epic Games Launcher, knowing how to display an FPS (frames per second) counter can greatly help assess whether a game is running smoothly or if it needs graphical adjustments. Whether you’re playing Fortnite, Rocket League, or any other title through Epic Games, having access to an accurate FPS counter is vital for both casual players and competitive gamers. Fortunately, Epic Games offers simple tools and settings that make tracking FPS easy without third-party software.
Understanding FPS and Why It Matters
What is FPS?
FPS stands for frames per second and refers to how many images your computer or console can render in one second. The higher the FPS, the smoother the gameplay appears. Most gamers aim for at least 60 FPS for fluid visuals, although competitive players often shoot for 120 FPS or higher depending on their hardware and monitor refresh rate.
Why FPS Affects Gameplay
Low FPS can make a game feel sluggish or unresponsive, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. Frame drops, stutters, and screen tearing can all occur if your system can’t keep up. This makes monitoring FPS particularly important if you’re tweaking settings or trying to ensure your hardware is delivering its full potential.
Using the Epic Games FPS Counter
Built-in FPS Counter in Epic Games Launcher
While the Epic Games Launcher itself does not have a global FPS counter for all games, several games launched through it, including Fortnite, offer in-game settings to toggle FPS display. The FPS counter is typically located in one of the game’s video or graphics settings menus.
- Step 1: Launch the game (e.g., Fortnite).
- Step 2: Go to Settings > Video or Display settings.
- Step 3: Look for a toggle option labeled Show FPS or Display FPS.
- Step 4: Enable this setting and return to gameplay to see your FPS in a corner of the screen.
Epic Overlay and Limitations
Unlike platforms such as Steam or NVIDIA GeForce Experience, Epic Games Launcher does not currently include an overlay to display FPS globally across all titles. Therefore, users must rely on in-game options or external tools to monitor their performance. This is important for players switching between multiple games via the Epic platform.
Alternative Methods for Displaying FPS
Using Windows Game Bar
Windows 10 and Windows 11 users can use the Xbox Game Bar to view FPS across many titles, including those launched through Epic Games.
- Step 1: Press
Win + Gto open the Xbox Game Bar while the game is running. - Step 2: Click on the Performance widget (CPU, GPU, FPS).
- Step 3: Make sure FPS is checked to be displayed.
- Step 4: Grant access to performance monitoring if prompted.
The FPS counter will now appear while you play, and you can reposition the overlay as needed. This is a reliable method for tracking FPS on any Epic Games title.
Using NVIDIA or AMD Software
Players with NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards can also use their respective software suites to display FPS:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience: Enable the overlay in Settings > HUD Layout > Performance > FPS.
- AMD Radeon Software: Enable Radeon Overlay and turn on metrics like FPS from the Performance tab.
These overlays work across all games regardless of the launcher, making them ideal for users who want a consistent experience.
Enabling FPS Counter in Popular Epic Games
Fortnite
As one of Epic’s flagship titles, Fortnite provides a simple method to show your FPS:
- Open Fortnite and go to Settings.
- Navigate to the Video tab (monitor icon).
- Scroll down to Show FPS and toggle it on.
The FPS counter will appear at the top-right of the screen. This is especially helpful when testing new graphics settings or checking the performance of updates.
Rocket League
Rocket League, available through Epic Games, also supports an in-game FPS counter:
- Open Rocket League and head to Settings > Interface.
- Locate Performance Graphs and select the type of graph that includes FPS.
This gives players a detailed look at frame rate and frame time performance while playing.
Other Epic Games Titles
Games like Alan Wake 2, Remnant II, and Borderlands 3 may also include internal FPS options, but they vary by title. Check each game’s settings or documentation for exact steps. If not present, the Game Bar or GPU overlay options can serve as reliable fallbacks.
Tips for Stable FPS on Epic Games
Optimize Graphics Settings
If you find that your FPS is too low, try reducing visual settings such as:
- Lowering resolution scale or screen resolution.
- Turning off or reducing shadows, anti-aliasing, and post-processing.
- Using performance modes or presets tailored for your hardware.
Update Drivers
Keep your GPU drivers updated to ensure optimal compatibility with the latest Epic Games titles. NVIDIA and AMD regularly release optimizations for new games and patches.
Close Background Applications
Running resource-heavy programs in the background can drain performance. Use Task Manager to close any unnecessary processes and free up memory and CPU usage.
FPS Counter for Competitive Edge
Why Competitive Gamers Need FPS Tracking
In competitive shooters and battle royales, a sudden frame drop can mean the difference between winning and losing. A visible FPS counter allows players to monitor system responsiveness in real-time, diagnose lag, and determine if it’s time for a settings adjustment.
Benchmarking and Troubleshooting
Players can also use FPS counters to benchmark their hardware. By logging FPS during various in-game activities, users can spot performance issues, overheating, or GPU bottlenecks and apply fixes before problems get worse.
The Epic Games FPS counter, whether built-in to games like Fortnite or supplemented through third-party tools, plays a critical role in optimizing gameplay. Monitoring frame rates allows players to fine-tune their graphics settings, reduce latency, and ensure a smooth, immersive experience. With tools like the Windows Game Bar, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, and AMD Software, players can track FPS across all their Epic Games titles even when a native in-game option isn’t available. Whether you’re exploring new single-player adventures or battling competitively online, having a real-time FPS counter empowers you to play smarter and more effectively.