How to Improve FPS in Bus Simulator: Complete Guide to Fix Low FPS, Lag, and Stuttering

Bus simulator game screen with low FPS and lag indicators.

A smooth frame rate makes every route more enjoyable. Sudden FPS drops, lag, and stuttering can ruin the driving experience. Many players notice these problems in busy cities, heavy traffic, or bad weather. Frame pacing issues can also make the game feel choppy, even when the FPS counter looks stable.

Several factors affect performance. High graphics settings, AI traffic, pedestrian density, outdated GPU drivers, background apps, and limited hardware often reduce FPS. Some Bus Simulator games also place extra load on the CPU because they simulate traffic, vehicle physics, and large maps at the same time. This guide explains how to improve FPS in Bus Simulator with practical steps that work. You’ll learn how to adjust graphics settings, reduce stuttering, fix FPS drops, and improve overall performance. The guide also covers Windows tweaks, GPU settings, and hardware tips for low-end and mid-range PCs.

The recommendations apply to Bus Simulator 21, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Bus Simulator 18, Bus Simulator Ultimate (BUSSID), The Bus, and Bus Simulator Indonesia. While each game uses a different engine, many performance fixes work across the series. By the end of this guide, you’ll know which settings have the biggest impact on FPS, which changes offer the best results, and which tweaks you can skip. That helps you spend less time troubleshooting and more time driving.

Why Is Your FPS Low in Bus Simulator?

Low FPS usually has more than one cause. Your game may run well in open areas but slow down in cities. Heavy traffic, detailed environments, and demanding graphics settings can push your PC beyond its limits. Bus Simulator games render large maps, AI vehicles, pedestrians, weather effects, and vehicle physics at the same time. Each feature uses CPU or GPU resources. If one component reaches its limit, your frame rate drops. In many cases, changing a few graphics settings delivers a noticeable FPS boost without reducing visual quality too much.

Graphics Settings Are Too High

Graphics settings have the biggest impact on performance. Running every option at the highest preset may look good, but it can lower FPS and increase stuttering. This happens more often on low-end and mid-range PCs. Start by adjusting the settings below before changing anything else.

Detailed graphics settings menu on a gaming monitor.

Shadows

Shadow quality is one of the most demanding graphics options. Every vehicle, building, tree, and street object creates shadows that your GPU must render in real time. High or Ultra shadows can reduce FPS, especially in crowded cities or during sunrise and sunset. Lowering shadows to Medium or Low often gives a quick performance boost with only a small change in image quality.

Anti-Aliasing

Anti-Aliasing smooths jagged edges on roads, buses, and buildings. Higher modes need more GPU power because they process extra image data every frame. If your game struggles to maintain stable FPS, switch to a lighter option like FXAA. You can also lower the Anti-Aliasing level if the game offers multiple choices. This change often improves frame rate while keeping visuals clear enough for gameplay.

Resolution

Higher resolutions increase the number of pixels your graphics card must render. A game running at 1920×1080 demands much more GPU power than the same game at 1600×900 or 1280×720. Lowering the resolution remains one of the fastest ways to increase FPS in Bus Simulator. If the image looks too soft, try reducing other graphics settings first before making a larger resolution change.

Draw Distance

Draw distance controls how far the game renders buildings, vehicles, trees, and other objects. Longer distances increase CPU and GPU workload because more objects stay visible at once. A medium draw distance usually offers a good balance between image quality and performance. This setting becomes more important in large maps with dense traffic.

Post Processing

Post-processing adds visual effects after each frame is rendered. These effects may include bloom, ambient occlusion, depth of field, motion blur, and color correction. While these features improve visual quality, they also consume GPU resources. Lowering or disabling unnecessary post-processing effects can reduce lag, improve frame pacing, and deliver smoother gameplay without changing the core graphics quality.

CPU Bottleneck

Your graphics card is not always the problem. Many Bus Simulator games rely heavily on the CPU to manage the world around you. If the processor cannot keep up, your FPS drops even when GPU usage stays low.

AI Traffic

Every AI vehicle follows routes, reacts to traffic lights, and avoids collisions. The CPU calculates these actions every second. Higher traffic density creates more calculations. Busy city routes often reduce FPS because the processor handles dozens of vehicles at once. Lowering traffic density can improve frame rate on low-end and older PCs.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians also consume CPU resources. Each character has movement, animations, and pathfinding that update continuously. Crowded sidewalks increase the workload. Reducing pedestrian density often improves performance without changing the driving experience.

Physics Calculations

Bus Simulator games calculate vehicle weight, suspension, steering, braking, and collisions in real time. These physics calculations become more demanding on large maps with heavy traffic. If your CPU reaches full usage, you may notice FPS drops and micro-stutters. Lowering CPU-intensive settings like traffic, pedestrians, and draw distance usually delivers better results than reducing texture quality.

GPU Limitations

The GPU renders every frame you see on screen. If it cannot keep pace with the game’s graphics settings, your FPS will fall.

VRAM

VRAM stores textures, shadows, and other graphics data. High-resolution textures need more video memory. When VRAM runs out, the game moves data between the GPU and system memory. This process often causes stuttering and longer loading times. Lowering texture quality helps if your graphics card has limited VRAM.

Older Graphics Cards

Older GPUs often struggle with modern lighting effects, high-resolution textures, and advanced post-processing. Running High or Epic presets on aging hardware can lead to unstable frame rates. Medium settings usually provide a better balance between image quality and performance.

Laptop GPUs

Laptop graphics chips often run at lower power limits than desktop models. They also share cooling space with the CPU. Long gaming sessions can reduce performance as temperatures rise. Lower graphics settings and a reasonable FPS limit help maintain smoother gameplay.

Background Programs

Programs running in the background compete for CPU time, RAM, and disk access. Closing unnecessary apps gives Bus Simulator more system resources.

Common examples include:

  • Google Chrome with multiple tabs
  • Discord screen sharing or video calls
  • Steam Overlay
  • Recording software like OBS Studio
  • RGB control software
  • File syncing applications

Steam also notes that overlays and background applications can affect game performance. Closing them before launching the game may reduce lag and improve stability.

Thermal Throttling

High temperatures can reduce performance even on powerful hardware. This safety feature protects your components from overheating.

High CPU Temperatures

Most modern processors lower their clock speed when temperatures become too high. Lower clock speeds reduce processing power, which can cause FPS drops during busy gameplay. Dust buildup, poor airflow, or an aging CPU cooler often contributes to this problem.

GPU Temperatures

Graphics cards also reduce clock speeds when they become too hot. You may notice smooth gameplay at first, followed by lower FPS after 20 to 30 minutes. Clean fans, better case airflow, and updated fan profiles can help keep temperatures under control.

Reduced Clock Speeds

Thermal throttling affects both the CPU and GPU. Lower clock speeds mean fewer calculations every second, which leads to lower FPS and inconsistent frame pacing. Use tools like MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) to monitor CPU usage, GPU usage, temperatures, clock speeds, and frame times while you play. These readings make it easier to identify whether your system struggles with heat, limited hardware, or demanding game settings.

Best Graphics Settings for Higher FPS

The right graphics settings can improve FPS without making the game look poor. Focus on options that reduce GPU and CPU load first. Test each change before moving to the next one. This method helps you find the best balance between image quality and smooth gameplay.

Resolution

Resolution controls how many pixels your GPU renders. Higher resolutions look sharper but require more graphics power.

  • 1080p (1920×1080): Best for mid-range and high-end PCs. It offers sharp visuals with stable FPS on capable hardware.
  • 900p (1600×900): A good balance for older graphics cards. It often increases FPS while keeping the image clear.
  • 720p (1280×720): Best for low-end PCs. It delivers the biggest FPS gain but reduces image sharpness.

Lower the resolution if you still experience FPS drops after reducing shadows and other demanding settings. This change often provides the fastest performance boost, especially on systems with older GPUs or limited VRAM.

Shadow Quality

Shadow quality has one of the biggest effects on FPS. The game must calculate and render shadows for buses, buildings, trees, traffic, and other objects in real time. Higher settings increase the GPU workload and can also affect CPU performance in busy areas. If you notice FPS drops in cities or during sunrise, sunset, or rainy weather, lower the shadow quality first. This change usually improves performance without making the game look much different.

Recommended settings:

  • Low-end PC: Low
  • Mid-range PC: Medium
  • High-end PC: High

Avoid Ultra or Epic shadows unless your hardware can maintain a stable frame rate. A consistent 60 FPS provides a smoother experience than higher-quality shadows with frequent stuttering.

Texture Quality

Texture quality affects how detailed roads, buses, buildings, and other objects appear. Unlike shadows, this setting depends more on VRAM than raw GPU power. VRAM stores texture data on your graphics card. If your GPU has enough VRAM, you can often use higher texture settings with little impact on FPS. When VRAM fills up, the game starts moving data from system RAM. That process can cause stuttering, longer loading times, and sudden FPS drops.

Use these settings based on your graphics card:

  • 4 GB VRAM or less: Low or Medium
  • 6 GB VRAM: Medium or High
  • 8 GB VRAM or more: High

If your game feels smooth but starts stuttering after driving for a while, your VRAM may be reaching its limit. Lowering texture quality can improve stability without changing the overall gameplay experience.

Anti-Aliasing

Anti-Aliasing smooths jagged edges on roads, buses, signs, and buildings. Higher-quality methods improve image clarity but require more GPU power.

FXAA

FXAA (Fast Approximate Anti-Aliasing) has the smallest performance impact. It improves edge smoothing while keeping FPS high. The image may look slightly softer, but most players will not notice it during gameplay.

TAA

TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) delivers better image quality than FXAA. It reduces flickering on distant objects but uses more GPU resources. Some games may also show slight blur while moving.

MSAA

MSAA (Multisample Anti-Aliasing) produces sharp visuals but places a heavy load on the GPU. It can reduce FPS, especially at 1080p or higher resolutions. Older graphics cards often struggle with this setting.

Recommendation

  • Low-end PC: FXAA or Off
  • Mid-range PC: FXAA or TAA
  • High-end PC: TAA
  • Avoid MSAA unless your system has plenty of GPU headroom.

If you need more FPS, lower Anti-Aliasing before reducing texture quality. This change often improves performance with only a small loss in visual quality.

View Distance

View distance controls how far the game renders buildings, vehicles, trees, and other objects. A higher setting forces the CPU to process more objects at once. Use Medium on low-end and mid-range PCs. Increase it only if your CPU has enough headroom and your FPS stays stable.

Traffic Density

Traffic density has a major impact on performance. Every AI vehicle needs pathfinding, physics, and collision detection. Heavy traffic can cause FPS drops in busy cities and at large intersections. Lower this setting if your game slows down during crowded routes.

Pedestrian Density

Pedestrians increase the CPU workload in the same way as traffic. More characters mean more animations and movement calculations. Set pedestrian density to Low or Medium if you experience stuttering in urban areas. This change often improves frame rate with little effect on gameplay.

Weather Effects

Rain, fog, and night driving place extra load on your GPU.

  • Rain: Adds reflections and water effects.
  • Fog: Reduces visibility and increases rendering work.
  • Night: Uses more dynamic lights from vehicles and street lamps.

If FPS drops during bad weather, lower effects like reflections, shadows, or post-processing instead of reducing texture quality.

V-Sync

V-Sync matches the game’s frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate. It prevents screen tearing but can increase input delay.

Disable V-Sync if:

  • You want the highest FPS.
  • You notice input lag.
  • You use Adaptive Sync, G-SYNC, or FreeSync.

Enable V-Sync if:

  • Screen tearing bothers you.
  • Your FPS stays close to your monitor’s refresh rate.

Motion Blur & Post Processing

Motion blur makes fast movement look smoother but does not improve performance. Most players prefer to disable it for a sharper image. Post-processing includes effects like bloom, depth of field, and ambient occlusion. These effects increase GPU usage.

Recommendation:

  • Motion Blur: Off
  • Bloom: Low or Off
  • Depth of Field: Off
  • Ambient Occlusion: Low or Medium

These settings usually provide better FPS while keeping the game visually appealing.

Best Bus Simulator Settings for Low-End PCs

Low-end PCs can still deliver smooth gameplay with the right settings. Focus on stable FPS instead of maximum visual quality. Lower the settings that place the biggest load on your CPU and GPU. This approach reduces lag, minimizes stuttering, and keeps frame rates more consistent during busy routes.

SettingRecommended
Resolution1280×720 or 1600×900
Texture QualityMedium
Shadow QualityLow
Traffic DensityLow
Pedestrian DensityLow
V-SyncOff
Anti-AliasingFXAA or Off
Draw DistanceMedium

These settings work well for most low-end systems running Bus Simulator 21, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Bus Simulator 18, and The Bus. If you still experience FPS drops, lower the resolution before reducing texture quality. That change usually delivers the biggest performance gain.

Windows Optimization for Better FPS

Windows settings can affect game performance as much as in-game graphics options. A few system changes can free up resources and reduce FPS drops, especially on low-end and mid-range PCs.

Windows optimization interface with performance gear icons.

Update GPU Drivers

Graphics driver updates often include game-specific fixes, performance improvements, and bug fixes.

  • NVIDIA: Update through the NVIDIA App or GeForce Experience.
  • AMD: Use AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
  • Intel: Install the latest Intel Graphics Driver from Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

If your FPS suddenly drops after a driver update, try installing a stable previous version.

Enable High Performance Power Plan

Windows may limit CPU and GPU performance to save power. Switching to the High Performance power plan allows your hardware to run at higher clock speeds when needed. Use this mode while gaming, especially on desktop PCs. Laptop users should keep the charger connected for the best results.

Close Background Applications

Background programs use CPU, RAM, and disk resources. Closing them gives Bus Simulator more system resources.

Common examples include:

  • Google Chrome
  • Discord
  • Steam Overlay
  • OBS Studio
  • OneDrive syncing
  • RGB control software

Close only the apps you do not need while playing.

Disable Startup Apps

Many applications start automatically when Windows boots. They continue running even if you never open them. Open Task Manager > Startup Apps and disable unnecessary programs. This reduces background activity and frees up memory before launching the game.

Game Mode

Windows Game Mode gives games higher priority and reduces some background tasks. Leave Game Mode enabled on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can help maintain more consistent performance during gameplay.

Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling

Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling lets the graphics card handle some scheduling tasks instead of the CPU. On supported hardware, it can improve frame pacing and reduce input latency. Results vary by system, but many players notice smoother gameplay. You can enable it from Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default graphics settings.

SSD vs HDD

An SSD does not directly increase FPS, but it improves the overall gaming experience.

  • Loading: Games and maps load much faster on an SSD.
  • Streaming: Large areas load more smoothly as you drive.
  • Stuttering: Faster storage can reduce stutters caused by delayed asset loading.

If Bus Simulator is installed on an HDD, moving it to an SSD is one of the best upgrades for smoother gameplay. Best Buses to Choose in Career Mode

NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

The NVIDIA Control Panel lets you adjust GPU settings for better gaming performance. These changes can improve frame stability and reduce input delay. Apply them only to Bus Simulator if you do not want to affect other games.

Power Management Mode

This setting controls how your graphics card uses power. Select Prefer maximum performance. It keeps the GPU at higher clock speeds during gameplay and helps prevent FPS drops caused by power saving.

Low Latency Mode

Low Latency Mode reduces the number of frames waiting to be rendered. This can improve responsiveness while driving.

  • On: A good choice for most players.
  • Ultra: Try this if your GPU is not running at full usage. If performance becomes unstable, switch back to On.

Texture Filtering

Texture filtering affects image quality and GPU workload. Set Texture Filtering – Quality to High Performance. This setting reduces GPU load and can increase FPS with only a small change in visual quality.

Shader Cache

Shader Cache stores compiled shaders on your drive. The game loads them faster instead of compiling them again. Keep Shader Cache enabled. It can reduce shader-related stuttering and improve frame consistency after the first game launch.

Vertical Sync

The NVIDIA Control Panel also lets you control V-Sync.

  • Off: Best for maximum FPS and lower input lag.
  • On: Use it if screen tearing becomes noticeable.
  • If your monitor supports G-SYNC, leave V-Sync enabled in the NVIDIA Control Panel and disable it in the game. This setup usually provides smoother gameplay with less tearing, following NVIDIA’s recommended configuration.

AMD Graphics Settings

AMD Software includes several features that can improve responsiveness and smooth gameplay. The best settings depend on your hardware, but these options work well for most Bus Simulator players.

Optimized bus simulator gameplay with fluid motion and high FPS.

Radeon Anti-Lag

Radeon Anti-Lag reduces the delay between your input and what appears on screen. Steering and braking feel more responsive, especially when your GPU runs near full usage. Recommendation: Keep Radeon Anti-Lag enabled.

Radeon Boost

Radeon Boost lowers the rendering resolution during fast camera movement. This reduces GPU load and can increase FPS in demanding areas. The image may become slightly softer while moving, but many players prefer the extra performance. Recommendation: Enable it if your GPU struggles to maintain stable FPS.

Image Sharpening

Image Sharpening restores detail that can be lost after lowering the resolution or using FXAA. It has a small performance impact and helps keep roads, signs, and buses looking clear. Recommendation: Enable it with a moderate sharpening level.

Radeon Chill

Radeon Chill limits FPS to reduce power consumption and GPU temperature. It works well for quieter systems but can lower performance during gameplay. Recommendation: Turn Radeon Chill Off if your goal is the highest and most stable FPS. Enable it only if you want lower temperatures or reduced power usage.

Steam Fixes That Can Improve FPS

If you play Bus Simulator through Steam, a few built-in tools can solve performance issues. These fixes take only a few minutes and may improve stability after a game update or unexpected crash.

Verify Game Files

Missing or corrupted game files can cause FPS drops, stuttering, or crashes.

To verify your game files:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to Library.
  3. Right-click Bus Simulator and select Properties.
  4. Open Installed Files.
  5. Click Verify integrity of game files.

Steam will scan the installation and replace any damaged files automatically. Valve recommends this step when a game shows performance or stability issues. Does Bus Simulator Mod APK Require Root?

Disable Steam Overlay

The Steam Overlay runs in the background while you play. Although it has a small impact on most systems, it can reduce FPS on low-end PCs.

To disable it:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to Library.
  3. Right-click Bus Simulator and select Properties.
  4. Turn off Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.

Test the game after disabling the overlay to see if frame pacing or stuttering improves.

Launch Options

Most Bus Simulator games do not require special launch commands. Unsupported parameters can cause unexpected issues.

  • -windowed – Starts the game in windowed mode.
  • -fullscreen – Forces fullscreen mode if supported by the game.

Avoid random launch commands from forums unless the developer recommends them. Unsupported parameters rarely improve FPS and may create new problems.

How to Reduce Stuttering in Bus Simulator

Stuttering feels different from low FPS. Your frame rate may look fine, but the game still pauses or skips frames. These short interruptions often come from inconsistent frame delivery rather than low average FPS.

Improve Frame Pacing

Stable frame pacing makes gameplay feel smoother. Large jumps between frames create noticeable micro-stutters. Limit your FPS to a value your PC can maintain consistently. A steady 60 FPS usually feels better than frame rates that constantly rise and fall.

Close Background Apps

Background programs compete for CPU, RAM, and storage access. This can interrupt the game’s performance. Close apps like Chrome, Discord, OBS Studio, and unnecessary launchers before starting Bus Simulator. This gives the game more system resources.

Let Shader Compilation Finish

Some games compile shaders after updates or the first launch. During this process, you may notice temporary stuttering. Play for a few minutes after a major update before judging performance. Future sessions often run more smoothly once shader compilation finishes.

Install the Game on an SSD

An SSD loads game assets much faster than an HDD. This helps the game stream textures and map data without delays. If your game stutters while driving through new areas, moving it to an SSD can reduce those interruptions.

Check RAM Usage

Insufficient RAM can force Windows to use the storage drive as virtual memory. This slows down data access and increases stuttering. Close unused programs before gaming. If your system has 8 GB of RAM, upgrading to 16 GB can improve overall smoothness in demanding Bus Simulator titles.

Keep Drivers Updated

Outdated graphics drivers may cause performance issues after game updates. Driver updates often include fixes for stability, shader performance, and game compatibility. Download drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel to keep your system running reliably.

Fix FPS Drops in Busy Cities

Many players notice smooth gameplay on open roads but lower FPS in cities. Urban areas place a heavier load on both the CPU and GPU. More vehicles, buildings, lights, and reflections require extra processing power.

AI Traffic

AI traffic is one of the biggest reasons for FPS drops. Every vehicle follows traffic rules, reacts to other vehicles, and updates its position in real time. Lower the traffic density if your frame rate falls in crowded areas. This setting can reduce CPU usage without changing the core gameplay.

Large Maps

Large cities contain more buildings, roads, and objects than rural areas. The game must load and render these assets as you drive. Lower the draw distance if you notice performance drops while entering busy districts. This reduces the number of objects the game processes at once.

Mirrors

Mirrors render the scene a second time from a different angle. This increases GPU workload, especially when using high mirror quality or multiple visible mirrors. Reduce mirror quality or update frequency if the game slows down in traffic. This setting often provides a quick FPS boost.

Reflections

Roads, buses, and windows use reflections to improve visual quality. Rainy weather increases this workload even more. Lower reflection quality to reduce GPU usage. Most players notice little difference during normal gameplay.

Dynamic Lighting

Street lights, vehicle headlights, traffic signals, and illuminated buildings all use dynamic lighting. Night driving increases the number of active light sources. If FPS drops after sunset, lower lighting or shadow settings before changing textures. This usually improves performance while keeping the game visually balanced.

Bus Simulator Version-Specific FPS Tips

Each Bus Simulator game uses a different engine and graphics system. The best settings can vary, but these tips target the most common performance issues for each version.

Bus Simulator 21

Bus Simulator 21 places a heavy load on both the CPU and GPU, especially in busy cities.

For better performance:

  • Lower traffic and pedestrian density.
  • Set Shadow Quality to Medium or Low.
  • Disable Motion Blur.
  • Reduce reflection quality if FPS drops during rain.
  • Keep graphics drivers up to date.

These changes usually improve FPS without affecting gameplay.

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop

The Next Stop update includes performance improvements, but demanding areas can still cause FPS drops.

For smoother gameplay:

  • Use Medium graphics instead of High.
  • Lower draw distance if your CPU usage stays high.
  • Disable V-Sync if you experience input lag.
  • Install the game on an SSD to reduce loading stutters.

Bus Simulator 18

Bus Simulator 18 runs better on older hardware than newer titles, but high settings can still reduce performance.

Try these adjustments:

  • Use FXAA instead of heavier Anti-Aliasing modes.
  • Keep shadows on Medium.
  • Lower view distance in large cities.
  • Close background applications before launching the game.

Bus Simulator Ultimate (BUSSID)

Bus Simulator Ultimate runs on Android and iOS devices. Performance depends on your phone’s hardware.

For higher FPS:

  • Select Low or Medium graphics.
  • Reduce the render quality if available.
  • Close unused apps before playing.
  • Keep at least 2–3 GB of free storage.
  • Turn off battery-saving mode while gaming.

Bus Simulator Indonesia

Bus Simulator Indonesia includes several graphics options for low-end devices.

For stable gameplay:

  • Use Low or Medium graphics.
  • Lower the render distance.
  • Reduce traffic if the option is available.
  • Enable the game’s performance mode, if supported.
  • Restart your phone before long gaming sessions.

The Bus

The Bus uses Unreal Engine, which can demand more CPU and GPU resources than other Bus Simulator titles.

For better FPS:

  • Lower Global Illumination, Shadows, and Reflections first.
  • Reduce view distance on older CPUs.
  • Enable DLSS or FSR if your hardware supports them.
  • Install the game on an SSD to improve asset streaming and reduce stuttering.
  • Keep Unreal Engine shader compilation complete after major updates before measuring performance.

Recommended Hardware for Stable FPS

The right hardware makes it easier to maintain stable FPS. You do not need a high-end gaming PC to enjoy Bus Simulator. A balanced CPU, GPU, enough RAM, and an SSD deliver the best results.

Hardware LevelCPUGPURAMSSD
Entry LevelIntel Core i3-12100F or AMD Ryzen 3 4100NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD RX 640016 GB500 GB SSD
Mid-RangeIntel Core i5-13400F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6700 XT16–32 GB1 TB SSD
High-EndIntel Core i7-14700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DNVIDIA RTX 4070 Super or AMD RX 7800 XT32 GB1 TB NVMe SSD

Entry Level

This setup works well for 720p or 1080p gaming with Low or Medium settings. Lower traffic density and shadow quality if you notice FPS drops in busy cities.

Mid-Range

A mid-range PC can handle 1080p High settings in most Bus Simulator games. It also delivers smoother gameplay during heavy traffic and poor weather.

High-End

A high-end system provides stable FPS at 1080p or 1440p with High or Ultra settings. It also handles larger maps, dynamic lighting, and higher traffic density more comfortably.

Tools to Monitor FPS

You cannot improve performance without knowing what causes the problem. FPS monitoring tools show how your CPU, GPU, RAM, and frame rate behave during gameplay. They help you identify whether the issue comes from graphics settings, hardware limits, or background processes.

Glowing CPU processor representing simulation performance.

MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is one of the most popular performance monitoring tools. It displays GPU usage, CPU usage, temperatures, clock speeds, VRAM usage, and FPS in real time. Use it to check if your CPU or GPU becomes the performance bottleneck.

RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS)

RTSS works with MSI Afterburner to display an on-screen overlay while you play.

It shows important metrics like:

  • FPS
  • Frame time
  • CPU usage
  • GPU usage
  • RAM usage
  • GPU temperature

Frame-time data helps you detect micro-stutters that an FPS counter may not reveal.

Steam FPS Counter

Steam includes a built-in FPS counter that is easy to enable. Open Steam > Settings > In Game and turn on the In-Game FPS Counter. It displays your frame rate without installing extra software.

GeForce Experience

NVIDIA users can use GeForce Experience or the NVIDIA App to monitor FPS and basic system performance. It also makes driver updates easier and supports gameplay recording if needed.

AMD Software

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition includes an in-game performance overlay. It displays FPS, GPU usage, CPU usage, VRAM, temperatures, and other hardware statistics while you play.

Why Monitoring Matters

Monitoring helps you choose the right fix instead of guessing.

  • High CPU usage: Lower traffic, pedestrians, or draw distance.
  • High GPU usage: Reduce shadows, reflections, or Anti-Aliasing.
  • High VRAM usage: Lower texture quality.
  • High temperatures: Improve cooling to prevent thermal throttling.

Checking these metrics after each setting change helps you find the best balance between image quality and stable FPS.

Common Mistakes That Reduce FPS

Many players change graphics settings but overlook simple issues that hurt performance. Avoiding these mistakes can improve FPS and reduce stuttering.

Using Maximum Graphics Settings

Ultra settings put extra pressure on your CPU and GPU. Features like high shadows, reflections, and long draw distances have the biggest impact. Start with Medium settings and increase only the options your system can handle.

Using Old Graphics Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers may reduce performance or cause compatibility issues after game updates. Install the latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel to get the newest performance fixes.

Playing From a Full HDD

A nearly full hard drive slows data access. This can increase loading times and cause stuttering while driving through new areas. Keep enough free storage available. Installing the game on an SSD provides the best experience.

Ignoring Overheating

High CPU or GPU temperatures reduce clock speeds. Lower clock speeds lead to FPS drops and unstable frame rates. Clean dust from your PC, improve airflow, and monitor temperatures during long gaming sessions.

Running Too Many Background Apps

Browsers, recording software, launchers, and chat applications consume system resources. Close unnecessary programs before launching Bus Simulator. Your game will have more CPU time and available RAM.

Leaving FPS Unlimited

Unlimited FPS forces your GPU to render as many frames as possible. This increases heat, power usage, and GPU load. Set an FPS limit that matches your monitor or choose a frame rate your PC can maintain consistently.

Skipping Windows Updates

An outdated Windows installation can affect driver compatibility and game stability. Keep Windows updated to receive performance improvements, security updates, and bug fixes that support modern games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Bus Simulator FPS so low?

High graphics settings, heavy AI traffic, outdated drivers, or weak hardware usually cause low FPS.

How can I get 60 FPS in Bus Simulator?

Lower shadows, traffic, and reflections, then update your GPU drivers and close background apps.

Does lowering shadows improve FPS?

Yes. Lowering shadow quality often provides one of the biggest FPS improvements.

Is an SSD better for Bus Simulator?

Yes. An SSD reduces loading times and helps prevent asset-loading stutters.

Can more RAM increase FPS?

Yes, if your PC runs out of memory. Upgrading to 16 GB also reduces stuttering.

Should I disable V-Sync?

Disable V-Sync for higher FPS. Enable it only if screen tearing becomes noticeable.

Why does FPS drop in cities?

Cities contain more traffic, pedestrians, buildings, and lighting, which increase CPU and GPU usage.

Does updating GPU drivers help?

Yes. New drivers often improve performance, stability, and game compatibility.

What are the best settings for low-end PCs?

Use 720p or 900p resolution, Low shadows, Medium textures, and Low traffic.

Can mods improve Bus Simulator performance?

Some optimization mods can help, but install only trusted mods that match your game version.

Final Thoughts

There is no single fix that works for every PC. The best settings depend on your CPU, GPU, RAM, and game version. Start with the graphics settings that affect performance the most. Keep your GPU drivers updated, close unnecessary background apps, and monitor system temperatures to avoid thermal throttling.

Apply one change at a time and test your FPS after each adjustment. Small improvements add up and often deliver smoother gameplay than one major tweak. With the right settings, you can enjoy a more stable frame rate, fewer stutters, and a better driving experience in Bus Simulator 21, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Bus Simulator 18, Bus Simulator Ultimate, The Bus, and Bus Simulator Indonesia.