FPS Calculator
Can I Run Returnal on RTX 4090?
Returnal FPS Benchmark and Performance Analysis
Returnal is playable on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090. Expect roughly 77 FPS at 1080p high — smooth for most players. Returnal can behave very differently depending on settings and GPU headroom. This estimate shows where NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 lands and how to tune it for smoother gameplay.
Returnal FPS Benchmarks on RTX 4090
| Resolution | Settings Preset | Avg FPS | 1% Low FPS | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | Competitive (Low) | 96 FPS | 64 FPS | Good |
| 1080p | High | 77 FPS | 51 FPS | Good |
| 1440p | High | 57 FPS | 36 FPS | Playable |
| 1440p | Ultra | 43 FPS | 27 FPS | Low |
| 4K | High | 35 FPS | 21 FPS | Low |
Benchmarks are estimated by our performance engine. Actual results may vary.
Best Settings for Returnal on RTX 4090
- Display Mode
- Fullscreen
- Resolution
- 1920×1080
- V-Sync
- Disabled
- Texture Quality
- High
- Shadow Quality
- Medium
- Anti-Aliasing
- FXAA
- Effects Quality
- Medium
- Post-Processing
- Medium
- Ambient Occlusion
- Disabled
Performance Analysis
At 1080p high, our model places NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 near 77 FPS in Returnal. At 1440p, that typically translates to around 57 FPS with similar quality targets. This places the card in the enthusiast tier for this title, with a smooth experience profile. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 provides smooth gameplay in Returnal, with enough headroom for visual tweaks.
Returnal is a visually demanding roguelike third-person shooter built on Unreal Engine 4, featuring highly detailed environments, large particle effects from its bullet-hell combat, and rapid scene transitions that stress both CPU and GPU. The game requires an SSD due to its seamless, fast-paced gameplay loop and quick respawn cycles that rely on rapid asset streaming. Ray tracing support and high-fidelity lighting push the recommended GPU tier significantly higher than the minimum.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 supports DLSS 3 with Frame Generation in compatible titles. In games like Returnal that support it, Frame Generation can push perceived frame rates well beyond the base estimate above — particularly useful at 1440p where the GPU is more heavily loaded.
- Use a medium/high mix and prioritize stable frame times over peak FPS spikes.
- Ray tracing can be enabled with quality upscaling for a good visual/performance balance.
- Disable heavy post-processing options first for easy gains
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 lands in a smooth position for Returnal. Dialing in the right preset makes a noticeable difference at this performance level.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Returnal support ray tracing on PC?
- Yes, the PC version of Returnal supports ray tracing on compatible Nvidia and AMD hardware, enabling more realistic reflections and lighting. Enabling ray tracing will noticeably impact performance and is best paired with a GPU at or above the RTX 2080 Ti / RX 6800 XT tier.
- Why is an SSD required to play Returnal on PC?
- Returnal's fast-paced roguelike design demands nearly instant respawns and rapid loading of complex environments. The game's asset streaming system relies on the high read speeds of an SSD; using a traditional hard drive is not supported and would cause stuttering, long load times, or crashes.