Is Fortnite’s performance mode worth it?

Is Fortnite’s new graphics aimed at low-end performance worth using for competitive?

Fortnite recently released a competitive orientated update which aimed to address the community's most requested features. The two main additions were disabling confirm edit on release and performance mode

To those who are disappointed with Epic’s implementation of disabling confirm edit on release -- don’t fret. They’ve already announced a working plan to fix it again in early 2021 when the developers come back from holiday break

We understand we missed the mark in adding an option to disable pre-edits in the 15.10. We know many of you find pre-editing unnecessary and would like a setting where you’re not able to edit a build until the build is in place. We plan to adjust the setting early next year.

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) December 16, 2020

The performance mode also found itself missing the mark in a few ways which we’ll discuss in a second. For those who aren’t aware, here’s how you enable performance mode

Go to your settings and hover over the render mode. Previously the only options here were DirectX 11 and 12

The third option is performance mode. Performance mode is currently only available for PC and console… sorry mobile players

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s weigh the pros and cons of performance mode

The pros are actually quite good. Increased FPS for lower end devices is no placebo, there’s a noticeable gain in comparison to even lower end rendering modes in DirectX 11

Performance mode can still help you even if you’re on a high end PC. Players have reported a significantly lower input delay with this setting enabled. All in all, performance mode seems to be a competitive player’s dream

But there’s another half to this story

Performance mode’s fatal flaw

Right now there is only one bug (feature?) you’ll have to put up with if you decide to enable this setting. In close range box fights, players become nearly invisible if they aren’t in your focus

If that doesn’t make sense, watch this clip for reference

Players appearing at 10% opacity or lower with performance mode from r/FortniteCompetitive

This bug is one that many pros can’t overlook due to its severity

Epic’s new rendering system tries to save on resources by devaluing the items that are not in your direct line of sight. The player on your screen becomes opaque when he shifts out of your direct radius as you hover over a build

As of now, Epic hasn’t commented as to whether they’re aware of this or not. Is it intentional? Is there a quick fix? These questions are lingering within the community

The competitive team has bolstered communications in the recent months; I bet they eventually get around to fixing this. A word of caution that developers go on holiday break around this time so it’s best to employ patience

As it currently stands, competitive players shouldn’t use performance mode especially if they have a high end computer. Once this bug is solved, enabling this tool is a no brainer

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