Tweaking WTF/config.wtf is one of the fastest ways to improve FPS and reduce stutters in WotLK 3.3.5a, especially on weaker CPUs/GPUs or during raids. Below are practical settings focused on performance first.
Before you start
- Make a backup of your current WTF/config.wtf.
- config.wtf does not officially support comments. Don’t paste // ... notes into the file—keep notes in a separate text file.
1) Graphics settings (default: boosted FPS)
These options reduce heavy visuals like shadows, weather, particles, and ground clutter.
Paste this comment-free block into config.wtf:
SET gxApi "OpenGL" // or "D3D9" (try both)
SET graphicsQuality "1" // low overall graphics
SET environmentDetail "1" // environment detail (1-5)
SET groundEffectDensity "16" // ground clutter density
SET groundEffectDist "1" // ground clutter distance
SET shadowMode "0" // disable shadows
SET weatherDensity "0" // disable weather
SET ffxDeath "0" // disable death effects
SET ffxGlow "0" // disable glow
SET farclip "777" // view distance (lower = more FPS)
SET horizonFarclip "777" // horizon distance
SET particleDensity "10" // particle density (10-100)
SET spellEffectLevel "0" // spell effects level
SET waterDetail "0" // water quality
SET worldBaseMip "1" // lower texture detail
SET M2Faster "1" // faster 3D model rendering
Notes
- gxApi: try both OpenGL and D3D9 (some PCs run smoother on one vs the other).
- farclip / horizonFarclip: lowering these can significantly boost FPS in open zones.
2) Interface and loading optimization
Helps stabilize FPS, reduces background drain, and improves general smoothness.
SET maxFPS "60" // FPS cap in-game
SET maxFPSBk "30" // FPS cap when tabbed out
SET maxFPSLoading "30" // FPS cap during loading
SET uiScale "0.8" // UI scale (0.5-1.0)
SET cameraDistanceMaxFactor "2.5"// max camera distance
SET showQuestTrackingTooltips "0"// disable quest tracking tooltips
3) Network + sound settings (default: lower input lag)
These are aimed at responsiveness. Disabling sound can also reduce micro-stutters on some systems.
SET Sound_EnableErrorSpeech "0" // disable error voice
SET Sound_EnableSFX "0" // disable sound effects
SET Sound_EnableAmbience "0" // disable ambient sounds
SET Sound_EnableMusic "0" // disable music
SET Sound_EnableAllSound "0" // disable all sound
SET networkThread "1" // network threading optimization
SET processAffinityMask "3" // CPU core affinity (1, 3, 7, 15...)
Tip: processAffinityMask
Values are bitmasks:
- 1 = 1 core
- 3 = 2 cores
- 7 = 3 cores
- 15 = 4 cores
…and so on.
If you tell me your CPU (and whether you’re on Windows), I can suggest a safer processAffinityMask value and a couple of extra “low-risk” lines to add.
