Gist of the story, on a GTX 780 here are some results of changing the shadow distance:

Medium: even up to 1440p I can keep a constant 60fps and only 80% of my GPU is being used at 1440p.

Ultra: dips into the 30s EVEN AT 800x450 and still doesn't utilize the full power of the GPU.

I've found spots that no matter what options I change, shadow distance will basically lock the framerate to a certain amount. this needs an optimization patch asap. I have pictures of this, however I can not post links.

I think it's quite obvious the engine itself can't handle the shadows in some areas...

Don't over anolyze the problem. If it works on medium, use medium. The difference between medium and ultra is a lot. Its not an optimization problem its a problem that the value associated with Ultra is way too high. Medium is 3000, High is 14000, and Ultra is 20000.

You can also use a custom value in order to get better graphics but without the performance issues. For example set it for 6000.

I was writing about these for last 7 days. Bethesda ignoring us whole the time, seeing all around people having these

problem with shadows. Instead of giving us fix they releasing stupid beta patches that does nothing! They're happy now

when theyve earned a fortune. BUT REMEMBER BETHESDA! THATS OUR MONEY!

You are wrong! I've been messing around with these settings last 7 days, tried every possible value, even with the lowest one i get dips in some areas.

Now dont you dare to say that youre gameplay is smooth in heavy areas because that would be a lie. I have a friend who owns same GPU as i (GTX970)

and having same performance issues. Also, friend with a 980 ti can have smooth framerate only at medium shadow distance, which mean that shadow distance

is so broken when even best possible card cant run it smooth on high.

The game's shadows are meant to be on Medium if you want a smooth experience. Period.

The values ARE too high on the High and Ultra settings. The only way to tell a difference between them and Medium is to compare screenshots from the top of a tall building. You don't notice it much at all in-game.

You can't run 60 fps plus on true dynamic shadows everywhere on current hardware, and it wouldn't be the first time a game developer include graphic settings that are impossible for current GPUs to obtain.

IMHO, a lot of [censored]ing and complaining could have been avoided if Bethesda just made the High preset 3500, and the Ultra 4000. Instead, simply because the setting preset is there, people expect to obtain it.

The very fact that the only way Bethesda can optimize shadow performance in areas on their patch is to delete shadow-casting objects or change lights to static tells us there is nothing wrong with the shadow system, other than it being too demanding when used on a city-wide scale at once.

I've done extensive testing over 160 hours with a 980 ti. Believe me - Medium setting is the best setting. Like High instead of Ultra Godrays, the extra performance hit is not worth it. Get over the ego of having to have the Shadow Distance box say Ultra, and enjoy how gorgeous the game looks on Medium. We'll all appreciate the Ultra setting in a few years with newer GPUs, but until then, chill out.

This thread was about Shadows not general performance issues.

I don't have issues, but of course I use Medium Shadow Distance, like most people. That, and Godrays cause the majority of performance issues, especially in the cities.

I bet I could get decent performance with everything at Ultra, however It definitely wouldn't be a stable 60fps.

The values need to be tweaked...

But the thing is, it's obviously not a Vram issue, CPU usage is low, and in 800x450 GPU usage IS 50% or lower while still dipping into the 30s

The problem is not Hardware related, the engine is just not optimized for this, or simply can't handle the shadows.

I hope you're not being serious saying that there is not noticable difference between medium and ultra shadows distance? And calling a Fallout 4 beautifu game?

Dear god...

To be honest, it's not the best looking game, but it's not ugly either.

My shadow at ultra. And yes, Fallout 4 is gorgeous ! The dynamic environment, the lighting, the reflection on puddle of water, the coloration, its vibrancy ,etc. I keep fast travel to minimum and enjoy walking and every so often stop to enjoy looking at the surrounding ...