PCGameBenchmarks
Side Effect

Side Effect

Easy to run

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Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions

Search for your GPU above to see a full FPS breakdown at every quality and resolution.

Side Effect FPS by GPU

Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality

Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions

1080p performance

Side Effect estimated FPS at 1080p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 3080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4060 Ti999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 3070999 fps999 fps999 fps950 fps
RTX 4060999 fps999 fps999 fps858 fps
RTX 3060999 fps999 fps906 fps736 fps
GTX 1660 Super999 fps821 fps657 fps533 fps

1440p performance

Side Effect estimated FPS at 1440p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070999 fps999 fps999 fps966 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps999 fps999 fps851 fps
RTX 3080999 fps999 fps999 fps828 fps
RTX 4060 Ti999 fps999 fps962 fps782 fps
RTX 3070999 fps999 fps877 fps713 fps
RTX 4060999 fps991 fps792 fps644 fps
RTX 3060999 fps849 fps679 fps552 fps
GTX 1660 Super769 fps616 fps492 fps400 fps

4K performance

Side Effect estimated FPS at 4K across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps957 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps858 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps996 fps809 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps936 fps760 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps925 fps740 fps601 fps
RTX 4070991 fps792 fps634 fps515 fps
RX 7800 XT873 fps698 fps558 fps454 fps
RTX 3080849 fps679 fps543 fps442 fps
RTX 4060 Ti802 fps642 fps513 fps417 fps
RTX 3070731 fps585 fps468 fps380 fps
RTX 4060660 fps528 fps423 fps343 fps
RTX 3060566 fps453 fps362 fps294 fps
GTX 1660 Super410 fps328 fps263 fps213 fps

Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card
Minimum required

GeForce 8800 GTX (768 MB) / Intel HD 4600 / Radeon HD 3850 (512 MB)

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Processor
Minimum required

Intel Core2 Duo E4300 (2 * 1800) / AMD Athlon Dual Core 4450e (2 * 2300) or equivalent

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Memory
Minimum required

4 GB

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Genres

About

Released in 2023, "Side Effect" is an indie strategy game that takes players on an immersive first-person exploration of a pollution-covered island. Players team up with wildlife to combat environmental degradation, turning the battle against trash into an engaging adventure. Its unique premise not only entertains but also raises awareness about sustainability, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

In terms of PC performance, "Side Effect" is quite accessible for a wide range of gamers. With a minimum requirement of an entry-level GPU, scoring around 401, players can expect decent FPS on modest hardware. For smooth gameplay, a recommendation would be to use a GPU from the entry-level tier alongside at least 4 GB of RAM. This ensures that gamers can enjoy satisfactory graphics settings without compromising performance.

If you appreciate indie games with a purpose, "Side Effect" is definitely worth playing. Its charming gameplay combined with a meaningful message about environmental awareness makes it a noteworthy addition to your gaming library. With its positive reception, you're likely to enjoy your time combating pollution while experiencing an engaging story.

Performance profile

As a strategy title, Side Effect is typically CPU-bound rather than GPU-bound — single-thread CPU performance dictates framerate during large-scale battles, end-game saves and late-game AI turns. A fast modern 6-core will help more than a GPU upgrade.

Extremely light — Side Effect runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.

Storyline

Nature has been polluted with garbage created by mankind for many long years. In this first person exploration game you will discover how pollution started and how it can be stopped one garbage at a time. Land and water are littered by used plastic, paper and glass products while air consists of very dense smog.

Screenshots

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