SWTOR How to Fix Lag Issue

Image Credit: Broadsword, Star Wars The Old Republic (SWTOR)

If Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) feels like it’s running underwater—freezing every few seconds or just stopping completely—you’re not alone. Many players deal with constant stuttering and random lockups. The good news? There are easy fixes that can potentially help smooth things out, even if your PC isn’t top-tier.

Common Causes of SWTOR Lag

• Poor optimization (yes, even in 2025)

• Outdated DirectX versions

• Overloaded CPU cores (especially with hyperthreading)

• Weird bugs like nameplate scaling or GCD animations

• Background apps hogging resources

Step-by-Step Fixes for Lag and Freezing

1. Install DirectX 9 (Yes, Really)

SWTOR sometimes still runs better with DirectX 9, even if you have a newer system.

• Download DirectX 9

• Install it, restart your PC.

2. Add DXVK for Better Performance

This trick helps render the game more efficiently using Vulkan backend.

• Go to DXVK GitHub Releases

• Download the latest .tar.gz file (e.g., dxvk-2.3.1.tar.gz)

• Extract it and copy d3d9.dll to this folder:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\swtor\retailclient

• Restart SWTOR.

3. Turn Off Nameplate Scaling

Nameplates cause lag every few seconds.

• In-game, go to Preferences > Nameplates

• Turn off “Scale nameplates with distance”

4. Disable Hyperthreading for SWTOR Only

Using Process Lasso:

• Download it from Process Lasso’s website

• Open it, run SWTOR

• Find swtor.exe in the list

• Right-click → CPU Affinity > Always > Disable SMT (Hyperthreading)
  This reduces stuttering by assigning SWTOR to physical CPU cores only.

5. Tweak In-Game Settings

If you’re still lagging, lower these settings:

• Shadows: Low

• Bloom: Off

• Grass Density: Low

• V-Sync: Off

• Anti-Aliasing: Low or Off

Bonus Fixes

• Close Background Apps: Discord overlays, browsers, and updaters = FPS killers.

• Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated drivers = bad performance.

• Set SWTOR to High Priority: Open Task Manager, right-click swtor.exe → Set Priority > High.

Final Blurb

SWTOR has been stuttering for over a decade—and it’s not just you. With a few tweaks, a little DXVK magic, and telling your CPU to chill, you can cut down the lag and stop waiting 30 seconds mid-fight like it’s 2011. May the frames be with you.

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