The Finals stands out for its fully destructible arenas, where entire buildings can be blown apart mid-match. That destruction physics is unusually CPU-heavy, and combined with Unreal Engine 5 visuals and a competitive need for high frame rates, it makes for a build that leans on both a fast processor and a capable graphics card.
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Why destruction physics loads the CPU
Simulating collapsing structures and flying debris in real time is a demanding physics task that falls on the CPU, so busy late-round fights with lots of destruction are where frame rates dip on a weaker processor. UE5’s lighting adds GPU load on top, making this a genuinely two-sided workload.
A modern high-clock 6 to 8 core CPU handles the destruction physics, a 70-class GPU covers 1440p, and 16GB of RAM is enough with 32GB useful if you stream. Because it is competitive, tuning settings for stable high frame rates matters more than maximum fidelity.
Recommended build tiers
Balance a fast CPU for the physics with a capable GPU for UE5, and tune for stable frames during heavy destruction.
| Budget band | CPU | GPU | RAM | Target performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000-1,200 | Modern 6-core | Current 60/70-class, 8GB+ | 16GB DDR5-6000 | 1080p 144fps competitive settings |
| $1,400-1,700 | Modern 8-core | Current 70-class, 12GB | 32GB DDR5-6000 | 1440p 144fps+ high settings |
| $2,100+ | High-end 8-core | Current 80-class, 16GB | 32GB DDR5-6000 | 1440p 200fps+ or 4K high |
1080p 144Hz rig
A modern 6-core and a 60 or 70-class card push 144fps at competitive settings at 1080p. At $1,000 to $1,200 it handles the destruction and UE5 visuals well, ideal with a 144Hz monitor.
1440p high-refresh rig
A modern 8-core with a 70-class 12GB GPU keeps 1440p above 144fps, and the stronger CPU is what holds frames up when buildings collapse late in a round. The balanced pick for most players.
Competitive flagship rig
An 80-class 16GB card and a top CPU push 1440p at 200fps+ or drive 4K at high settings, keeping frames high even in the most destruction-heavy final rounds.
Where to spend and where to save
Spend on a fast CPU, because The Finals’ destructible arenas make real-time destruction physics unusually CPU-heavy, and that is where frame rate falls in busy late rounds. A strong processor is what keeps you competitive when buildings come down around you.
Save on the GPU by matching it to your resolution rather than overbuying, since UE5 visuals run well on a 70-class card at 1440p. Redirect budget to the processor and rated-speed RAM, and tune settings for stable frames during heavy destruction rather than chasing a higher graphics tier.
Keeping frames up in the chaos
The heaviest moments are late rounds full of destruction, so tune settings until those hold your target frame rate rather than only quiet openings. Because the physics is CPU-bound, a faster processor helps more than a GPU upgrade in those moments.
Lower shadows and effects for stable competitive frames, enable a low-latency driver mode, and keep RAM at rated speed since the destruction physics leans on the CPU. A fast SSD keeps match loads quick between rounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Finals CPU or GPU heavy?
Both. The destructible arenas make it unusually CPU-heavy for the physics, while UE5 visuals load the GPU. A fast modern CPU is essential to hold frame rate during heavy destruction in late rounds.
Why does my frame rate drop when buildings collapse?
Collapsing structures are a demanding real-time physics simulation handled by the CPU. A faster processor and stable settings keep frames up during those moments better than a graphics-card upgrade would.
Why is The Finals so CPU-heavy?
Its collapsing structures and flying debris are a demanding real-time physics simulation handled by the CPU. A faster processor keeps frames up when destruction peaks, more so than a graphics-card upgrade would.
Bottom line
For The Finals, build for the destruction: a fast modern 6 to 8 core CPU to handle the physics, a 70-class or better GPU for UE5 visuals, 16 to 32GB of DDR5 and a fast SSD. Tune settings for stable frames when the arena comes down, and you stay competitive in the chaos that defines this game.
