Learning how to record games on pc is a fundamental skill for anyone wanting to share their gameplay. Capturing your gameplay on a PC has become an essential practice for content creators and those looking to review their performance. Whether you want to make a tutorial, save a funny moment, or analyze your tactics, this guide will show you everything you need.
We will cover the best free and paid software, optimal settings for quality and performance, and tips for great audio. You’ll also learn how to manage your recordings efficiently.
How To Record Games On Pc
Recording your gameplay involves more than just hitting a record button. To get a high-quality video that looks smooth and sounds clear, you need the right tools and configuration. This section breaks down the core components you need to understand before you start.
Essential Hardware For Game Recording
Your PC’s hardware directly impacts recording quality. A powerful setup ensures your game runs smoothly while the recording software works in the background.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
A modern GPU is crucial. Both NVIDIA and AMD have built-in encoder chips (NVENC and AMF/VCE) that handle recording with minimal impact on your game’s frame rate. This means you can record without slowing down your game.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A strong multi-core CPU helps manage the recording software and game simultaneously. For software that uses CPU encoding, a powerful processor is even more important to prevent lag.
Memory (RAM) And Storage
Having enough RAM (16GB is a good standard) prevents system slowdowns. For storage, record your gameplay to a fast Solid State Drive (SSD). This prevents dropped frames during recording and makes the process much smoother than using a traditional hard drive.
Choosing Your Recording Software
The software you choose defines your recording experience. Options range from built-in solutions to professional-grade applications. Here are the most popular and effective choices.
Built-In Options: GPU Drivers And Windows
Your system may already have capable recording tools installed.
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay (GeForce Experience): For NVIDIA GPU users, this is a top-tier free option. It uses the efficient NVENC encoder and offers features like instant replay, which constantly records and lets you save the last few minutes of gameplay with a hotkey.
- AMD Adrenalin Software: AMD’s equivalent offers similar features like instant replay and low-performance impact recording through its AMF encoder.
- Xbox Game Bar (Windows): Built into Windows 10 and 11, this is the most accessible tool. Press Win + G to open it. It’s simple but lacks some advanced settings found in other software.
Dedicated Third-Party Software
For more control and features, dedicated applications are the way to go.
- OBS Studio: This is the most powerful free and open-source software. It’s highly customizable for recording and streaming, supporting multiple audio sources, scenes, and transitions. It has a steeper learning curve but is incredibly versatile.
- Streamlabs Desktop: Based on OBS, this version has a more user-friendly interface with integrated alerts and widgets, popular with streamers who also want to record.
- Bandicam: A lightweight paid recorder known for high performance and low file sizes. It’s straightforward and excellent for pure recording without streaming features.
- Action! By Mirillis: Another paid option praised for its high-quality real-time recording and minimal performance hit.
Configuring Optimal Recording Settings
Using the correct settings is key to balancing video quality with file size and system performance. Incorrect settings can lead to choppy video or enormous files.
Resolution And Frame Rate
Match your recording resolution and frame rate to your monitor’s capabilities or your target output.
- 1080p at 60 FPS: The standard for most content. It provides excellent clarity and smooth motion.
- 1440p or 4K: Use these for higher fidelity, but be aware file sizes will be much larger and your hardware needs to be more powerful.
- Frame Rate: 30 FPS is acceptable for slower-paced games, but 60 FPS is preferred for fast-action games for a smoother look.
Bitrate: The Quality Determinant
Bitrate, measured in Mbps (megabits per second), is the amount of data used per second of video. A higher bitrate means better quality but larger files.
- For 1080p 60FPS: A bitrate between 20,000 to 50,000 Kbps (20-50 Mbps) is a good range for clear, high-quality recordings.
- Variable Bitrate (VBR) vs. Constant Bitrate (CBR): VBR adjusts the bitrate based on scene complexity, saving space. CBR keeps it constant, which is often preferred for recording to maintain consistent quality.
Encoder Selection (CPU vs. GPU)
This is one of the most important settings for performance.
- Hardware (NVENC/AMF/QSV): Always choose your GPU’s encoder (NVENC for NVIDIA, AMF for AMD, QSV for Intel) if available. It offloads the work from your CPU, resulting in the best game performance.
- Software (x264): Uses your CPU. This can produce slightly better quality at low bitrates but will put a heavy load on your system, potentially causing game lag. Best for powerful CPUs when GPU encoding isn’t an option.
Step-By-Step Recording Guides
Now let’s walk through the basic setup process for two of the most common tools: OBS Studio and NVIDIA ShadowPlay.
How To Record With OBS Studio
OBS is powerful but requires initial setup.
- Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
- Open OBS. The first time, you can run the Auto-Configuration Wizard (Tools > Auto-Configuration Wizard) to get suggested settings based on your PC.
- Add a ‘Game Capture’ source. In the Sources box, click the ‘+’, select ‘Game Capture,’ and name it. In the properties, set ‘Mode’ to ‘Capture any fullscreen application.’
- Configure your settings. Go to Settings > Output. Set Output Mode to ‘Advanced.’ Under the ‘Recording’ tab, choose your encoder (NVENC H.264 is recommended for NVIDIA users), set your bitrate (start with 30,000 Kbps for 1080p), and choose a recording path.
- Check your audio. In Settings > Audio, ensure your desktop audio and microphone are enabled and set to the correct devices.
- Start recording by clicking ‘Start Recording’ in the controls. Use hotkeys (Settings > Hotkeys) to start/stop without leaving your game.
How To Record With NVIDIA ShadowPlay
ShadowPlay is simpler and integrated into GeForce Experience.
- Ensure you have the latest NVIDIA drivers and GeForce Experience installed.
- Open GeForce Experience (Alt+Z by default). Go to Settings (the gear icon) > ‘Recording’ to adjust your video quality, bitrate, and storage location.
- Enable ‘Instant Replay’ if you want to save past gameplay. Set the replay duration (e.g., 5 minutes).
- In-game, press Alt+Z to bring up the overlay. Click the record or instant replay buttons. You can also use customizable hotkeys like Alt+F9 to start/stop manual recording.
- Your recordings are automatically saved to the ‘Videos’ folder in a subfolder called ‘Captures,’ unless you changed the path.
Advanced Recording Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these techniques can improve your production value.
Managing Audio Sources Separately
Recording game audio and your microphone on separate tracks is a game-changer for editing.
- In OBS, go to Settings > Audio and set ‘Advanced’ audio properties. You can assign desktop audio to track 1 and your microphone to track 2.
- This allows you to adjust volume levels, remove background noise, or mute yourself in post-production without affecting the game sound.
Using Face Cam And Overlays
Adding a webcam feed and graphics personalizes your content.
- In your recording software, add a ‘Video Capture Device’ source for your webcam. Position it in a corner.
- You can add image or text sources for logos, social media handles, or alerts. Keep overllays clean and unobtrusive to the gameplay.
Optimizing For File Size And Quality
Large files are difficult to manage. Here’s how to control them.
- Use the .mp4 format for a good balance of compatibility and size.
- Experiment with bitrate. If your recordings are too large, slightly lower the bitrate. If quality is poor, increase it.
- Record to a dedicated SSD with plenty of free space to avoid performance issues.
Editing And Sharing Your Recordings
Raw recordings often need trimming and polishing before they’re ready for an audience.
Basic Editing Workflow
You don’t need expensive software for simple edits.
- Free Software: DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade free editor. Shotcut and HitFilm Express are also good free options.
- Simple Edits: Cut out boring parts, trim the start and end, and combine multiple clips. Add simple transitions if needed.
- Audio Adjustment: Balance the game and microphone audio levels. Use a noise reduction filter if your mic has background hiss.
Exporting For Different Platforms
Each platform has its own recommended upload settings.
- YouTube: Export at the resolution you recorded (1080p or 1440p) with a high bitrate. Use the H.264 codec.
- Social Media (Twitter, Instagram): Shorter clips are better. Keep videos under 2 minutes and use square or vertical formats for Instagram Stories/Reels.
- General Export: For archiving, use a high-quality preset. For sharing quickly, a medium-quality preset will create a smaller file.
Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues
Even with the right setup, problems can occur. Here are solutions to frequent issues.
Choppy Or Laggy Recordings
- Switch from CPU (x264) to GPU (NVENC/AMF) encoding in your software settings.
- Lower the recording resolution or frame rate (e.g., from 1440p to 1080p).
- Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.
- Ensure you are recording to a fast SSD, not a slow hard drive.
No Audio In Recording
- Check your software’s audio settings to confirm the correct desktop and microphone devices are selected and not muted.
- In Windows, right-click the sound icon, select ‘Sounds,’ and ensure your playback and recording devices are set as default.
- For OBS, check the audio mixer levels to see if any bars are moving during gameplay.
Recording File Is Too Large
- Reduce the bitrate in your recording settings. A small reduction can significantly shrink file size.
- Change the recording format to .mkv (OBS) which is less prone to corruption, but remux it to .mp4 afterward for sharing.
- Consider using a variable bitrate (VBR) setting if you were using constant bitrate (CBR).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about recording PC games.
What Is The Best Free Software To Record PC Games?
OBS Studio is widely considered the best free software due to its power and customizability. For NVIDIA users, ShadowPlay is an excellent free and simple option with minimal performance impact.
Does Recording Games Affect Performance?
It can, but using your GPU’s dedicated encoder (NVENC or AMF) minimizes the performance hit significantly. Recording with CPU encoding or at very high settings will have a more noticeable effect on your game’s frame rate.
How Can I Record My Voice And Game Audio Separately?
In software like OBS, you can assign different audio sources to separate tracks. Set your desktop audio to one track and your microphone to another. This creates a multi-track recording that you can edit independently later.
What Are Good Settings For Recording 1080p Gameplay?
A good starting point is 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second with a bitrate of 30,000 to 40,000 Kbps (30-40 Mbps). Use your GPU’s hardware encoder for the best performance.
Where Are My Recorded Game Videos Saved?
This depends on your software. ShadowPlay saves to the ‘Videos’ folder. OBS saves to the path you set in Settings > Output > Recording Path. Xbox Game Bar saves to the ‘Captures’ folder within ‘Videos.’ Always check your software’s settings to know where to find your files.