Lag: why so much more when using the Epic Games Launcher vs. with offline "-EpicPortal" command-line switch?

Question

Just what the subject says. The jerk/lag/stutter is REALLY bad when using the Epic Games Launcher but, with the same graphics settings, hardly lags at all when in offline mode using the "-EpicPortal" command-line switch in the shortcut. Even if I set all graphics options to low the game still jerks, lags, and stutters with every movement (every half-second or so) when using the Epic Games Launcher. WTF?

Update: even killing/quitting the Epic Games Launcher while the game is running does nothing to improve the lag so it's something in the game's code causing the stuttering.

Comments

My shortcut launches the Epic Launcher. What are you doing to play it without the launcher?

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Add the "-epicportal" argument to the executable shortcut.

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Why would I want to do that when other problems occur like ghost characters and lost inventory in each load? Think before replying next time please...

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@Eep my comment was a reply to @Wintermute, not you. It's a shame the interface doesn't show that.

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Haven't tried the -epicportal argument, but  I will.   The game runs almost the same using all the different graphics settings.   I average about 40-60 fps @1440p  i7 7770 (Not OCed)  with only a 1070.  Occasionally I get some FPS dips, however,  the main problem I'm having is the game's graphics freezing for a second every minute or so of playing.   With my factory growing in size, the freezing seems to be happening more and more.

Answer 1

Turns out my computer needed a reboot, for whatever reason: memory leak? GPU leak? who knows...damn computers.

Answer 2

Try disabling the "Send Gameplay Data" in Options -> Gameplay, and see if that makes a difference.

Comments

I did; no difference. I also tried adjust network performance from min to max ("ultra", I guess) but also no difference. I have a broadband 150+ Mbps connection.