These days, nearly every modern game offers a choice between DirectX 11 and 12, and Ready or Not is no different. For players who aren't tech-savvy, this decision can be confusing. While DirectX 12 is the newer technology with potential performance gains, DirectX 11 is often considered the more stable option. So, which one should you pick?

DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: A Simple Explanation

In simple terms, both DirectX 11 and 12 act as translators, facilitating communication between your computer and the game software. A key part of their job is instructing your GPU on how to render the game's graphics and scenes.

DirectX 11 is the older, more established API. It's simpler for developers to work with and implement. However, it doesn't fully leverage the combined power of your CPU and GPU, meaning it may not squeeze out every last drop of performance from your hardware. Its widespread popularity stems from its relative ease and speed of development.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is newer and designed for greater efficiency. It's better at utilizing the multiple cores in modern CPUs and works more closely with the GPU to maximize resource usage. It also provides developers with deeper optimization tools, allowing them to fine-tune the game for better performance. The trade-off is that it's more complex and requires extra development effort to harness its full potential.

Should You Use DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 for Ready or Not?

The best choice ultimately depends on your PC's hardware. If you have a modern, high-end system with a graphics card that offers solid DirectX 12 support, then DirectX 12 is likely your best bet. Its efficient multi-threaded design can distribute workloads across CPU cores more effectively, often resulting in a higher framerate, smoother gameplay, and sometimes even visual improvements. With a more stable frame rate, you might just find yourself surviving those intense firefights a bit longer.

However, despite its advantages, DirectX 12 isn't always the right choice for older systems and can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. If your PC is several years old, sticking with the tried-and-true DirectX 11 is generally wiser, as it tends to be more stable and compatible with aging hardware. DirectX 12's advanced features may not be well-supported and could lead to stuttering or crashes.

In summary, for modern gaming rigs, DirectX 12 typically delivers better performance by optimizing system resource usage. For older PCs, DirectX 11 remains the more reliable and stable option.

Related: All Soft Objectives in Ready or Not, Listed

How To Set Your Rendering Mode in Ready or Not

You'll be prompted to choose your Rendering Mode (DX11 or DX12) when you launch Ready or Not through Steam. A launcher window will appear, asking you to select which API to use for that session.

Simply select your preferred mode from this window. As a rule of thumb, choose DX12 for a newer PC and DX11 for an older one.

If this selection window doesn't appear automatically, you can set it manually via Steam:

In your Steam Library, right-click on Ready Or Not and select Properties A new window will pop up. Click on the General tab, and then the Launch Options drop-down menu. From that drop-down menu, select your desired Rendering Mode.

And that's everything you need to know to choose between DX11 and DX12 for Ready or Not.

Ready or Not is available now for PC.