Complete guide to enabling DirectX 12 Beta in Apex Legends for improved performance and visuals
Understanding DirectX 12 Benefits for Apex Legends
The PC version of Apex Legends now supports a DirectX 12 Beta. Here is how you can use it in-game for improved performance.
With the release of Season 15, Respawn Entertainment has introduced the opt-in beta feature which is the support for DirectX 12 on PC. Since its launch, Apex Legends have been using DirectX 11. The introduction of DX12 sets up the foundation for future graphical improvements to the game.
The benefits of DirectX 12 over its predecessor are substantial. Players can anticipate higher framerates, enhanced visual fidelity, superior optimization, and much more. However, considering it’s still in Beta, there may be some instability and bugs initially.
DirectX 12 introduces several technical advantages including reduced CPU overhead, better multi-threading support, and improved resource management. These enhancements can lead to smoother gameplay experiences, especially on modern gaming systems with powerful graphics cards.
System Requirements and Compatibility Check
Before you proceed to launch Apex in DX12, remember your GPU needs to have a minimum DirectX Feature Level of 12_0. If you’re unsure about the Feature Level, follow these simple set of steps:
Most modern graphics cards from NVIDIA’s GTX 900 series and AMD’s RX 400 series onwards support DX12. However, some older cards may have limited feature level support. If your system doesn’t meet the 12_0 requirement, you’ll need to stick with DirectX 11 until you upgrade your hardware.
Additionally, ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. Both NVIDIA and AMD regularly release driver updates that optimize performance for new DirectX 12 implementations in popular games like Apex Legends.
Enabling DX12 on Steam Platform
Now that you have checked the Feature Levels, let’s take a look at the steps of running the game using DirectX 12 on Steam.
After applying these changes, launch the game normally. You should notice a small stutter during the initial loading as the game compiles shaders for DirectX 12. This is normal and should only happen during the first launch. Subsequent launches will be faster as cached shaders are utilized.
Common mistake: Many users forget to remove the launch option when they want to switch back to DirectX 11. Remember to clear the launch options field if you experience issues and want to revert to the stable DX11 version.
Activating DX12 on EA App and Origin
For users on the EA App or Origin platforms, the process differs slightly but achieves the same result.
Alternatively, for Origin users who prefer the older interface:
Pro tip: Create a desktop shortcut with the launch command included for quick switching between DX11 and DX12 versions without navigating through multiple menus each time.
Optimization and Issue Resolution
Since the feature is still in Beta, you may face some issues related to shader compilation, memory, and recording & streaming as mentioned in the dev’s Reddit post. However, as the days go by, we can expect the devs to polish out this feature to unlock its maximum potential.
Common performance issues include occasional frame drops during intense combat scenarios and increased VRAM usage. To mitigate these, consider lowering certain graphics settings like texture quality and shadow details until the DX12 implementation becomes more stable.
For streamers and content creators, DirectX 12 may initially cause conflicts with certain recording software. OBS Studio users should ensure they’re running the latest version and consider using Game Capture mode rather than Display Capture for better compatibility.
Advanced optimization: Monitor your performance metrics using tools like MSI Afterburner to identify specific bottlenecks. The DX12 renderer typically reduces CPU bottlenecking but may increase GPU utilization, so adjust your settings accordingly.
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