Ready or Not: What’s Better, DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 (DX11 vs. DX12)?

In today's gaming world, every title, including *Ready or Not*, offers the choice between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. If you're not particularly tech-savvy, deciding between these options can seem daunting. While DirectX 12 is newer and promises enhanced performance, DirectX 11 is often more stable. So, which should you choose?

DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, Explained

In simple terms, both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 act as intermediaries between your computer and the games you play. They help your GPU to render the game's visuals and scenes.

DirectX 11, being older, is easier for developers to implement. However, it doesn't fully tap into the capabilities of your CPU and GPU, which means it might not maximize your system's performance. Its widespread use stems from its simplicity and speed in development.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is newer and more adept at utilizing your CPU and GPU resources. It provides developers with a variety of optimization options, allowing for better performance tuning. However, it's more complex to work with, requiring more effort from developers to harness its full potential.

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

A photo of the Soft Objectives in Hide and Seek in Ready or Not as part of an article about the DirectX 11 and DirectX 12.

Screenshot via The Escapist

The decision hinges on your system's specifications. If you're equipped with a modern, high-end system and a graphics card with robust DirectX 12 support, opting for DirectX 12 could be beneficial. It efficiently utilizes your GPU and CPU, distributing the workload across multiple CPU cores, which can lead to improved frame rates, smoother gameplay, and enhanced graphics. Better performance might just mean fewer in-game deaths—or perhaps not!

Despite its advantages, DirectX 12 may not be suitable for older systems and can even degrade performance. For those with older hardware, sticking with DirectX 11 is advisable, as it's more stable on such systems. While DirectX 12 offers superior performance, it can cause issues on older PCs.

In summary, if you have a modern system, DirectX 12 is the better choice for optimizing your system's resources and boosting performance. For older systems, DirectX 11 remains the more stable and reliable option.

Related: All Soft Objectives in Ready or Not, Listed

How To Set Your Rendering Mode in Ready or Not

When launching *Ready or Not* on Steam, you'll be prompted to select your Rendering Mode—either DX11 or DX12. If you have a newer PC, opt for DX12; if you're using an older PC, stick with DX11.

If the selection window doesn't appear, follow these steps:

In your Steam Library, right-click on *Ready or Not* and select Properties.
In the new window, navigate to the General tab and find the Launch Options drop-down menu.
From the drop-down menu, select your preferred Rendering Mode.

*Ready or Not is available now for PC.*