Home News DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which is Superior?

DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which is Superior?

by Charlotte May 04,2025

Navigating the choice between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in modern games like *Ready or Not* can be daunting if you're not tech-savvy. DirectX 12, being the newer option, promises enhanced performance, yet DirectX 11 remains the go-to for its stability. Let's break down these options to help you make an informed decision.

DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, Explained

Think of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 as translators between your computer and the game, assisting your GPU in rendering the game's visuals and scenes. DirectX 11, the older and simpler of the two, is easier for developers to implement. However, it doesn't fully harness your system's CPU and GPU resources, which can limit performance. Its widespread use is due to its ease of implementation and stability.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is a more recent and efficient technology. It better utilizes CPU and GPU resources, offering developers numerous optimization options to enhance game performance. While more complex to work with, DirectX 12 can significantly boost your gaming experience when used effectively.

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

Your choice between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in *Ready or Not* hinges on your system's capabilities. If you're equipped with a modern, high-end system featuring a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 well, opting for DirectX 12 could be beneficial. It efficiently distributes workloads across CPU cores, leading to improved framerates, smoother gameplay, and potentially enhanced graphics. This could mean fewer game overs due to better performance.

However, DirectX 12 may not be ideal for older systems and could even degrade performance. In such cases, sticking with DirectX 11 is advisable for its stability on older hardware. While DirectX 12 offers performance advantages, it can be problematic on less capable systems.

To summarize, if you have a modern system, DirectX 12 is the better choice for leveraging your system's resources and boosting performance. For older systems, DirectX 11 is 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 you launch *Ready or Not* on Steam, you'll be prompted to choose your Rendering Mode between DX11 and DX12. If you have a newer PC, opt for DX12; if you're using an older PC, stick with DX11.

If this prompt doesn't appear, you can manually set your preferred mode:

  • In your Steam Library, right-click on *Ready or Not* and select Properties.
  • A new window will open. Navigate to the General tab, and click on the Launch Options drop-down menu.
  • From there, select your desired Rendering Mode.

*Ready or Not is available now for PC.*