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DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which is Superior?

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 04,2025

If you're diving into the tactical world of Ready or Not, choosing between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to understand, so you can make the best choice for your setup.

DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, Explained

Think of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 as the middleman between your game and your computer. They help translate what the game needs into something your computer can understand, especially when it comes to rendering visuals.

DirectX 11 is like the trusty old friend. It's been around for a while, making it easier for developers to use. However, it doesn't fully tap into your CPU and GPU's potential, so you might not be getting the most out of your hardware.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block. It's more efficient at using your CPU and GPU resources, offering developers more ways to optimize the game. This can lead to better performance, but it's also more complex for developers to work with.

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 choice depends on your system. If you're rocking a modern, high-end setup with a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 well, go for DirectX 12. It's better at using your system's resources, which can lead to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and even better graphics. And hey, better frames might just help you survive those intense moments in Ready or Not.

However, if you're using an older system, DirectX 12 might not be your friend. It can cause more problems than it solves on older hardware. In that case, stick with DirectX 11. It's more stable and will give you a smoother experience on older PCs.

To sum it up, if you have a modern system, DirectX 12 is the way to go for better performance. If you're on an older system, DirectX 11 is your safer bet.

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 see a window asking you to choose between DX11 and DX12. It's straightforward—just pick the one that suits your system.

If you don't see this window, here's how to fix it:

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

And that's it! Now you know whether to choose DX11 or DX12 for Ready or Not.

Ready or Not is available now for PC.