Home News DirectX 12 vs. DirectX 11: Performance Compared

DirectX 12 vs. DirectX 11: Performance Compared

Author : Hannah Jan 10,2026

Most modern games offer both DirectX 11 and 12 options, and Ready or Not is no different. For those less familiar with technical details, choosing between them can be tricky. While DirectX 12 is newer and may offer better performance, DirectX 11 is often considered more reliable. So which one should you pick?

Understanding DirectX 11 and DirectX 12

In simple terms, DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 are intermediaries that help your hardware communicate with the game. Their role includes assisting your GPU in rendering in-game visuals and environments.

DirectX 11 is older and easier for developers to implement. However, it doesn’t fully take advantage of CPU and GPU resources, meaning it can’t maximize your system’s potential. Even so, it remains widely used because it’s straightforward and efficient from a development standpoint.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is newer and more efficient at managing CPU and GPU resources during gameplay. It also offers developers a wider range of optimization tools, enabling them to fine-tune the game for higher performance. That said, it demands more effort from developers to truly leverage its advantages.

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 right choice depends largely on your system. If you have a modern, high-end PC with a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 well, then DirectX 12 is likely the better option. It manages GPU and CPU resources more efficiently, distributing workloads across multiple CPU cores for improved overall performance. You can expect higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and even enhanced visuals in some scenarios—and with better performance, you might just survive longer (or maybe not).

Despite its advantages, DirectX 12 isn’t ideal for older hardware and might cause performance issues rather than improvements. If you have an older PC, it’s best to stick with DirectX 11, as it tends to be more stable on legacy systems.

In short, if your PC is modern, go with DirectX 12 for better resource management and performance. If your system is older, DirectX 11 is the safer and more stable choice.

Related: All Soft Objectives in Ready or Not, Listed

How to Set Your Rendering Mode in Ready or Not

You can select your rendering mode (DX11 or DX12) when launching the game via Steam. A window will appear asking whether you want to start the game using DX11 or DX12.

Simply choose the option that fits your system. Use DX12 for newer PCs, and DX11 for older ones.

If this window doesn’t appear automatically, here’s how to access it:

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.

That covers everything you need to know about choosing between DX11 and DX12 in Ready or Not.

Ready or Not is available now for PC.

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