Baldur's Gate 3: Vulkan vs DirectX 11
What is the difference between Vulkan and DirectX 11 in Baldur’s Gate 3? The upcoming RPG from Larian Studios promises to bring the series back in a big way, but which graphics API you choose at launch will affect both gameplay and settings. Not knowing your PC specs? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a return to form for the series, but how you experience it could be entirely down to which graphics API you choose at launch. With two options to choose from, the way you play could be very different, with gameplay and settings affected. Larian Studios is going all in on Vulkan, a newer graphics API supported by the studio, promising better and more consistent gameplay. However, it also comes with the potential for crashes and visual bugs that could impact your gameplay. If you have an advanced PC, this should be the streamlined experience you’re hoping for, but for casual PCs and older systems that don’t support advanced APIs, DirectX 11 will be the safer option.
If you’re unsure about the best graphics API for you, we’ve got a breakdown of both options to help you choose.
Graphics API choice affects...
Both Vulkan and DirectX 11 will look beautiful in their own way, but the graphics API you choose will largely impact the way you play.
If you’re going for an advanced PC and want to prioritise performance as much as possible, going with DirectX 11 is the safest option. By playing with this API, you’ll get a consistent experience that won’t be impacted by bugs or crashes.
If you’re all about that luxury experience, you’re encouraged by Larian Studios to go with Vulkan and embrace the trial and error. In the worst-case scenario, you’ve got a fallback in DirectX 11, but your graphics card will determine which API runs better, so you’ll still want to test both.
Regardless of the API, you’ll still have a jaw-dropping time exploring the Sword Coast. If you’re looking for a bit more help with the best RPG games on the market, we’ve got you covered, with a breakdown of the likes of Elder Scrolls 6, Witcher 3, and more.
