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

DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which is Superior?

Author : Thomas Update : May 15,2025

In the world of modern gaming, including *Ready or Not*, you'll often face the choice between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. If you're not very tech-savvy, this decision might seem daunting. While DirectX 12 is the newer option and could potentially offer better performance, DirectX 11 is known for its stability. So, which should you choose?

DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, Explained

In simple terms, both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 act as intermediaries that facilitate communication between your computer and games, helping your GPU render visuals and scenes.

DirectX 11, being older, is simpler for developers to implement. However, it doesn't fully leverage the CPU and GPU resources, which means it might not maximize your system's performance. Its widespread use is due to its ease and speed of implementation for developers.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is more recent and efficiently utilizes CPU and GPU resources. It offers developers various optimization options, allowing them to fine-tune the game for enhanced performance. The downside is that it's more complex to work with, requiring additional effort to fully exploit its capabilities.

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 between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 for *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 utilizes GPU and CPU resources, distributing the workload across multiple CPU cores, which can lead to improved framerates, smoother gameplay, and even enhanced graphics. Better performance could mean fewer in-game deaths (or perhaps not).

However, DirectX 12 might not be the best fit for older systems and could potentially cause more issues than benefits. If you're using an older system, sticking with DirectX 11 is advisable due to its stability. While DirectX 12 promises better performance, it may not mesh well with older hardware and could result in performance problems.

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 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 choose your Rendering Mode—either DX11 or DX12. If you have a newer PC, select DX12 for optimal performance. For older PCs, DX11 is the safer choice.

If the selection window doesn't appear, here's how to fix it:

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

And that's how you decide whether to use DX11 or DX12 for *Ready or Not*.

Ready or Not is available now for PC.