Shader Compilation Stutter Issues
According to reports from the Steam community, the DX12 update has resulted in the game suffering from shader compilation stutter. This means that when the game is loading new shaders, it causes noticeable frame rate drops and stuttering during gameplay.
Prior to the DX12 update, Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition did not have any issues related to shader caching on PC. However, the move to DX12 has required the developer, THQ Nordic, to handle its own shader pre-compilation process at startup. Unfortunately, this process does not seem to be working as intended, leading to the new stutter problems.
Beta Status and Potential Fixes
It's important to note that the updated PC build of Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition is currently in a beta state. THQ Nordic has acknowledged the shader compilation stutter issues, and there is hope that the developer will implement a proper shader pre-compilation system as the game exits the beta phase.
In addition to the new shader stutter, the DX12 update has also not addressed some existing issues with the game, such as asset streaming stutters. These problems were present in the previous version of the game and continue to affect the DX12 update.
Improved Graphics, But at a Cost
The DX12 update for Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition was intended to bring visual enhancements to the game, including 4K resolution, ray tracing, and improved lighting and shadows. However, these improvements have come at the cost of introducing new performance problems.
For players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, the Deathfinitive Edition update has also brought improvements to loading times and haptic feedback support on the DualSense controller. But on PC, the shader compilation stutter issues have dampened the overall experience.
Conclusion
The Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition DX12 update on PC has been a mixed bag for players. While the visual upgrades are welcome, the introduction of shader compilation stutter has created a new performance problem that needs to be addressed by the developer. Hopefully, THQ Nordic will be able to resolve these issues as the game exits its current beta state.
Darksiders 2 Deathfinitive Edition DX12 Update On PC Introduces Shader Compilation Stutter
The move to a DirectX 12 renderer for Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition has led to the PC version experiencing shader stutter.
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