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  • What Is Vulkan?
  • What Is DirectX 11?
  • Vulkan Vs. DirectX 11

While loading into Baldur's Gate 3, there's a question you must answer first: Vulkan or DirectX 11? This can be confusing to many, but it's an important distinction to make depending on the specs of your PC or laptop. It will affect your gameplay and how much time you spend having to adjust settings later.

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If you don't know the difference, that's okay. Not everyone knows the exact specifications of their PC, as much as you love playing games on it, which is why this simple guide will help you decide which works best for you. The simplified question is, who made your graphics card, and how well does it run?

What Is Vulkan?

If you've never heard of Vulkan before Baldur's Gate 3, don't worry about it. Many were introduced to the newer graphics API through the game. Currently, Vulkan seems to promise better and more consistent gameplay, even being officially supported and encouraged by Larian Studios.

Vulkan has been known to experience crashes or visual bugs, which can affect gameplay in unintended ways.

With more advanced PCs or gaming steps with advanced specs, Vulkan is more likely to deliver a streamlined experience with fewer performance drops. If there are any, you may not even notice them. As it's supported by the developers themselves, this is the optimal way to experience Baldur's Gate 3 if your machine can support it.

What Is DirectX 11?

For those unsure of their computer's specs or how well the game will run, DirectX 11 serves as a stable and reliable way to run Baldur's Gate 3. It's well-known and tested, making it a staple in gaming. More casual PCs and laptops will handle it better, as well as older systems that may not support new or advanced API.

If performance is something you're worried about, and you just want to play, opt for DirectX 11. You can change your mind later, but this is the safest and most dependable way to get into the game quickly.

Vulkan Vs. DirectX 11

If you want the premium experience and are willing to work with a bit of trial and error, Vulkan is the way to go. It's encouraged by the developers, meaning that Vulkan is how they want you to see the game (even in early access). Meanwhile, DirectX 11 offers a secure way to play without worrying about an unstable or new API.

Ultimately, your graphics card will determine which API runs better. You can test both out to determine what works better for you, or you can select DirectX 11 as the safe option and not worry about it. You'll still have the breathtaking experience of exploring the Sword Coast, and if you're not familiar with the difference between the API, you probably won't even notice changes in how the game runs.

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