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DirectX 11 vs. DirectX 12: Which is Superior?

Author : Gabriella

Apr 07,2025

In the world of modern gaming, titles like *Ready or Not* offer players the choice between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. If you're not particularly tech-savvy, this decision might seem daunting. DirectX 12 is newer and could potentially offer better performance, but 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 translators between your computer and the games you play. They help your GPU render the visuals and scenes you see in-game.

DirectX 11 is the older of the two and is easier for developers to implement. However, it doesn't fully utilize your CPU and GPU resources, which means it can't maximize your system's performance. Its popularity stems from its ease of use and speed of implementation for developers.

DirectX 12, on the other hand, is newer and more efficient at using your CPU and GPU resources. It offers developers more optimization options, allowing them to fine-tune the game for better performance. However, it's more complex to work with, requiring additional effort to fully leverage its benefits.

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 depends on your system's capabilities. If you have a modern, high-end system with a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 well, opting for DirectX 12 could be beneficial. It efficiently uses your GPU and CPU resources, distributing the workload across different CPU cores for better performance. This can lead to higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and sometimes even enhanced graphics. Better frames might just help you survive longer in the game.

However, DirectX 12 isn't ideal for older systems and can actually cause more problems than it solves. If you're using an older PC, sticking with DirectX 11 is the safer bet, as it's more stable on older hardware. While DirectX 12 offers performance improvements, it may not play nicely with older systems, potentially leading to performance issues.

In summary, if you have a modern system, DirectX 12 can enhance your gaming experience by better utilizing your system's resources. For older systems, DirectX 11 remains the more stable and reliable choice.

Related: All Soft Objectives in Ready or Not, Listed

How To Set Your Rendering Mode in Ready or Not

When you launch *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 potentially better performance. If you're using an older PC, stick with DX11 for stability.

If the 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. Click on the General tab, then the Launch Options drop-down menu.
From the drop-down menu, select your desired Rendering Mode.

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

Ready or Not is available now for PC.