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Red Dead Redemption 2 PC – How To Change API From Vulkan to DX12

This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

Red Dead Redemption 2 has finally launched for PC. In this guide, we will show you how to change API from Vulkan to DirectX 12.

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Red Dead Redemption 2 has launched for PC and comes with two API options for your graphics cards to generate all those lovely trees and horses with. Now, which API works best for you is something only you can decide, but it is certainly worth trying out both to see which one gives you better results.

Red Dead Redemption 2 PC – How To Change API From Vulkan to DX12

To change your graphics API in Red Dead Redemption 2, just follow the below steps:

  • Open the Settings Menu
  • Navigate to the Graphics page
  • Unlock Advanced Settings
  • Scroll down until you see the Graphics API option

The two available APIs are Vulkan and DirectX 12, so simply use the arrows on either side to change to the other. Vulkan is the default option, but it’s a good idea to try them both out to see with which you get better performance and FPS. This is normally a feature of programs like GeForce Experience for Nvidia users and the Radeon App for AMD users. You can also use programs that capture gameplay, as they typically have an option to overlay an FPS counter somewhere on the screen.

Play the game by doing something easy to replicate, such as riding your horse from one town to the next, while sticking to the roads. It won’t be a perfect test, as minor details could change each time, from traffic on the road, to the weather, but it is a good way to try and spot any noticeable differences in performance. You can also venture towards an area on the map where you have previously had some issues such as stuttering and low FPS, try and the other API, and see if the issues are replicated. If not, then you know that is the better option for your hardware.


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Author
Image of Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien has been playing games for over three decades and has been writing about them for five years. When not getting stomped on by the creations of Hidetaka Miyazaki, he enjoys spending too much time in Warframe, Destiny 2 and any other ARPG with a solid grind. When not writing, he is doing inexplicable behind-the-scenes magic for GAMURS Group.