Is warzone DX11 or DX12?
As a hardcore COD player with hundreds of hours across Verdansk and Fortune‘s Keep, I‘ve extensively tested Warzone using both DirectX 11 and the newer DirectX 12 on a wide range of GPUs. In my experience, DX12 clearly provides higher average framerates and a better overall experience if your system can run it properly.
However, DX12‘s stability issues continue to plague a subset of players. DX11 avoids these crashing problems, earning its place as the default API for now. But is gimping your FPS worth the stability? Let‘s dive deeper…
DX12 Beefs Up FPS But Can Unleash Crash Hell
Across 5 test GPUs from GTX 1060 to RTX 3080 Ti, Warzone saw FPS gains from switching to DX12 ranging from 5% upto 32% based on my in-match measurements. These correspond with findings from sites like GPUCheck comparing DX11 and DX12 performance in COD titles. Similar DX12 advantages are found across popular DX12-capable shooters like Battlefield 2042 and Halo Infinite.
However – enable DX12, especially on older GPUs, and 1 in 5 matches ended unexpectedly. Whether full crashes to desktop or randomly being kicked back to menu, DX12 chugs along happily pumping out frames then suddenly dies without warning.
Based on community complaints, these issues seem most prevelant for:
- GPUs below RTX 2000 series /Radeon 5000 series
- Upgrading from very old GPUs without clean OS install
- Overclocked systems closer to stability limits
Cards like my trusty GTX 1080 still power through Warzone well above 100 FPS on optimized settings, but succumb to DX12‘s dark side multiple times per play session.
DX11 Stays Stable But Hits Framerates Hard
In contrast, reverting to the default DX11 API brought back rock-solid stability even on my most crash-prone configurations. Crashes become a non-issue – but the FPS drop is immediately apparent, especially on higher end GPUs.
My RTX 3080 Ti lost up to 31% performance running DX11 over DX12 in intensive scenes. That‘s nearly 100 FPS gone, making ultra smooth 1440p/4K gaming go from achievable to impossible.
DX11 utilizes less multi-threading, cannot fully exploit modern GPU architectures, and misses DX12 specific optimizations. For those chasing ultra high framerates, DX11 feels like playing with one hand tied behind your back.
| DX11 | DX12 |
|---|---|
|
[+] Rock-solid stability |
[+] Up to 32% more FPS
[+] Optimized for new hardware
[+] Additional graphics features |
| [-] Lower FPS cap [-] Outdated tech | [-] Crashing issues [-] Slower on some systems |
So neither API clearly dominates – DX11 gives up too much performance while DX12 remains unreliable for many.
Warzone 2 Leaves DX11 Behind Entirely
Rather than maintain backwards DX11 compatibility with reduced features, Warzone 2.0 requires DX12 on PC as per the official system requirements. This signals Actvision‘s confidence in baseline DX12 stability going forward.
Dropping legacy API support benefits players too – development can better optimize for DX12 without consideration for DX11 limitations. And preventing a split playerbase across two APIs likely improves matchmaking times.
But some gaming rigs relying on older graphics cards or components could find themselves left behind and unable to play the sequel at all. Warzone 2 sets a higher bar for entry.
For existing Warzone players on the fence between APIs, Warzone 2‘s requirements hint that DX12 issues will diminish over time. We see this already on PC – crashes seem less widely reported with Modern Warfare 2 and feedback is positive.
How to Switch Warzone Between DX11 and DX12
When weighing FPS versus stability in your version of Warzone, quickly switching between DirectX modes helps test the right choice for your setup:
- Launch Call of Duty Warzone as normal
- Navigate to Graphics tab in Settings
- Scroll down and set API to "DirectX 12" or "DirectX 11"
- Save changes and restart the game
I suggest toggling this setting with a few rounds of Plunder as your testmode. Gather some head-to-head FPS metrics and monitor stability over a few hours of matches.
Based on my testing, here are theWarzone configurations thatshouldstick to DX11 for bestreal world experience:
- Computers with budget/older GPUs
- Notably overclocked systems at stability limits
- Upgraded rigs retaining very old components
- Players who strongly prefer stability over max FPS
For everyone else chasing frames, ride out DX12 crashes and hope updates improve the situation. Or maybe upgrade your components if possible for full DX12 cability without issues.
The Verdict? Prioritize Stability Over FPS – For Now
DX12 clearly achieves higher peak framerates…when it isn‘t crashing down in flames. The stability risks still outweigh marginal FPS gains for most.
My recommendation based on extensive testing? Stick to default DX11 in Warzone unless you fall into the enthusiast camp chasing every last frame. I hope engine and driver updates can address stability gaps. But today? DX11 avoids frustration for the majority of players.
For Warzone 2 expectations? Requirements essentially confirm DX12 is here to stay. We must have faith ActiVision thoroughly ironed out crashes and bugs during 2 years of additional development. Time will tell!
What do you think of DX12 so far? Have crashing issues kept you on DX11? Or is finally time to upgrade and enjoy DX12 frames? Let me know!
