Baldurs Gate 3: Which to choose - Vulkan or DX11? Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough
Wondering which API will perform better in BG3 on your computer? This guide page will help you decide.
Last update: 09 August 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 lets players choose the API system they want to use during the game. Though many players will likely ignore this detail, choosing the API compatible with your PC can positively affect your experience. The following page will let you adapt the API to the PC you're using.
This page was created based on the author's personal experience and the accounts of gamers and media representatives available online. Although the community consensus might be to choose a specific API in specific situations, remember the PC's open nature can drastically affect your experience. Before making your final choice, it's worth trying out both available options and deciding based on your own experience.
How to change API?
You can change your API right after starting the game, in the Larian Studios Launcher. There are two available options under the "Play" button. DirectX 11 is chosen by default. Mark the dot next to Vulkan to switch to it.
After selecting your preferred API, launch the game by clicking "Play".
Which API to choose?
Information gathered by the press and players seems to suggest some graphics cards work better with DirectX 11, while others with Vulkan. Your choice should therefore depend on your PC's GPU model.
Nvidia graphics cards
If your PC uses an Nvidia graphics card (RTX or GTX), DirectX 11 seems to be the better choice right now. Many players and journalists claim their performance was slightly better when pairing Nvidia cards with DirectX 11.
If you're using a compatible RTX card, you can also utilize the DLSS tech implemented in the game. It will make the game run more smoothly while not sacrificing much graphical quality. You'll find DLSS settings in the "Graphics" tab in the main menu.
AMD and Intel graphics cards
Players using AMD's Radeon cards and Intel cards may be interested in the Vulkan API. Players and media seem to agree on it positively affecting the game's performance.
Although DLSS is a proprietary technology by Nvidia only available on select RTX cards, players using GTX, Radeon and Intel cards can still enable upscaling through the AMD FSR option. Though simpler, this system can still result in a few extra FPS.
Steam Deck
Though Valve's handheld runs on AMD components, initial reports suggest the game works better using DirectX 11. This may be due to the Proton compatibility later used by the device's operating system.