Render Backend
| Build |
1834 |
| Version |
8.1 |
Starting with version 8.1.0.1834 modern shader-only render backends replaced the former Direct3D 9 fixed shader pipeline render.
Available are
- Vulkan
- Direct3D 12
- Direct3D 11
- OpenGL 4.1
Vulkan became the preferred render backend, since it performs the best and has the most complete feature support for all hardware levels, including 7-10 y/o entry-level embedded graphics.
Since Vulkan is a relatively new renderer, older systems may have to update drivers (see links below). The lowest level render backend, and the oldest one is Direct3D 11. Direct3D 11 on hardware feature level 11_0 - it is the minimum requirement and the render fallback for all Windows systems.
Troubleshooting
Drivers supporting Vulkan can be found at:
The recent Intel Graphics drivers for Vulkan.
The recent AMD Graphics drivers for Vulkan.
Vulkan supported NVIDIA devices and drivers.
Info about Vulkan by NVIDIA.
In addition, the following command line options are available, to be passed when launching the application, forcing a certain render backend:
--vk
--d3d12
--d3d11
--gl
If the desired render backend, or it's driver, is unavailable or unsupported on a system, it will fallback to the next lower render backend or to Direct3D 11. On how to add command line option via a shortcut look here, or search the net.