The move to a DirectX 12 (DX12) renderer with the new update of Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition has led to the PC version experiencing shader compilation stutter.
THQ Nordic recently released the new PC update for Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition, and the Steam community has since been complaining about the game suffering from shader compilation stutter issues. The move to a DX12 renderer has resulted in the developer being required to handle its own shader pre-compilation process at startup. Unfortunately, this has not happened.
It’s worth noting, however, that the updated build is currently in beta, and there’s hope that the development team will implement a shader pre-compilation system as the PC version exits beta.
For now, the Steam community is unhappy about the current state of Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition. Prior to the DX12 update, the game didn’t suffer from any shader cache related stutters. Though, it did exhibit asset streaming stutters from time to time during gameplay. The latter are still present in the DX12 version, and there are now shader compilation stutters on top. It’s currently unknown when THQ Nordic plans to bring the PC version of the game out of beta.
For the uninitiated, the new remastered and enhanced version of Darksiders 2: Deathfinitive Edition brings 4K resolution, ray tracing, and enhanced lighting and shadows in order to take advantage of the processing capabilities of modern platforms. If you’re playing on PlayStation 5 with a DualSense controller, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the full impact of haptic feedback, adding extra depth and immersion to every strike as Death. Furthermore, the game’s loading times have been drastically improved thanks to SSD technology, ensuring a smoother experience overall.
Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC for for $29.99 / €29.99. The new version of the game is a free upgrade for all existing owners.
