Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 DLSS 5 Update Cuts Frame Rate in Half

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 integrates NVIDIA DLSS 5 for improved character lighting, but the update cuts frame rates in half for players.

Warhorse Studios has integrated NVIDIA's DLSS 5 technology into Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, bringing the game closer to its original artistic goals. This update allows players to see significantly improved character lighting and facial details that were previously difficult to render. The change matters because it fundamentally alters how the game handles visual fidelity on supported hardware. Players with compatible NVIDIA GPUs can now experience a more photorealistic world, though they must accept a steep performance cost.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 character with improved lighting

Warhorse Studios developer praises AI upscaler for visual fidelity

Daniel Vavra, the developer behind the studio's leadership, highlighted the technical benefits of this integration in recent comments. He described the update as an excellent photorealistic upgrade to the character lighting model within the game engine. The implementation focuses heavily on enhancing the visual presence of characters, which is central to the game's narrative style. This technical shift aims to bridge the gap between the game's current state and its initial design vision.

The most visible changes involve how the game renders small, intricate details on character models. DLSS 5 now enables proper shadow casting from hats, hoods, and helmets, which previously lacked dynamic lighting interactions. Players can also see accurate shadows on small model details like buckles and laces. These additions create a more cohesive and realistic visual environment during gameplay.

There is a significant performance trade-off associated with enabling these visual improvements. Vavra noted that DLSS 5 cuts the frame rate in half for the average user. This means players must choose between higher visual fidelity and smoother performance. The update requires powerful hardware to maintain playable frame rates with the new lighting features enabled.

The studio's focus on artistic integrity through AI upscaling demonstrates a commitment to visual quality over raw performance metrics. This approach allows Warhorse Studios to deliver a more immersive experience for those willing to invest in high-end hardware. The update stands as a technical milestone for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, prioritizing detail over speed.

Source: TweakTown