Buzz
While Nvidia’s GeForce RTX graphics cards are widely celebrated for their Ray Tracing and 4K capabilities, the DLSS feature often flies under the radar. However, its ability to dramatically improve frame rates, particularly for gamers using low to mid-range systems, is nothing short of remarkable.
This guide provides an overview of DLSS, explaining its functionality, benefits, and the list of games that currently support it.
Understanding DLSS: A Comprehensive Overview
DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, leverages the AI Tensor Cores found in Nvidia’s RTX 20 and 30 series GPUs. This machine learning-driven feature allows your graphics card to render games at a lower resolution, then employs AI to upscale and refine the visuals to a higher resolution, all while maintaining performance efficiency. Nvidia developed this capability by training its DLSS algorithm on a specialized supercomputer designed for advanced graphical processing.
For instance, rather than rendering a game at 4K, DLSS processes it at 1440p and uses AI to upscale the image. The outcome is visuals that closely resemble native 4K quality but perform as if rendered at 1440p. This not only enhances frame rates but also frees up system resources for demanding features like ray tracing and other high-end graphical settings.
DLSS is revolutionary, enabling even Nvidia’s lower-tier RTX cards, such as the RTX 2060, to deliver a smooth and convincing 4K gaming experience, despite the hardware’s limitations. Unfortunately, consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X lack DLSS support. While they can handle 4K and ray tracing, enabling these features often compromises frame rates, forcing players to choose between visual quality and performance. PC gamers with DLSS-compatible systems enjoy the best of both worlds.
However, DLSS isn’t flawless. It can sometimes result in blurred textures and minor detail loss. The latest version, DLSS 2.0, addresses many of these problems and enhances resolution scaling up to 4x (from 1080p to 4K). Despite these improvements, some artifacts and blurring may still occur, particularly in intricate details. As DLSS 2.0’s algorithm continues to evolve, the feature is expected to improve over time.
Which games are compatible with DLSS?
One of DLSS’s current drawbacks is its limited availability, as it is only supported in a select number of games. Initially, Nvidia had to train the DLSS algorithm individually for each game, but DLSS 2.0 has streamlined the process, allowing its enhancements to be applied universally to any compatible game and simplifying integration for developers. Below is a list of games that currently support DLSS, along with titles confirmed to add DLSS support in the future:
Games with DLSS support:
Anthem
Battlefield V
Bright Memory
Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Control
Cyberpunk 2077
Death Stranding
Deliver Us The Moon
F1 2020
Final Fantasy XV
Fortnite
Ghostrunner
Iron Conflict
Justice
Marvel’s Avengers
Mechwarrior V: Mercenaries
Metro Exodus
Minecraft
Monster Hunter: World
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Watch Dogs Legion
Wolfenstein Youngblood
Upcoming titles with DLSS support:
Amid Evil
Atomic Heart
Boundary
Call Of Duty: Warzone
Edge Of Eternity
FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch
Five Nights At Freddy’s Security Breach
JX3
Mortal Shell
Mount & Blade II Bannerlord
Outriders
Ready Or Not (early access launch)
Scavengers
The Medium
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Xuan-Yuan Sword VII
