Worried about the DirectX 11 requirement? Here's how to check!

Smaxx

So, as you might have read, according to patch notes, ESO will drop support for DirectX 9 with the next big update (Thieves Guild release):

DirectX 11 Upgrade
We have upgraded the ESO graphics engine to be DirectX 11 specific.

• You will no longer be able to launch or run the DirectX 9 version of the game.
• We will no longer support graphics cards and operating systems that are not compatible with DirectX 11.
• This will allow us to implement new graphics features only possible with the removal of DirectX 9, as well as improve the overall performance of the engine.

This basically means, you will no longer be able to run the game on Windows XP or with (very old) graphics cards. It might be possible to use OpenGL on Windows XP, but don't quote me on that (and I don't have the chance to actually try that).

So if you're unsure, whether your system will be able to run the game and you don't want to download the PTS version just for that (e.g. due to limited bandwidth), here's how to check:

• If you're on Windows XP, you'll have to upgrade to at least Windows Vista (I'd recommend going with Windows 10 though). Seriously, you should no longer use Windows XP considering the lack of further security updates!
• If you're on Mac OS X, this doesn't affect you.
• If you're on Windows Vista or newer, it's pretty easy to check, whether your hardware (and drivers) are ready for this:
  • Hit Win+R to open the Run dialog.
  • Write dxdiag into the text box and click Ok.
  • Wait for the program to load and verify your system information. If it asks you to check for signatures online, allow it (this choice is not critical).
  • Now go to the Display tab and check the Feature Level entry on the right hand side:
    
  • If the list includes 11.0 you're ready and shouldn't have issues playing.
  • If the list only includes 9.0 and some other 9.x values, you'll either need updated drivers and/or a new graphics card for this.
  • If the list includes multiple Display tabs (running multiple screens), try to find the tab of your dedicated graphics card (most likely manufactured by either Nvidia or AMD). Check the Name entry to verify this.

Enodoc

Vista is no longer officially supported, even if you have DX 11.

Smaxx

Not that I'd expect anyone wanting to switch to it. It should still run the game though.

valiantspirit_ESO

Hi. I just installed the PTS and I have a direct x 10.1 video card ati 4870 and it's playing the game fine.I am running windows 10

Smaxx

valiantspirit_ESO wrote: »

Hi. I just installed the PTS and I have a direct x 10.1 video card ati 4870 and it's playing the game fine.I am running windows 10

Nice, so seems like they really just need the software side for now, i.e. Windows Vista or alter.