It’s only been a few days since the Elden Ring 1.09 update rolled out, adding raytracing support to elevate the already dazzling universe crafted by the masterful hands of Hidetaka Miyazaki and G.R.R. Martin, but fans are currently criticizing the game’s unsteady performance, with reports indicating that the once seamlessly running game is now struggling to maintain a solid FPS rate.
User ToasterForLife shared the results of their game’s benchmark performance on 17470 frames (via Reddit), and the results range from 30.8 minimum framerate to 54.5 maximum framerate, with an average framerate of 41.6 FPS. These were the results of testing at 1440p with the highest raytracing setting on a 3060 graphics card. However, according to other users such as DrasticBread, running the game on 3070 or higher cards doesn’t fix the problem, and apparently, Elden Ring’s lack of DLSS is actually the main culprit behind this mess.
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a technology that uses AI to improve video game graphics. In practice, it takes the image being rendered at a lower resolution and uses machine learning algorithms to upscale it to a higher resolution (it’s not just resizing; it’s actually recreating the image without compromising quality). DLSS is also able to increase performance and framerate since the game is in reality rendering at a lower resolution, and usually, it works as a combo with raytracing to offset the latter’s demanding computing power.
User e-smith338 noted that the raytracing update doesn’t come with DLSS or other upscaling technology like many other titles that support raytracing (Control, Cyberpunk 2077, etc). Elden Ring, which only implements raytracing and doesn’t have DLSS, will still benefit from the improved visual quality that raytracing provides.
But as many users have suggested and experienced firsthand, the process requires more processing power current graphics cards simply can’t provide, since the game needs to render natively at 1440p. (It also seems to crash for many people unless they run it at lower resolutions first).
The problem is not limited to PC users, as it seems to extend to consoles as well, as one user noted. The update also seems to have caused more problems with buffs. User Sashwatsamaddar recorded a video of the Catch Flame spell doing no damage with the Contagious Fury power boost buff in effect, and another user, Tovar42, also confirmed that buffs were no longer applying their effects to spells or incantations. (It is unknown whether this is a glitch or an intentional move by From Software).
