Diablo 3 secretly got DirectX 11 support and it looks gorgeous

20 November 2016
Diablo reaper

When Blizzard rolled out a new version of Diablo 3 to its public test realm (PTR), it snuck in several graphics upgrades with the gameplay changes it announced.

Where previously there was just a checkbox to enable anti-aliasing, there is now a dropdown, as well as a box to enable SSAO, or screen space ambient occlusion.

With the new graphical options cranked to maximum, there is a marked difference. Everything looks crisper.

A comparison makes non-PTR Diablo 3 look downright blurry. Click on the images below to enlarge them.

For a side-by-side comparison, check out two comparisons posted on Imgsli with a character in town, and in a combat zone.


In town: Bastion’s Keep Stronghold (DX11 PTR)

Diablo 3 SSAO 2.4.3 PTR


In town: Bastion’s Keep Stronghold (DX9 Pre–2.4.3)

Diablo 3


Zoomed in town (DX11 PTR)

Diablo 3 SSAO 2.4.3 PTR


Zoomed in town (DX9 Pre–2.4.3)

Diablo 3


In zone (DX11 PTR)

Diablo 3 SSAO 2.4.3 PTR


In zone (DX9 Pre–2.4.3)

Diablo 3


In combat (DX11 PTR)

Diablo 3 SSAO 2.4.3 PTR


In combat (DX9 Pre–2.4.3)

Diablo 3


New Diablo 3 graphics options

diablo-3-2-4-3-graphics-options

diablo-3-2-4-3-graphics-options-msaa


Video comparing Diablo 3 “Live” to Diablo 3 PTR


Now read: Diablo 3 gets a new class in Rise of the Necromancer

You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.
  1. prodigyX360
    21.11.2016 at 06:17

    “In town” and “in a combat zone” links are identical

Read now

The best gaming website in South Africa
MyGaming proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to [email protected] Contact the Press Council on 011 4843612.