Bethesda is preparing to introduce Nvidia’s graphics upscaling technology, DLSS, to its highly anticipated game Starfield. However, before the official implementation, the company is seeking assistance from the PC gaming community through an opt-in beta test on Steam.
According to Bethesda, the next update of Starfield will support DLSS with frame generation, along with display and HDR controls for compatible systems. This update is expected to include DLSS 3, or potentially DLSS 3.5, depending on the version Nvidia has developed by then.
The absence of DLSS support in Starfield had been a concern even before the game’s release, leading AMD, the game’s “exclusive PC partner,” to reassure that it would fully support Bethesda if they decided to incorporate Nvidia’s technology. However, modders took matters into their own hands and quickly added unofficial DLSS support to the game, showcasing the significant performance improvements it could bring to Nvidia GPUs on gaming PCs.
The stock version of Starfield, before the addition of DLSS, faced performance issues for players using Intel and Nvidia GPUs. Digital Foundry’s Alexander Battaglia highlighted the abnormal discrepancy between AMD GPUs and their Intel and Nvidia counterparts. While the game did support AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2), Bethesda acknowledged in a subsequent post that an upgrade to FSR 3 with AMD’s frame generation technology would have to wait for a future update.
Besides DLSS support, Bethesda has also promised other fixes for Starfield. These include an FOV slider and support for 32:9 ultrawide monitors. With the beta test set to begin next week, players will have the opportunity to experience these updates before they become available for everyone on Xbox and PC.
For those who purchased Starfield on Steam, expressing interest in joining the beta is possible by navigating to the game in their Steam library and accessing its settings through the gear icon. In the properties menu, a “betas” section should appear with a drop-down box displaying available choices for beta participation.
The inclusion of Nvidia’s DLSS technology in Starfield will undoubtedly enhance the visual experience for players, particularly those with Nvidia graphics cards. DLSS’s upscaling capabilities have been praised by gamers and developers alike for their ability to improve performance without sacrificing image quality. Bethesda’s decision to involve the PC gaming community in the beta test reflects their commitment to delivering the best possible experience for players and addressing the concerns raised regarding DLSS support. With further updates and fixes on the horizon, Starfield is poised to offer an even more immersive and optimized gaming experience for fans of the genre.