Guide to Updating the Stalker 2 DLSS Version on Your PC

Stalker 2, like many other titles powered by Unreal Engine 5, utilizes advanced upscaling technologies to enhance performance on PC. To achieve optimal framerates, players are encouraged to leverage options such as DLSS, FSR, or XeSS, even on high-performance systems. The game ships with DLSS version 3.7.0.0 by default, but players can easily upgrade to DLSS version 3.8.10 to gain minor enhancements regarding both performance and image quality. This guide will walk you through the process of updating DLSS for Stalker 2.

How to Update the DLSS Version in Stalker 2

Updating the DLSS version for the PC release of Stalker 2 can be accomplished in two main ways: through manual replacement of the DLL file or by employing the DLSS Swapper utility. While performance boosts may vary by scene, user feedback suggests noticeable improvements, particularly with distant objects. To illustrate these enhancements, here’s a comparison showcasing the visual upgrades.

Manual Update of the DLSS Version

To manually update DLSS in Stalker 2, follow these steps:

Visit TechPowerUp and download the most current DLSS version (3.8.10 at the time of writing).
Extract the downloaded zip file into the following directory where Stalker 2 is installed:

\Engine\Plugins\Marketplace\DLSS\Binaries\ThirdParty\Win64

Replace the existing DLL file named nvngx_dlss.dll with the new file you downloaded.
To confirm the upgrade, right-click on nvngx_dlss.dll, select Properties, and check the Details tab for the version number next to File version.

DLSS Version Screenshot — Image courtesy of Prima Games

After completing these steps, the next time you launch Stalker 2, it should now run with the updated DLSS version 3.8.10.

Using the DLSS Swapper Utility

If you prefer a more streamlined approach, the DLSS Swapper utility simplifies the process of switching DLSS versions. Here’s how to use it:

Download the latest version from GitHub and install it.
Open DLSS Swapper; the tool will automatically scan your game library to identify titles currently utilizing DLSS, including Stalker 2.
Select the Library icon on the left to download the newest DLSS DLL (3.8.10).
Navigate to the Games tab, locate Stalker 2, and select the new version (3.8.10) from the available options.
Finally, click the Swap button to update the DLL file.

DLSS Swapper Screenshot — Image courtesy of Prima Games

In the event that Stalker 2 does not appear in the DLSS Swapper, try the refresh button or revert to the manual update method described earlier. One of the advantages of using DLSS Swapper is the ability to revert to an earlier DLSS version if needed.

For users looking to customize their DLSS experience further, DLSSTweaks is another useful utility, although not strictly necessary for Stalker 2.

Feedback from numerous players indicates that upgrading to the latest DLSS version yields improved game stability, along with noticeable enhancements in image quality. Keep in mind that there are also additional methods to enhance your Stalker 2 gameplay by adjusting settings such as shader compilation, mouse smoothing, vignette effects, and field of view limits.

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