As of April 2026, Resident Evil 3 (2020) maintains a specialized DirectX 11 (dx11_non-rt) version as a permanent beta branch on
CPU-Limited Systems
: If you have a lower-end processor, DirectX 12 may actually deliver better system performance due to its more efficient handling of multi-core tasks.
- Right-click Resident Evil 3 in your Steam library.
- Select Properties > General.
- In the "Launch Options" box, type:
-force-d3d11 - Close the window and launch the game. The opening splash screen will no longer show "DirectX 12."
For the uninitiated, this search query signals a growing movement among PC gamers. It is no longer just about launching the game; it is about how you launch it. With the introduction of the RE Engine 's aggressive Ray Tracing update in 2022, many players found their older (or even mid-range) GPUs struggling to maintain 60 FPS. The solution? Reverting to a "new" and optimized way of using DirectX 11.
- DX11: 58 FPS
- DX12: 41 FPS
Step B: Ray Generation
For every pixel, cast 4-8 low-noise rays in a hemisphere oriented around the pixel's normal vector.
- Over-the-shoulder action – More like RE2 remake than the original’s fixed cameras.
- Nemesis is terrifying at first, but scripted chases reduce his unpredictability.
- Cut content – No clock tower exploration, fewer puzzles, missing live-selection choices.
- Added content – Longer hospital defense section, expanded Carlos gameplay, more cinematic boss fights.