Unleashing Ys X: Nordics' True Potential - A Modder's Triumph

In a remarkable feat of optimization, Durante, a seasoned modder and the current CTO of PC port developer PH3 Games, has demonstrated the true potential of the seafaring action JRPG Ys X: Nordics. By meticulously optimizing the game's performance, Durante was able to take a CPU-intensive scene that initially ran at 106 FPS and push it all the way up to an astounding 314 FPS, without the need for any frame smoothing or "Frame Generation" techniques.

Unlocking the Power of Ys X: Nordics on PC

Overcoming Early Challenges

The journey to optimizing Ys X: Nordics for PC began with a pre-Version 0.1 port that struggled to run on AMD GPUs, managing less than 5 FPS due to specific DirectX 11 memory issues. However, the PH3 Games team was able to address this problem before even reaching the working 0.1 version, laying the groundwork for the impressive performance gains that followed.

Iterative Optimization Approach

Durante's optimization process for Ys X: Nordics was a methodical and incremental one. Starting with a base performance of 106 FPS in the most CPU-intensive Balta Island scene, the team focused on low-hanging fruit, which alone raised the FPS to 181. Subsequent refinements in Version 0.8 further increased the performance to 231 FPS, and two more updates brought it up to 293 and finally 314 FPS.

Unlocking Hidden Potential

The optimization journey was not just about raw performance numbers; it also involved improving the overall visual quality and fluidity of the game. One notable optimization was the removal of a console-specific optimization that had lowered the animation FPS of distant characters, providing a significant boost to the PC port's overall smoothness.

Careful Sequencing and Challenges

Durante emphasizes the importance of a careful optimization sequence, as the more optimized the software becomes, the more challenging it is to make further improvements. The team saved the most complex optimizations, such as CPU parallelization and GPU query/input optimizations, for the final stages, ensuring a well-rounded and highly performant PC port.

Implications for the Industry

The success of Durante's optimization efforts serves as a shining example for major studios shipping PC ports, such as Square Enix with its notoriously underperforming Final Fantasy XVI. While modders have stepped up to address such issues, the onus should not fall on unpaid enthusiasts to fix games being sold for money on PC. Developers should take note of the practices demonstrated by PH3 Games and strive to deliver high-quality, well-optimized PC experiences from the outset.

Experiencing Ys X: Nordics on PC

The final release of Ys X: Nordics, with its impressive performance gains, seems to have delivered a highly enjoyable and fluid gaming experience. Interested players can try the game for themselves by downloading the free demo available on all platforms, including Steam, and witness the results of Durante's optimization efforts firsthand.In conclusion, the story of Durante's optimization journey with Ys X: Nordics serves as a testament to the power of dedicated modders and developers in unlocking the true potential of PC gaming. By employing a meticulous and iterative approach, they have set a new standard for PC port optimization, inspiring others in the industry to follow suit and deliver exceptional experiences for PC gamers.