Recently we looked into the graphics settings and display modes typically used by RuneScape players, and some of the results surprised us. As you may know, there are three main display modes: DirectX, OpenGL and Software Mode (also known as SSE). Generally, DirectX and OpenGL provide the best performance by far.
What surprised us was that almost half of all players use Software Mode!
Display mode by percentage of players
This stood out to us, because most users are likely to get the best performance while using DirectX. Let’s look at what the best settings are:
Windows PC + Dedicated Graphics: Use DirectX
If you’re playing on a Windows PC with a dedicated graphics card, then you will almost certainly benefit from playing in DirectX display mode.
We found that switching to DirectX display mode can typically improve your frame rate by 4 to 14 frames per second compared to Software Mode and by around 3 to 13 frames per second compared to OpenGL. You can see a typical example below.
Average frames per second by display mode, 2.6 Ghz CPU
Windows PC, Integrated Graphics: Use DirectX or Software Mode
If you’re playing on a Windows PC with integrated graphics, or a PC over five years old you are still likely to benefit from moving to DirectX too, but it depends on your hardware. We recommend you try DirectX, but if you get poor performance, you should switch to Software Mode and compare. You may also find that DirectX mode is preferable with some specific graphics options turned off - see below.
Linux or Mac: Use OpenGL
If you’re playing on Linux or Mac, then your best option is to use OpenGL. You’ll almost certainly see an improvement in frame rate over Software Mode: typically around 5 frames per second. Note that in some versions of OSX it's best to use our downloadable client rather than your browser.
Balancing Frame Rate and Graphics Settings
If you’re running a powerful i5 or i7 with an awesome dedicated graphics card – great! I hope you’re enjoying RuneScape at 1920x1080 resolution with all settings maxed. However, if you are using a computer not intended for high-end gaming, that’s fine too. There are several ways to better balance visual quality vs frame rate.
First of all, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. Then, you can check out the table below to see which options will make the most difference to your frame rate. You can turn these and many other settings on/off in-game by choosing ‘Custom’ from the display mode options. Why not experiment to see which gives you the best improvement?
| Option | Setting | FPS Gain* |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX Character Shadows Particles Bloom |
Turn Off From Medium to Low Turn Off |
Up to 14 Up to 12 Up to 12 |
| OpenGL Particles Character Shadows Flickering |
From Medium to Low Turn Off Turn Off |
Up to 18 Up to 14 Up to 13 |
| Software Mode Texturing |
Turn Off |
Up to 15 |
*Please note that these are only potential FPS gains, dependent on your hardware and other settings, and that they will not apply cumulatively.
Further Help
If you’d like more information about changing your display mode or customising your graphics settings, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides in our Tech Support Wiki and helpful FMods and PMods over in our Tech Support Forums. We also produce RuneScape Tech Support videos on our Official Jagex Support page over on YouTube to help you make changes step-by-step.
Useful links
- How to Change Your Display Mode to DirectX.
- How to Update Your Graphics Drivers
- View and Improve Your Frame Rate in RuneScape
- Official Jagex Support
- RuneScape Technical Support Forums
- RuneScape Technical Support Wiki
- RuneScape Recommended Specs
- Download the RuneScape Game Client
The RuneScape Team
Discuss this here.