DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT PC Update Brings Intel® XeSS 1.1 and DualSense Edge Support
Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed title, DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT, continues to captivate players with its unique blend of narrative-driven gameplay and innovative mechanics. Since its release, the game has maintained a steady player base, currently averaging around 2,543 active players on PC. The latest update, released recently on Steam, introduces significant technical enhancements and new controller support that promise to elevate the overall gaming experience.
Introducing Intel® XeSS 1.1 – Enhanced Visual Fidelity and Stability
One of the standout features of this update is the integration of Intel® Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) version 1.1. XeSS is Intel’s cutting-edge AI-driven upscaling technology designed to boost frame rates and improve image quality without the heavy performance cost typically associated with high-resolution rendering. This technology is particularly beneficial for players who want to experience DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT in stunning 4K or on high-refresh-rate monitors while maintaining smooth gameplay.
The update specifically brings improved temporal stability for XeSS DP4a and XMX models. Temporal stability refers to the consistency of image quality over time, which is crucial in reducing distracting visual artifacts such as ghosting, moiré patterns, and flickering. These issues can detract from immersion, especially in a game like DEATH STRANDING, where environmental details and atmospheric effects play a pivotal role in storytelling and player engagement.
By addressing these visual artifacts, XeSS 1.1 ensures that players enjoy a cleaner and more stable image, enhancing the already breathtaking landscapes and intricate details that Kojima Productions is known for. This update makes the game more accessible to a wider range of hardware configurations, allowing players with Intel’s latest graphics technologies to maximize their performance without compromising on visual quality.
DualSense Edge Controller Support – A New Way to Experience DEATH STRANDING
Alongside the graphical improvements, the update also introduces official support for Sony’s DualSense Edge controller on PC. The DualSense Edge is Sony’s premium, customizable version of the DualSense controller originally designed for the PlayStation 5. It features swappable thumbsticks, back buttons, adjustable trigger stops, and customizable profiles, offering players a high degree of control over their gameplay experience.
For DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT players, this means enhanced immersion through the controller’s advanced haptics and adaptive trigger features, which can replicate the tactile sensations of traversing rugged terrain, handling equipment, or engaging in combat. The DualSense Edge support brings the tactile feedback and responsiveness that fans loved on the PS5 version directly to the PC platform.
However, there are a few important notes for players looking to take full advantage of this new feature. To unlock the full functionality of the DualSense Edge controller, players must disable Steam Input and connect their controller via a USB-C cable. This requirement ensures that the controller’s advanced features communicate correctly with the game, providing the intended immersive experience.
Current Player Base and Community Response
With an average player count of 2,543 on PC, DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT maintains a dedicated community eager for new content and improvements. The recent update has been met with enthusiasm, particularly among players who prioritize graphical fidelity and controller customization.
Community forums and social media channels have seen positive feedback regarding the XeSS 1.1 implementation, with many players reporting smoother visuals and fewer distracting artifacts during gameplay. Meanwhile, DualSense Edge users have praised the enhanced immersion and control options, noting that the update brings the PC experience closer to the polished feel of the console version.
Some users have also shared tips on how to optimize settings for the best performance with XeSS and how to configure the DualSense Edge controller profiles to suit different playstyles. This active community engagement helps foster a supportive environment for both newcomers and veterans of the game.
How to Update and Optimize Your Experience
Players interested in experiencing these new features should ensure their game is updated to the latest version on Steam. The update is available now and installs automatically for most users. For those who want to use the DualSense Edge controller, remember to:
- Disable Steam Input for the controller within Steam’s settings.
- Connect the DualSense Edge via a USB-C cable to the PC.
- Configure controller profiles as desired to customize button mapping and sensitivity.
For XeSS users, it’s recommended to check your graphics settings and enable XeSS in the game’s video options. Experimenting with the different XeSS models (DP4a or XMX) can help you find the best balance between performance and visual quality for your specific hardware setup.
Looking Forward
With this update, Kojima Productions and the porting team demonstrate their commitment to refining DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT on PC, ensuring it remains a visually stunning and immersive experience. As the game continues to evolve, players can expect further enhancements and support that leverage the latest technologies and hardware innovations.
Whether you’re a returning porter or a new arrival to the world of DEATH STRANDING, the latest update offers compelling reasons to dive back into the hauntingly beautiful landscapes and complex narrative that have made this title a modern classic.