D9VK

D9VK: Run DirectX 9 Games on Linux with Vulkan

A software library for running DirectX 9 games and applications on Linux, utilizing the Vulkan API instead of OpenGL or DirectX 9.

What is D9VK?

D9VK is an open-source software library that works as a translation layer between DirectX 9 and Vulkan graphics APIs. It allows DirectX 9 games and applications designed for Windows to run on Linux using Wine/Proton with improved performance and efficiency.

By translating DirectX 9 calls to the modern Vulkan API, D9VK eliminates the overhead and bottlenecks of OpenGL and DirectX 9. This results in significant performance gains and improved compatibility for running DirectX 9 games on Linux.

Some of the key benefits of D9VK include:

• Higher frame rates and reduced stuttering in DirectX 9 games on Linux.
• Lower CPU usage by offloading work to the GPU drivers.
• Support for modern GPU features like asynchronous compute through Vulkan.
• Compatibility with a wider range of DirectX 9 era games.

D9VK works by intercepting DirectX 9 calls made by games and applications running in Wine or Proton, translating them into equivalent Vulkan code, and passing the calls to the GPU drivers. The Vulkan commands can then leverage modern graphics hardware more efficiently for improved performance.

Overall, D9VK is a major boon for gaming on Linux, providing considerably enhanced DirectX 9 support and making many older Windows games run extremely well on Linux using Wine/Proton.

D9VK Features

Official Links