Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

DXVK

github.com

Free plan WindowsLinux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.6 #11 of 27 in Game Compatibility Layers

What it is

DXVK is a Vulkan-based translation layer for running Direct3D 8, 9, 10, and 11 applications on Linux through Wine. DXVK Native can also run without Wine and is intended for game and application ports or port bring-up. The project provides release builds and links to recent development builds through GitHub; release packages include 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Steam Play, Lutris, Bottles, and Heroic Launcher can configure DXVK automatically when enabled. An optional HUD can display frame rate, frame times, GPU load, memory use, API feature level, and shader compiler activity. On supported drivers, Graphics Pipeline Library can compile Vulkan shaders as games load Direct3D shaders, reducing or eliminating shader compilation stutter in many games. Users can configure shader caching, logging, and GPU selection through environment variables or a configuration file. DXVK is free under the zlib/libpng license and supports Linux and Windows. It requires a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver. The project warns that modifying Direct3D libraries in multiplayer games may be considered cheating and could result in an account ban.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DXVK is a Vulkan based translation layer for Direct3D 8, 9, 10 and 11 that lets 3D applications run on Linux using Wine.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The software uses the zlib/libpng license, which permits use for any purpose including commercial applications, subject to stated conditions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Architecture
Release packages include both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of DXVK.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Configuration
Users can configure DXVK with environment variables or a configuration file, including shader cache, logging and GPU selection options.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Diagnostics
An optional HUD can show frame rate, frame times, GPU load, memory use, API feature level and shader compiler activity.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The project provides release builds and links to recent development builds through its GitHub repository.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Launcher integrations
Steam Play, Lutris, Bottles and Heroic Launcher can set up DXVK automatically when enabled.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Multiplayer caution
The project warns that modifying Direct3D libraries in multiplayer games may be treated as cheating and could result in an account ban.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Native version
DXVK Native can be used without Wine and is intended for game and application ports or port bring up.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Release signing
The latest listed release is signed with the committer's verified signature.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Requirements
DXVK needs a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver for the user's hardware; the project directs users to its wiki for current driver status.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Shader compilation
On supported drivers, Graphics Pipeline Library can compile Vulkan shaders when a game loads its D3D shaders, reducing or eliminating shader compilation stutter in many games.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

DXVK Free Free software under the zlib/libpng license · Vulkan required · Linux/Wine use requires a compatible Vulkan driver Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every DXVK plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Translates Direct3D 8 through 11 using Vulkan.
  • DXVK Native can run without Wine.
  • Release packages include 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
  • Optional HUD exposes performance and shader details.
  • Several launchers can configure it automatically.

Limits

  • Requires a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver.
  • Multiplayer library changes may result in an account ban.

Who it suits

DXVK suits users running Direct3D applications on Linux through Wine, as well as developers working on game or application ports. Users need a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver and should consider the project's multiplayer-game warning.

Verdict

DXVK provides a configurable route for running supported Direct3D applications through Vulkan, with launcher setup available in several tools. Driver compatibility and multiplayer restrictions are important considerations before use.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to DXVKAll alternatives →