DXVK
What it is
DXVK is a Vulkan-based translation layer that enables Direct3D 8, 9, 10, and 11 applications to run 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 links release and recent development builds through GitHub, with release packages for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Steam Play, Lutris, Bottles, and Heroic Launcher can configure DXVK automatically when enabled. An optional HUD can show 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 while a game loads its Direct3D shaders, reducing or eliminating shader-compilation stutter in many games. Configuration through environment variables or a file covers shader caching, logging, and GPU selection. DXVK is free under the zlib/libpng license, which permits commercial use subject to its conditions. It requires a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver. The project warns that modifying Direct3D libraries in multiplayer games may be considered cheating and could lead to an account ban.
For and against
For
- Translates Direct3D 8 through 11 using Vulkan.
- Release packages include 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
- Several launchers can configure it automatically.
- Free license permits commercial use subject to conditions.
Against
- Requires a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver.
- Changing libraries in multiplayer games could risk an account ban.
The verdict
DXVK provides a translation path for Direct3D applications on Linux through Wine, with Native use also available for ports. Vulkan driver support is required, and modifying libraries in multiplayer games carries a stated account-ban risk.
Who it suits
DXVK may suit Linux users running Direct3D applications through Wine, as well as developers working on game or application ports. Users need a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver and should consider the multiplayer warning before changing libraries.
Plans and prices
DXVK
Free software under the zlib/libpng license · Vulkan required · Linux/Wine use requires a compatible Vulkan driver
Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Architecture
- Release packages include both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of DXVK.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- Users can configure DXVK with environment variables or a configuration file, including shader cache, logging and GPU selection options.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Diagnostics
- An optional HUD can show frame rate, frame times, GPU load, memory use, API feature level and shader compiler activity.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- The project provides release builds and links to recent development builds through its GitHub repository.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Launcher integrations
- Steam Play, Lutris, Bottles and Heroic Launcher can set up DXVK automatically when enabled.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- License
- The software uses the zlib/libpng license, which permits use for any purpose including commercial applications, subject to stated conditions.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Multiplayer caution
- The project warns that modifying Direct3D libraries in multiplayer games may be treated as cheating and could result in an account ban.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Native version
- DXVK Native can be used without Wine and is intended for game and application ports or port bring up.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- DXVK is a Vulkan based translation layer for Direct3D 8, 9, 10 and 11 that lets 3D applications run on Linux using Wine.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Release signing
- The latest listed release is signed with the committer's verified signature.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Requirements
- DXVK needs a sufficiently recent Vulkan driver for the user's hardware; the project directs users to its wiki for current driver status.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- 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.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
