'Doom' News & Update: Latest Patch Brings Unbelievable Boost; 35 Percent Speed & First-Ever Vulkan Graphics Support For PCs

Popular PC game "Doom" is getting a lot of boost from its latest update. Reports state that the new patch, which came out in May, has a Vulkan API and it has made the game a lot more visually stunning to play. There are also no sacrifice to the game's performance with the new graphics update.

Bethesda's software expert Robert Duffy states in a blog post that the Vulkan feature will have gamers noticing how "Doom" runs better and smoother this time around, thus delivering a better gaming experience. "The game just feels amazing running that fast," he writes.

'Doom' Vulkan API Delivers Stable And Better Performance

Duffy added that testing the API on "Doom" has effectively demonstrated how stable it is, aside from performing really well. Eurogamer notes that the Vulkan update makes better use of multicore CPUs and provides "big improvements for Radeon hardware," which many "Doom" players actually use. PC Games N reports that the Vulkan patch replaces OpenGL.The site attests that the update has indeed improved the performance of "Doom" on the PC to as much as 35 percent.

Doom's Vulkan patch is a PC game-changer. DF tests the code and talks tech with id software. https://t.co/NZr0Si5I3A pic.twitter.com/SChTe5DkpX

— Eurogamer.net (@eurogamer) July 13, 2016

'Doom' Vulkan API Is Only An Option

The patch support has been released via Steam and "Doom" players will be given the option to either use OpenGL or Vulkan once it is installed. Players will also have the option to revert back to OpenGL if needed. "Doom" players will also have to download an upgrade to their drivers for Nvidia or AMD.

However, PC Games N also notes that the Vulkan patch might work a lot better on an AMD drive. A technical officer said that Vulkan has "roots with AMD's Mantle technology," and thus gives gamers "real benefits," especially if they make use of different hardware. Eurogamer  has provides a side by side comparison of performance and improvements using Vulkan against Open GL.

As it is, "Doom" is already running well with its current system. However, gamers should be pleased that there is another option. For additional technical details on the Vulkan patch, check out Bethesda's game FAQ. For AMD users, the site also provides a guide for "Doom" players choosing to go with Vulkan.