RuneScape’s Vulkan open beta starts September 7 on Windows

RuneScape is moving closer to a new rendering backend, with a Vulkan open beta set to begin on Windows on September 7 as part of the game’s September engine update. The beta will be optional at first, giving players a way to test the new renderer before it becomes the default option later on.

The game currently uses OpenGL, an older graphics API that Jagex says is becoming harder to support long term. Vulkan is meant to replace it with better multi-threading support, lower CPU overhead, and access to newer GPU features. In plain terms, the studio is hoping for a smoother client now and more room for graphics upgrades later.

The most noticeable early benefit should be improved streaming performance. Not livestreaming, but how the client loads and unloads world data while players move around Gielinor. Jagex says Vulkan should help cut down on loading hitches and stutter, an issue RuneScape players have run into for years.

OpenGL isn’t going away immediately. Once Vulkan is stable enough to become the default renderer, OpenGL will remain as a compatibility fallback for devices that can’t use Vulkan. The rollout is starting on Windows first, with Android planned after the desktop version. Apple platforms are expected to follow later through a Vulkan-to-Metal translation layer.

Players will be able to opt into the beta through the Graphics Mode setting in the startup options menu by switching it to “Vulkan.” After changing the setting, the client needs to be restarted so the launcher can download the Vulkan build.

Further reading: Official RuneScape TekTalk