Respawn Entertainment has just released Patch 9 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, addressing longstanding performance issues, particularly for PC players. Fans of single-player action games set in the Star Wars universe will be pleased to know that this update delivers much-needed optimizations, particularly for framerate stability, ray tracing improvements, and the removal of the controversial Denuvo DRM.
Framerate Stability and Ray Tracing Optimizations
A major focus of Patch 9 is on boosting framerate performance across different PC hardware configurations. Players should experience more stable framerates and fewer stuttering issues, especially in intense combat sequences or large open-world environments. Respawn has also fine-tuned ray tracing, optimizing CPU resource usage to better support high-end GPUs, which should improve the overall gameplay experience for those with advanced setups.
While these changes may not turn a budget PC into a high-end gaming rig, mid- and high-tier machines will likely notice smoother performance during gameplay. Players previously frustrated by lag spikes and erratic performance will welcome the improvements.
Improved Mouse and Keyboard Support
PC players using mouse and keyboard controls will also enjoy a more fluid experience, thanks to Patch 9’s updates. The patch resolves issues with menu navigation and mouse responsiveness, making it easier to access and use various game screens, such as the title menu and workbench. This improvement will enhance the overall user experience, especially for those relying on this control setup.
Denuvo DRM Removal: A Welcome Change for Many
One of the most notable changes in Patch 9 is the removal of Denuvo DRM, the digital rights management software that had been a point of contention for many PC gamers. Denuvo is often criticized for negatively impacting game performance by overloading system resources, resulting in slower framerates and longer load times.
While EA never directly attributed the game’s performance issues to Denuvo, its removal in this patch is a welcome move, particularly for players using older or mid-range PCs. Although it’s unclear whether this change will drastically improve performance on its own, many players are optimistic about the benefits of eliminating the controversial software.
Upcoming Console Release for PS4 and Xbox One
For those still gaming on previous-gen consoles, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is set to launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 17, priced at $49.99. Performance-wise, the game targets 1080p at 30fps on PS4 Pro and 1440p at 30fps on Xbox One X, while the base versions of both consoles will run at lower resolutions (900p for PS4 and 720p for Xbox One).
Although the gameplay remains cinematic and immersive, the graphical fidelity on last-gen systems will naturally be scaled back to accommodate hardware limitations. Extended gameplay footage showcases Cal Kestis in action across iconic locations such as Coruscant, Koboh, and Jedha, keeping the Star Wars adventure engaging, even for those on older consoles.
Key Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements
Alongside performance upgrades, Patch 9 includes several important bug fixes. Issues like players falling through elevators at low framerates and crashes occurring during NPC conversations have been addressed, making the game more stable across platforms.
One quality-of-life enhancement worth noting is the improved “Optimizing Game Files” screen, which now utilizes multiple CPU cores for faster processing. Whether navigating menus or tweaking loadouts, players should experience a smoother interface.
Conclusion: Is Patch 9 the Update Fans Have Been Waiting For?
Overall, Patch 9 marks a significant improvement for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, particularly for PC players. With smoother framerates, better ray tracing optimization, and the removal of Denuvo DRM, this update addresses many of the game’s initial shortcomings. For those who may have shelved the game due to early frustrations, now might be the time to jump back in and enjoy Cal Kestis’ journey in a galaxy far, far away—this time with fewer bugs and a more polished experience.
As Respawn continues to refine the game, it’s clear that they are committed to delivering the Star Wars experience fans have been waiting for.
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