If Anyone's Interested, Here's How I Got Dishonored 2 (PC) Into A Playable State

[MercurySteam]

Crikey, Arkane really messed up bad this time. Don't get me wrong, the game itself is fantastic but (on PC at least) it's an unprecedented mess. But thankfully, with the power of the internet we've already got a mixed bag of solutions out there and I'm gonna share what worked for me at least and hopefully can help some of you in the process. Here we go:

Step 1: Disabled any form of AA

Step 2: Used Process Lasso to force the game's process to 'normal' priority at all times

Step 3: In Nvidia Control Panel (Manage 3D Settings>Program Settings>Dishonored 2) set the "Maximum number of pre-rendered frames" value to 1

Step 4: Avoided Alt Tabbing because even that apparently can cause the game to stutter

And there we go, those steps or at least some combination of them should get your FPS nice and stable and the order doesn't matter either. I've already posted on Reddit but I figured I'd spread the info far and wide as possible. Also if anyone has a SLI setup and wants to know to get it working (because of course a heavily customised id Tech 5 engine doesn't support it off the bat) then I will post that solution too.

Some people are saying that it's worse than Batman: Arkham Knight's release and I'm inclined to agree in the sense that while B:AK had a fucked framerate, it was at least consistently bad while Dishonored 2 framerate will be at 100FPS then drop down to 20 when you walk outside, then back up to 60 then the game will hang, etc, which will give you motion sickness in an instant.

Keen to hear feedback and results from those who need a fix so post results below. It's still a fantastic game regardless, but to many people its unplayable in its current state. Here's hoping for a patch soon!

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

Such a shame considering how beloved the first game is and how well it runs. Thanks for the tips but I didn't buy the game specifically to avoid a situation like this. Hopefully Arkane gets to patching as quickly as possible. What are your specs?

 

[MercurySteam]

What are your specs?

Intel i7 4790K
16GB DDR3 @ 1866MHz
2x Evga GTX 780 6GB

With working SLI bits it actually runs quite well on high settings at 1440p. Could definitely push the settings higher but will wait till the game is properly optimised.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

Anyways, I hope Dishonored 2 is really good because I don't think there's been a current-gen game that I'd actually rate an 8/10 or higher.

 

[Mcgeezaks]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

Anyways, I hope Dishonored 2 is really good because I don't think there's been a current-gen game that I'd actually rate an 8/10 or higher.

Why do you feel the need to turn this thread into a console vs PC discussion? Are you that insecure about your choice of platform that you need to try to justify it?

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

Anyways, I hope Dishonored 2 is really good because I don't think there's been a current-gen game that I'd actually rate an 8/10 or higher.

Why do you feel the need to turn this thread into a console vs PC discussion? Are you that insecure about your choice of platform that you need to try to justify it?

Why do PC gamers continually lie about how not so problem free PC gaming is? I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy.

I couldn't care less what platform anyone plays on. PC gamers care more about platforms than anyone else.

 

[Mcgeezaks]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

Anyways, I hope Dishonored 2 is really good because I don't think there's been a current-gen game that I'd actually rate an 8/10 or higher.

Why do you feel the need to turn this thread into a console vs PC discussion? Are you that insecure about your choice of platform that you need to try to justify it?

Why do PC gamers continually lie about how not so problem free PC gaming is? I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy.

I couldn't care less what platform anyone plays on. PC gamers care more about platforms than anyone else.

What does that have to do with anything in this thread? OP just wants to help people who got issues with a game and you see this as a chance to bash PC gamers. Dump your salty tears elsewhere, please.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

What does that have to do with anything in this thread? OP just wants to help people who got issues with a game and you see this as a chance to bash PC gamers. Dump your salty tears elsewhere, please.

I wasn't bashing PC gamers. I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy. I'm crying over buying a version of the game that works?

 

[Mcgeezaks]

What does that have to do with anything in this thread? OP just wants to help people who got issues with a game and you see this as a chance to bash PC gamers. Dump your salty tears elsewhere, please.

I wasn't bashing PC gamers. I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy. I'm crying over buying a version of the game that works?

Yes you are, you think PC gamers are a big hivemind? Are you just playing stupid? You're crying over ''PC gamers'' hypocrisy in a thread which has nothing to do with it. Like I said before, take your biased, generalizing opinions where they are relevant.

Anyway, I'm done helping you derail the topic, if you want to discuss more I'm happy to do so over PM.

 

[MercurySteam]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

No hoops? Don't forget the 9GB day one patch you'll have the pleasure of downloading to get your superior copy to work. I seriously think we've already had this decussion, but since it continues to fall on deaf ears I'll repeat myself only once. Yes PC gaming is more complicated but it's a perfect example of doing things the hard way and getting more out of it. Sure I was pissed when experiencing massive FPS drops but after an hour or so I had worked my way around it with help from fellow Ascended PCMR compatriots. I'm not saying PC gaming is perfect but essentially the XB1 and PS4 are just cheaper, shittier PCs and you could get access to 90% of the games out there with a PC and Nintendo console and nothing else.

It's well established that you're not into PC gaming - that's cool, play on whatever platform you like for whatever reasons that you see fit. But here is the last place boasting about your *cough* better platform is wanted and I don't think anyone wants to get into another platform war.

So thank for for contributing literally nothing to this thread.

Yes you are, you think PC gamers are a big hivemind? Are you just playing stupid? You're crying over ''PC gamers'' hypocrisy in a thread which has nothing to do with it. Like I said before, take your biased, generalizing opinions where they are relevant.

Don't waste time trying to argue with this guy, in other threads he talks about how much he likes computers and how involved he is with them while simultaneously bashing PC gaming as a whole; literally nothing to be gained from responding to him. I mostly do it for shits-and-gigggles.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

And this is exactly why I prefer console gaming even though I am a PC tech. I'm going to pick up Dishonored 2 for PS4 today and it's just going to work without having to jump through any hoops. I don't care that the PC version with the right tweaks (or later updates) will play and look better than the PS4 version because the time wasted trying to get to that point is not worth it. Yet in every other thread here about console vs PC, this sorta thing is always brought up and just about every PC master race gamer says it's been years since they had to take time to get a game working properly, that is always a lie.

No hoops? Don't forget the 9GB day one patch you'll have the pleasure of downloading to get your superior copy to work. I seriously think we've already had this decussion, but since it continues to fall on deaf ears I'll repeat myself only once. Yes PC gaming is more complicated but it's a perfect example of doing things the hard way and getting more out of it. Sure I was pissed when experiencing massive FPS drops but after an hour or so I had worked my way around it with help from fellow Ascended PCMR compatriots. I'm not saying PC gaming is perfect but essentially the XB1 and PS4 are just cheaper, shittier PCs and you could get access to 90% of the games out there with a PC and Nintendo console and nothing else.

It's well established that you're not into PC gaming - that's cool, play on whatever platform you like for whatever reasons that you see fit. But here is the last place boasting about your *cough* better platform is wanted and I don't think anyone wants to get into another platform war.

So thank for for contributing literally nothing to this thread.

Why would I have to download the day one patch to play the game?

Like I have said before, I'm really not a fanboy of any platform, I merely choose the one that nets me more playing time during my game time and that is all. I wouldn't even post stuff like this if it wasn't for the PC "master race" posting lies in other threads. Sorta like you saying I need to download a 9GB patch to play, which isn't true. Then you need to go on and say consoles are shittier PCs, which they've literally always been (no change in over 25 years really). Since when do slightly better graphics make a game better? It's just like that one graph on this site comparing the fun level to graphics. It's all about the games and this gen (so far) probably has the worst games of any gen yet the best graphics. I hope Dishonored 2 is great and even if it is, it won't be because of the graphics because Dishonored isn't about having great graphics.

 

[DoPo]

Like I have said before, I'm really not a fanboy of any platform

Good, so you wouldn't mind keeping on topic then.

 

[MercurySteam]

*Wall of text with nothing to do with original topic*

Look, you came in here, into this thread with a post literally beginning with " this is exactly why I prefer console gaming". At this point you're basically saying you're not going to contribute anything to the topic and are more interested in having a platform war. Frankly, I'm really not interested anymore. Take it somewhere else.

 

[mavkiel]

So, other then the performance issues, is the game good? Wondering if its a good game, or lackluster.

Yes yes, this might be in the frame of, Other then that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln.

 

[DoPo]

So, other then the performance issues, is the game good? Wondering if its a good game, or lackluster.

I want to mention that I've not had performance issues. Some hiccups but nothing on the scale others have reported. Not entirely sure why, either but there you go. Game runs at 60 FPS most of the time and does fall to 45-ish but rather rarely. I'm playing this on an GTX 970, yet I've talked to somebody with a 1060 and they apparently had rare occasions of 60 and 30-40 FPS most of the time.

Anyway, as for the actual game, so far it shapes up to be my personal game of the year. It's been a tough competition, given that XCOM 2 had been my GOTY for the entire year so far (nothing managed to surpass it) until now.

Dishonored 2 is, in many ways, like the first one but with every single thing improved. If you liked the previous game, you'll probably like this one. If you didn't like the previous game, this one might have fixed things for you.

- First big change gameplay-wise is the availability of non-lethal routes. You now have a bigger arsenal that allows you to incapacitate opponents - the sleeping darts are back, but there are also darts that make people blind, fear darts, as well as stun mines (an alternative to springrazors). In addition to the toys, you also have extra moves - a non-lethal version of the dropdown assassination, the ability to grab and choke out people while in combat, the ability to choke people who face you and the last two also combine to allow you to incapacitate a guard who just turned around and saw you, before they manage to draw out a weapon and alert others. Also, that will NOT count as "being seen". Some of the powers also have some more non-lethal usages.

- Speaking of powers, you get a bit more of them. Corvo still has the same powers, while Emily gets a different set, although with some overlap (a Blink alternative and a different Dark Vision. Passives are the same for both). There is, however, more things you can do, since most powers have multiple upgrades. Some are just a straight increase of the potency (you can affect 3 targets instead of 2, for example, or increasing range) while other upgrades widen what a power can do. For example, Corvo's Possession has additional upgrade that allows him to possess corpses or unconscious bodies. Emily gets some cool powers - my favourite is Domino - you link several people together and if you kill/incapacitate one, the same happens with the others.

- Improved enemy AI - in the previous game the guards did more than just static paths - like taking over patrol routes of somebody you've "dealt with". It wasn't that much, however, it is more than what most guards in games do. Now guards can get alerted and investigate if, say, you leave a door open (which shouldn't be open), or if a patrolling guard comes back and sees his buddy is not where they were.

- More enemies - guards now come in several tiers, so if you're an upfront assault type of person, then you'll have a larger variety of people to dispatch. There are also robotic enemies, too, which are toucher than regular dudes.

These are the improvements. A lot of the rest of the game is actually retained - you can still approach locations and situations from multiple angles, level design is still the same "city blocks" type with significant vertical exploration, you still have the chaos meter, you still have mana that works the same as it does in the previous game (powers take a large chunk but refund it in few moments), there are still bone charms (and, hey some of the old ones show up, too) including the corrupted bone charms from the DLC and so on. Instead of rats, there are now flying insects called "bloodflies" which mostly work the same way - they will only attack in groups and will show up more in a high chaos playthrough. Heck, you're even brought in by boat to assignments same as Corvo was in the previous game. Overall, from a gameplay perspective it's a straight improvement. Very little has been removed - a lot of the rest has been retained, including sound, for example, so the game feels like the previous one.

I think it's an amazing game. I've yet to finish it but I'm having a lot of fun so far. I absolutely loved the previous game and this seems like a worthy successor. There are two complaints I have about it, though: first, a really minor one, but enemy speech levels seem odd. As in, sometimes you'll be able to hear what guards are saying even if they are further away. Not a big problem, but it's just something odd - not sure if it's a bug or a feature, for real. Second, a slightly bigger problem is the pace of revealing information. So far, it seems that things that were kept a bit vague or revealed slowly from the previous game are outright stated immediately in the beginning. The story approach seems to be following this - characters seem to reveal a bit more information compared to the previous game. I like that aspect of "mystery" from the first Dishonored, so I classify this as a bit of a problem. How much of of a problem it is over all, I don't know - I'll have to play a bit more. Still, I don't think it's something that would be a big strike against the game - merely noteworthy.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

*Wall of text with nothing to do with original topic*

Look, you came in here, into this thread with a post literally beginning with " this is exactly why I prefer console gaming". At this point you're basically saying you're not going to contribute anything to the topic and are more interested in having a platform war. Frankly, I'm really not interested anymore. Take it somewhere else.

I think platform wars are completely stupid. I only came here to point out the lying by the PC master race on this forum. I wouldn't have posted shit here if I didn't constantly read that consoles are shit PCs and PCs can do everything a console can and better in every possible way in every thread about PC vs consoles. There's like one on-topic post in this whole thread, looks like no one really cared anyways. Just creating a general Dishonored 2 thread would've been better or you couldn't just posted your post in a reply to one of the news stories about Dishonored 2's PC issues.

 

[Fox12]

No, this is pro-consumer! It's the game reviewers who are wrong!

 

[distortedreality]

No performance problems, has been tough putting the game down, and I am enjoying it immensely.

I'm not certain the bugs/performance issues are as widespread as people think - this isn't a Bethesda made game.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

*Wall of text with nothing to do with original topic*

Look, you came in here, into this thread with a post literally beginning with " this is exactly why I prefer console gaming". At this point you're basically saying you're not going to contribute anything to the topic and are more interested in having a platform war. Frankly, I'm really not interested anymore. Take it somewhere else.

I think platform wars are completely stupid. I only came here to point out the lying by the PC master race on this forum. I wouldn't have posted shit here if I didn't constantly read that consoles are shit PCs and PCs can do everything a console can and better in every possible way in every thread about PC vs consoles. There's like one on-topic post in this whole thread, looks like no one really cared anyways. Just creating a general Dishonored 2 thread would've been better or you couldn't just posted your post in a reply to one of the news stories about Dishonored 2's PC issues.

The fact remains that you came into this thread and were immediately antagonistic in a situation that really didn't call for it. OP did not name this thread "COME DISCUSS THE FAR SUPERIOR PC VERSION OF DISHONORED 2 AND ENJOY MAKING JOKES ABOUT THE CONSOLE PEASANTS AND THEIR SHAMEFUL WAYS". He simply made a thread that condensed some suggestions for improving Dishonored 2 performance on PC that you can find sprinkled around the internet in various news articles and forum posts.

What other PC players have or have not said in other threads has no bearing on a sensible discussion of performance in this one. Multiple people have asked you to drop it at this point and I'll be the latest. I hope you enjoyed getting some pleasure out of the fact that other people are disappointed in a rough new release they were looking forward to.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Why would people buy what is clearly a substandard product? This is why the 1-day review policy is so dangerous...it covers up this shit until it's too late. Stop pre-ordering or buying these games on release day. In the absence of honest and unbiased information *prior* to release, publishers can and will get away with this shit. They take your money and give you lemons. Wait until the issues are fixed to your satisfaction, don't encourage this behaviour any more by supporting anti-consumer review policies.