The video compares Star Citizen’s PTU 4.2 update with Vulkan to the current live 4.1.1 version, highlighting notable improvements in performance, visual quality, and stability, with Vulkan showing enhanced graphics and reduced stuttering. The creator is impressed with Vulkan’s progress, noting that it often outperforms the live version even in crowded scenes, and expresses optimism for future updates and full integration into the live game.
In the video, the creator compares the performance and visual quality of Vulkan in Star Citizen’s PTU 4.2 update with the current live 4.1.1 version. Contrary to expectations that PTU would perform worse, the creator finds that Vulkan in 4.2 shows notable improvements, with crisper images and better overall performance. The comparison highlights enhancements such as improved cloud visuals and reduced stuttering, indicating that the developers have integrated features from Squadron 42 into the PTU, leading to a more optimized experience.
The creator notes that Vulkan in 4.2 is less CPU-bound, allowing for greater GPU utilization and smoother gameplay. While some bugs remain, such as low FPS during quantum drives on PTU, these are expected to be fixed before the update goes live. Interestingly, in some scenarios, the PTU version outperforms the live version, with FPS being higher or comparable, even in crowded server conditions. This demonstrates that the Vulkan upgrade is making significant progress in improving performance, even in test environments with server limitations.
Visual quality differences are also discussed, with the creator pointing out that the PTU version offers more vibrant and brighter colors, especially with white paint schemes. They use reshade to enhance image crispness and color vibrancy further, which improves the overall visual experience. The comparison extends into hangar environments, where the PTU’s graphics appear darker and less vibrant on the live version, but the FPS remains high and stable across both versions, thanks to frame capping and hardware capabilities.
Throughout the video, the creator emphasizes how impressed they are with Vulkan’s development, noting the high FPS in crowded scenes with numerous NPCs, which previously would have been challenging. They highlight that both versions perform well, with the PTU sometimes surpassing the live build in FPS, especially in less populated areas. The overall impression is that Vulkan is steadily transforming Star Citizen into a more visually appealing and smoother experience, with significant improvements on the horizon.
In conclusion, the creator invites viewers to share their opinions on Vulkan’s progress and whether they think it is better than the previous graphics API. They express optimism about the future of Star Citizen’s performance and visuals, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for further comparisons once Vulkan is fully integrated into the live game. The video ends with a call to action to subscribe, like, and share, as the creator looks forward to more updates and improvements in the game’s ongoing development.