The recent release of “Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle” has generated buzz due to its high system requirements, raising questions about compatibility with less powerful PCs. Testing various setups with Nvidia GPUs revealed that while the game demands significant resources for optimal performance, it still runs well on mid-range cards. Comparisons with “STALKER 2” showed similar performance trends, and effective temperature management during gameplay highlighted Nvidia’s advancements in GPU technology.
The recently released Indiana Jones game marks a long-awaited return and has sparked considerable discussion. The reason behind this buzz is its hefty recommended system requirements, which cast doubt on its compatibility with more modest gaming setups.
So, what’s the verdict now that the excitement has settled? Does this game genuinely demand cutting-edge hardware for optimal performance? Or can players embark on adventures with Indy, uncovering treasures and battling foes, even with slightly less powerful PCs?
To uncover the truth, we tested the game across various setups featuring the latest Nvidia GPUs. We experimented with different resolutions, enabled Ray and Path Tracing, and activated DLSS. For a comprehensive analysis, we also pitted these GPUs against another demanding title: STALKER 2. The findings turned out to be quite intriguing and somewhat reassuring.
Why Are Indiana Jones and STALKER 2 Challenging the Limits of Most PCs?
The high resource demands of these two games can be attributed to their technical requirements, though they stem from different origins.
The unveiling of the recommended specs for Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle raised eyebrows due to the significant prerequisites necessary for an enjoyable gaming experience, despite its operation on a modified id Tech 7 engine (the same used in Doom Eternal), which is known for its efficiency and ability to lighten the system’s load.
So, why does a game built on this engine require such heavy resources? The answer lies in the developers’ commitment to visual excellence. The extensive visual effects push the GPUs to their limits, resulting in breathtaking graphics once the game is running. Elements like particles, lighting, textures, and reflections combine to make Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle a visual feast.
On the other hand, the challenges posed by STALKER 2 are more rooted in its game engine, Unreal Engine 5. This engine is naturally demanding, especially when developers fully harness its capabilities. Technologies like Lumen, Nanite, and others enable stunning visuals and realistic physics, but this comes with a cost.
Performance of the RTX 40 Series in Indiana Jones and STALKER 2
Is Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle as taxing as it appears? To assess this, we launched the game using several RTX 40 series GPUs (excluding the RTX 4090, which handles such tasks effortlessly).
These GPUs were paired with a robust test setup (AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 64 GB RAM, Samsung 990 Pro SSD) to eliminate bottlenecks and fully unleash the GPUs’ capabilities.
We activated DLSS 3 in quality mode and utilized Frame Generation, two crucial tools for reducing the workload and enhancing performance. The results were not just reassuring but quite remarkable.
Benchmark Results: Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle
The entry-level Nvidia RTX 4060 performs admirably at 1080p resolution, achieving an average of 117.6 frames per second on Ultra settings. Although it doesn’t leverage the full spectrum of graphical effects, it maintains smooth gameplay, proving itself as a valuable option for budget-conscious gamers.
The RTX 4060 Ti impresses further, delivering well over 60 fps (76.1) at Ultra settings with medium Path Tracing, still at 1080p.
The RTX 4070 and 4070 Super excel at 2K resolution, managing 84.9 and 97.6 frames per second, respectively, with medium Path Tracing and Ultra detail.
As anticipated, the higher-end models shine, with the RTX 4070 Ti Super achieving 93 fps at 1440p with high Path Tracing and Supreme detail settings. The RTX 4080 mirrors this performance, reaching 93.1 fps with full Path Tracing enabled.
Performance Insights: STALKER 2
Testing on STALKER 2 yielded results consistent with those from Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle. The RTX 4060 supports decent gameplay at 1080p with Epic detail settings, while the RTX 4060 Ti provides a performance boost to approximately 91.7 fps.
At 1440p, the 4070 models perform comfortably, with the RTX 4070 at 89.3 fps, the RTX 4070 Super at 100.1 fps, and the RTX 4070 Ti Super achieving 110.6 fps.
As expected, the RTX 4080 Super tops the charts with an impressive average of 127.1 fps at 1440p on Epic detail settings.
Temperature Management During Gameplay
An unexpected yet delightful finding from our tests was the effective temperature management. In electronics, component temperature is crucial, as overheating can severely hinder performance.
Throughout our tests, whether on Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle or STALKER 2, temperatures remained comfortably between 55 and 66 degrees (notably for the RTX 4070 Ti Super). This is particularly impressive given the demanding nature of these games, highlighting Nvidia’s prowess in GPU design and thermal management.
Why Choose an RTX 40 Series GPU for Your Gaming Setup?
This raises an important question: why should you consider integrating a 40 series RTX into your gaming rig? The straightforward answer is that Nvidia’s expertise in GPU technology is currently unparalleled. The manufacturer excels not only in crafting powerful hardware capable of handling intensive workloads (for both gaming and applications) but also in developing software that enhances performance.
Ray Tracing and Path Tracing have revolutionized graphical rendering in video games, pushing the medium further into photorealism. However, it is DLSS that truly sets Nvidia apart. With its latest iteration, alongside Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction, GPUs have made significant strides in managing demanding tasks.
Moreover, Nvidia is dedicated to ongoing improvement, constantly refining its applications and incorporating new technologies into its ecosystem. The ultimate goal? To elevate the gaming experience and deliver an increasingly sophisticated and immersive journey for players.