Crytek has released two free upgrade packages for Crysis 2, updates that will boost the game’s graphical performance in both DirectX 9 and 11 modes, and introduce such features as hardware-based tessellation.
Crysis 2 players interested in the upgrade will first have to patch the game to version 1.9 (136MB), before installing the DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade (545MB), and Hi-Res Texture Pack (1.65GB). The texture pack is meant for systems with a 64-bit operating system and a GPU with more than 768MB of video memory. Patch v1.9 should update automatically once you start the game while connected to the internet, otherwise you can download it from the link below.
New graphics features introduced for CryEngine 3 with the DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade include Hardware Tessellation and Displacement Mapping, Parallax Occlusion Mapping, Hardware-based Occlusion Culling, HDR motion blur and post-processing, Improved Tone Mapping, Improved Water Rendering, Interactive Water, Realistic Shadows with Variable Penumbra, Particle Motion Blur and Shadows, Custom Shape Based Bokeh Depth of Field, and Real-time Screen Space Directional Occlusion (contact shadows) on top of the already present SSAO.
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Those who’ve been following updates to other game engines, will note that the latest update to the Unreal Engine 3 also had many of the features introduced here, such as improved reflections, shadows, and Bokeh-based Depth of Field effects.
A new and more complete advanced graphic menu has been added in-game. Also promised, is improved multi-GPU support, which makes us worry about single-card owners like ourselves.
Check out a short video detailing the new features, below, along with download links to the updates and patch.
Patch 1.9 – 136MB
DirectX 11 Ultra Upgrade – 545MB
High Resolution Texture Pack – 1.65GB