DirectX options in Steam launch window???

[huynhthi870]

Hi, what is up with the multiple launch options in Steam and their effects on the game?

1) Play Sid Meiers's Civ V
2) Sid Meiers Civ 5 (DirectX 9)

if I choose option 1 then another screen comes up and offers me (redundantly) to select to play using DirectX 9 OR DirectX 10 & 11 (RECOMMENDED).

If I choose "DirectX 10 & 11 (RECOMMENDED)" then it appears to me that the game does not display as well as it does on DirectX 9 (the water tyles for example are much better under DirectX 9.

Why the options? and why do at least some things appear better under 9?

[NolanDarwin]

You may be able to find a solution for reinstalling DirectX.
You can also check the integrity of the game files in steam.
Either there is a problem in the system.

[BanditGaming]

I also had this problem when I was a total newb to PCs. I didn't know that time how precious were DirectX to gaming.

[EPW]

I would like to purchase this DirectX of which you speak so highly of.

[davidson02]

DirectX seems interesting! Is there a free trial for this? drywall systems

[arlensurrealistic]

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[davidson02]

Your subscription will be worth it. Columbus Drywall Pros

[davidson02]

Your subscription will be worth it.

Best regards.
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[Ethan Walker]

Steam's multiple launch options for Sid Meier's Civilization V are primarily there to ensure compatibility with a wide range of hardware. Paramount Asphalt Sealcoating

[davidson02]

DirectX options in the Steam launch window is the best detail for us, and it provides us with the solutions we need. When I got the manicured hedges services I saw the solutions to the problems I am facing. It is good to have such posts with the best details.

That's cool! drywaller

[WillyHH]

I've been searching for information on this for a while, and this thread nailed it. Great job! Northwest Concrete

[AmorScott]

💿 The Two Launch Options Explained


When you launch Civ V from Steam and see:

1. Play Sid Meier’s Civilization V
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (DirectX 9)

— both ultimately let you choose between DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 & 11.
The first option just opens the Civ V launcher, which then gives you the same two choices again (hence the redundancy).
The second option skips the launcher entirely and starts the DirectX 9 version right away.

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⚙️ Why the Two Versions Exist


When Civ V was released in 2010, DirectX 11 was still relatively new. The game included two separate rendering paths:

• DirectX 9 → for older hardware and operating systems (like Windows XP at the time).
• DirectX 10/11 → for newer GPUs supporting modern rendering features (tessellation, better shadows, ambient occlusion, etc.).

So the multiple launch options were meant to ensure compatibility across a wide range of systems.

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🌊 Why DX9 Sometimes Looks Better


You’re not imagining things — in some cases, DirectX 9 actually renders water and lighting effects more vividly or differently. That’s because:

• The shader implementation in DX9 and DX11 are not identical; Firaxis tuned them separately.
• Some DX11 effects (like enhanced anti-aliasing or softer lighting) can make textures appear more subdued or “flatter.”
• Depending on your GPU, the DX11 renderer might apply different texture filtering or water reflections that look less crisp.

In short: DX11 aimed for realism and performance scaling, but many players still prefer the slightly more stylized look of DX9.

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🧭 Recommendation


If your system runs both versions fine:

• Stick with DirectX 9 if you prefer the sharper visuals and consistent water textures.
• Use DirectX 10 & 11 if you’re running on newer hardware and want potentially smoother performance and better multi-core optimization.

Both versions play exactly the same — it’s just a matter of graphics style and GPU compatibility.
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