Which Games Have Built-in Benchmarks?
Many games include built-in benchmark tools, offering a convenient way to test your system's performance and tweak settings for optimal gameplay. These benchmarks aren't always explicitly labeled as such; sometimes they're integrated into graphics or performance settings menus. The purpose is to give you a quantifiable measure of your FPS (frames per second), allowing you to adjust your in-game settings to balance visual fidelity with a smooth gaming experience. Let's explore some examples, categorized for clarity.
AAA Titles with Integrated Benchmarks
Several high-profile AAA games offer built-in benchmark tests, often providing detailed results and options for customized testing scenarios:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: This title features a dedicated benchmark tool that lets you run tests at different resolutions and quality settings, providing a comprehensive performance overview. This is a particularly good example of a well-implemented benchmark tool within a AAA game.
- Metro Exodus: The Metro series has consistently included robust benchmark tools, giving players a clear picture of their system’s capabilities in handling the game’s demanding visuals. Results are usually displayed graphically, making them easy to understand.
- Far Cry Series (various): Certain entries in the Far Cry franchise have included integrated benchmarks. While the exact implementation might differ between games, the goal remains consistent: allowing players to test performance before committing to gameplay. Check the options menu of specific Far Cry games you own.
- Total War: Warhammer III (and other Total War games): This strategy game, along with others in the Total War series, often incorporates built-in benchmarks for testing performance, especially useful given the complexity of the battles.
- Other Examples: While less common, keep an eye out for benchmarks in other demanding games; developers are increasingly recognizing the value of including these tools. Always check the game's options menu or settings.
Games with In-Game Performance Metrics (Implied Benchmarks)
While not always dedicated benchmarks, many games provide real-time performance feedback like FPS counters, which can function as an informal benchmark. Observing your FPS during intense gameplay segments can help gauge your system’s capabilities. This is less precise than dedicated benchmark tools but still useful for optimization.
- Most Modern Games: A growing number of games allow you to display your FPS counter in-game. Activating this feature and observing its fluctuation during gameplay gives you an idea of performance and where bottlenecks may be occurring. Check your in-game video settings.
- Games with Graphics Settings: Changing your graphics settings and observing the change in FPS is, in effect, a rudimentary form of benchmarking.
How to Find Built-in Benchmarks
The location of built-in benchmarks varies depending on the game. The most common places to look are:
- Options Menu: Look under "Graphics," "Video," "Performance," or "Settings."
- Benchmark Mode: Some games have a dedicated "Benchmark" option.
- Game Launcher: Some game launchers may have a built-in benchmarking utility.
Why Use Built-in Benchmarks?
Using built-in benchmarks offers several advantages:
- Accurate Results: These tools are tailored to the specific game engine and assets, providing more relevant data than generic benchmarking tools.
- Ease of Use: They are readily accessible within the game, eliminating the need for external software.
- Optimized Settings: The results help in choosing appropriate graphics settings to balance visual quality and performance.
In conclusion, while not every game includes dedicated benchmark tools, many offer either explicit benchmarks or in-game performance indicators. Always check the options menus of your games to explore this capability. Remember that benchmarks can help you optimize settings for the best possible gaming experience!
