Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes—many modern PCs can run Metro Exodus, but the edition matters. The standard release can start on a 64-bit Windows 7/8/10 PC with a Core i5-4440-class processor, 8 GB of RAM and a GTX 670/GTX 1050 or Radeon HD 7870-class GPU. The PC Enhanced Edition is a separate target: it requires a ray-tracing-capable Nvidia RTX or AMD RX graphics card, plus Windows 10 RS5 (build 1809) or newer and DirectX 12 for its RTX features.
Use the standard edition on a system without hardware ray tracing. On supported hardware, start with the official 720p low-quality fallback, then raise resolution and effects one change at a time while running the built-in benchmark. No published requirements table guarantees one frame rate for every GPU, resolution and preset.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Standard and Enhanced Edition are different PC targets
Metro Exodus has two materially different PC releases. The standard edition supports older DirectX 11 hardware and is the correct choice when a computer does not have a ray-tracing-capable GPU. The PC Enhanced Edition is built around hardware-accelerated ray tracing; its requirement is not simply a faster version of the standard minimum. PLAION states that the Enhanced Edition requires an Nvidia RTX or AMD RX GPU.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Enhanced Edition was announced as a free upgrade for owners and adds ray-tracing improvements, 60 FPS support, field-of-view options and DLSS 2.0. Those features do not turn a non-RTX or non-RX card into compatible hardware. Install and launch the edition that matches the graphics hardware, operating-system and DirectX conditions listed below.
#1 Best Overall
- System Compatibility Note: 2.5‑slot card measuring 303 mm (L) x 131 mm (W) x 45 mm (H); requires a single 8‑pin power connector and a recommended 550W power supply. Please verify chassis clearance and power supply capacity before purchase.
- Dedicated Support: Please contact us directly through Amazon for any product questions or assistance you may require.
- AMD RDNA 3 Architecture with AI & Ray Tracing Acceleration: Powered by 32 RDNA 3 Compute Units featuring 3rd Gen Ray Tracing Accelerators and 2nd Gen AI Accelerators, delivering lifelike lighting, shadows, and superior machine learning performance for enhanced gaming and content creation.
- Powerful 1080p & 1440p Gaming Engine: Features a max boost clock of up to 2695 MHz, a game clock of 2280 MHz, and 2048 stream processors, ensuring outstanding frame rates in the latest titles.
- 8GB High‑Speed GDDR6 Memory: Equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128‑bit interface running at 18 Gbps, delivering up to 288 GB/s bandwidth for high‑resolution textures and demanding game workloads.
Metro Exodus standard PC requirements
These are the published requirements for the standard release. “Minimum” means the listed configuration is the entry point for running the game; it is not a promise of a particular frame rate, image quality or resolution.
| Tier | Operating system | Processor | Memory | Graphics card | VRAM | DirectX | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 64-bit Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 | Intel Core i5-4440 or equivalent | 8 GB RAM | GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 | 2 GB | DirectX 11 | 59 GB available |
| Recommended | Windows 10 | Intel Core i7-4770K or equivalent | 8 GB RAM | GeForce GTX 1070, GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD RX Vega 56 | 8 GB | DirectX 12 | 59 GB available |
The figures above come from PLAION’s published requirements and the Epic Games Store listing. The GPU examples indicate a performance class, not a guarantee that every card with a similar name will behave identically. Laptop versions, older drivers, thermal limits and slower CPUs can change the result.
What the minimum tier really means
A GTX 670, GTX 1050 or Radeon HD 7870-class card is enough to target a playable baseline with conservative settings, but the minimum tier is best treated as a low-resolution starting point. The listed 2 GB of VRAM leaves little headroom for high textures or high output resolutions. If the game stutters while average FPS looks acceptable, VRAM pressure, background applications or streaming from a slow drive may be involved.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What the recommended tier changes
The recommended examples move to a Core i7-4770K-class CPU and GPUs such as the GTX 1070, RTX 2060 or RX Vega 56, with 8 GB of VRAM and DirectX 12. This is a stronger target for higher settings and resolutions, but it still does not establish a universal 60 FPS result. Metro Exodus can be limited by either the processor or graphics card depending on the scene and settings.
Rank #2
- Enhanced Performance: The RTX 2060 Super delivers exceptional gaming performance with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock speed of up to 1650 MHz. It efficiently handles modern gaming titles at high settings, making it ideal for gamers seeking an immersive experience.
- Real-Time Ray Tracing: Equipped with Turing architecture, the RTX 2060 Super supports real-time ray tracing technology. This feature allows for realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections, enhancing visual fidelity in supported games and applications.
- VR Ready: The RTX 2060 Super is optimized for virtual reality (VR) experiences, providing low-latency and high-performance rendering. Gamers can enjoy an immersive VR environment with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay.
- DLSS Support: The graphics card supports Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which utilizes AI rendering to produce sharp images and increase frame rates without compromising quality. This technology ensures smoother gameplay, particularly at higher resolutions.
- Multiple Display Outputs**: With support for up to three displays, the RTX 2060 Super offers versatile connectivity options. It includes DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b outputs, enabling multi-monitor setups for enhanced productivity or gaming immersion.
Enhanced Edition requirements and ray tracing
PLAION’s requirement is explicit: “Enhanced Edition requires Nvidia RTX or AMD RX GPU.” In practical terms, the graphics card must provide the hardware ray-tracing capability expected by the Enhanced build. A standard GTX 670, GTX 1050 or Radeon HD 7870-class card therefore belongs with the standard release, not the Enhanced Edition.
Epic’s FAQ adds an operating-system requirement for RTX features: Windows 10 RS5, build 1809, or newer, and DirectX 12. A compatible GPU alone is not enough if the installation is on an older Windows build or configured for DirectX 11. Update Windows and select the DirectX 12 path before troubleshooting an RTX option that is unavailable.
The cited Enhanced Edition notes do not publish a separate complete CPU, RAM, VRAM and storage table. Do not treat the standard edition’s minimum numbers as a guaranteed Enhanced Edition specification. The known hard gates are the ray-tracing-capable Nvidia RTX or AMD RX GPU and the Windows 10 RS5-or-newer/DirectX 12 condition for RTX features.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to check whether your PC can run Metro Exodus
- Identify the edition. Decide whether you intend to install the standard release or PC Enhanced Edition. If the graphics card is not a qualifying RTX or RX model, choose standard.
- Check Windows architecture and build. Confirm that Windows is 64-bit. Enhanced RTX features require Windows 10 build 1809 or newer; a current supported Windows installation avoids that compatibility failure.
- Record the CPU model and installed RAM. Compare the processor with the Core i5-4440 minimum or Core i7-4770K recommended class. Both published standard tiers specify 8 GB of RAM.
- Check the exact GPU and VRAM. Compare the card, not just the brand family, with the listed GTX, RTX or Radeon examples. Epic’s table specifies 2 GB VRAM at minimum and 8 GB at recommended for the standard requirements.
- Verify DirectX support. DirectX 11 is the standard minimum path; the recommended standard configuration lists DirectX 12. Enhanced RTX features require DirectX 12.
- Reserve storage. Keep at least 59 GB available for the standard release. Leave additional free space for updates and the operating system rather than filling the drive completely.
If your CPU, GPU or VRAM falls below the minimum examples, the game may still launch in some configurations, but the official table does not promise acceptable performance below that tier. If you meet the recommended examples, regard that as a stronger starting point, not a frame-rate guarantee.
Rank #3
- System Compatibility Note: This 2‑slot card measures 249 mm (L) x 132 mm (W) x 41 mm (H) and requires a single 8‑pin power connector. Please verify available chassis clearance and ensure your power supply is rated for a recommended 550W before purchase.
- Dedicated Support: Please contact us directly through Amazon for any product questions or assistance you may require.
- Next‑Gen AMD RDNA 4 Architecture: Powered by the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU with 32 Compute Units featuring 3rd Gen Ray Tracing and 2nd Gen AI Accelerators, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming and AI‑enhanced performance.
- Blazing‑Fast Engine Clock: Delivers a boost clock of up to 3290 MHz and a game clock of 2700 MHz out of the box, providing the raw power for smooth, high‑framerate gameplay.
- 16GB GDDR6 Memory on 128‑Bit Bus: Equipped with 16GB of high‑speed GDDR6 memory running at 20 Gbps, offering ample capacity and bandwidth for modern game textures and creative applications.
Start with the official safe-mode profile
When the game crashes, runs inconsistently or produces unacceptable frame times, use the official fallback profile before experimenting. It is deliberately conservative and gives you a known baseline.
| Setting | Safe-mode value | Why start here |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 (720p) | Reduces the number of pixels the GPU must render. |
| Quality preset | Low | Removes the broadest collection of expensive effects at once. |
| Tessellation | Off | Reduces additional geometric detail. |
| Ray tracing | Off | Avoids the largest Enhanced Edition GPU cost while diagnosing performance. |
| DLSS | Off | Creates a neutral baseline before testing reconstruction. |
| Shading rate | 1 | Uses the baseline internal rendering rate. |
| DirectX | DX11 | Provides the standard compatibility path. |
| HairWorks | Off | Removes a discrete visual effect that can consume GPU time. |
| Advanced PhysX | Off | Removes an additional simulation workload. |
These values are the official safe-mode baseline. They are not a universal “best settings” preset: a faster system should raise image quality after confirming stability, while a borderline system may need to keep several of them.
Performance tuning workflow
1. Set resolution before fine visual adjustments
Run the baseline at 720p first. If frame delivery is still unstable, reduce the rendering load before turning down individual effects. Resolution and shading rate affect the amount of work every frame requires, so they are usually more consequential than a small texture or detail adjustment. Once frame pacing is stable, move to 900p, 1080p or a higher target appropriate to the monitor and GPU.
2. Pick the rendering API that matches the edition
Use DX11 as the compatibility baseline for the standard release. The recommended standard configuration lists DX12, and Enhanced RTX features require DX12. If DX12 produces crashes or unusual behavior on a system that otherwise meets the standard requirements, return to DX11 for the standard edition and test again; do not expect RTX features to work in that mode.
Rank #4
- Axial-tech fans now feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
- 2.5-slot design allows for greater build compatibility while maintaining cooling performance
- Dual-ball fan bearings last up to twice as long as standard conventional sleeve bearings designs
- 0dB technology lets you enjoy light gaming in relative silence
3. Test ray tracing separately
On Enhanced Edition, first establish performance with ray tracing disabled. Then enable ray tracing and benchmark again. This isolates the cost of the feature and shows whether the GPU has enough headroom for the desired resolution. A system that is smooth without ray tracing may need a lower resolution, lower shading rate or upscaling once ray tracing is enabled.
4. Use DLSS only where supported
DLSS is available on supported RTX hardware. NVIDIA reported a 2× performance boost at 4K with DLSS 2.0 enabled on GeForce RTX in its 2021 results. That is a vendor-reported result under NVIDIA’s test conditions, not a universal promise for every RTX card, game scene or preset. Measure your own frame rate and frame-time consistency after enabling it.
5. Disable expensive effects in a sensible order
If performance drops, turn off ray tracing, tessellation, HairWorks and Advanced PhysX first, matching the official fallback profile. Test after each major change so you know which option helped. Exact gains vary by GPU, CPU, driver and scene; the list is a troubleshooting order, not a fixed benchmark ranking.
6. Run the built-in benchmark after each major change
Use the game’s performance test after changing resolution, API, ray tracing, DLSS or several effects together. The official patch notes refer to this performance test and to fixes for benchmark behavior. Record the same settings and resolution for each run. The cited official sources do not provide a complete current FPS table for every GPU, so your benchmark is more useful than copying a single number from another system.
Best Value
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors: The all-new Ampere SM brings 2X the FP32 throughput and improved power efficiency.
- 2nd Generation RT Cores: Experience 2X the throughput of 1st gen RT Cores, plus concurrent RT and shading for a whole new level of ray-tracing performance.
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores: Get up to 2X the throughput with structural sparsity and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. These cores deliver a massive boost in game performance and all-new AI capabilities.
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure.
- OC Mode : 1500 MHz (Boost Clock)/Default Mode : 1470 MHz (Boost Clock)
Choosing a target resolution and frame rate
The official Steam announcement describes the 4A Engine as scalable to entry-level hardware while allowing enthusiasts to push current video cards toward 4K/60 FPS with Extreme settings. Read that as a range of intended targets, not a guarantee for a particular card.
| Goal | Starting approach | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Reliable play on near-minimum hardware | 720p, Low, DX11, ray tracing off, shading rate 1 | Frame-time spikes, VRAM use and CPU saturation |
| Balanced 1080p system | Begin at the safe profile, raise resolution, then quality and selected effects | Whether the GPU remains near full load without exhausting VRAM |
| Ray-traced play | Enhanced Edition, DX12, ray tracing tested independently, DLSS on supported RTX hardware | GPU headroom and frame pacing after reconstruction |
| 4K/60 enthusiast target | High-end current GPU, aggressive testing of ray tracing, DLSS and Extreme settings | 60 FPS is a target to verify, not an official guarantee |
Common failure modes and fixes
The Enhanced Edition will not launch or ray tracing is missing
- Confirm that the GPU is an Nvidia RTX or AMD RX model with hardware ray-tracing support.
- Update to Windows 10 RS5 (build 1809) or newer and use DirectX 12 for RTX features.
- If the PC lacks qualifying hardware, install or launch the standard edition instead.
Performance is poor immediately after installation
- Apply the official safe-mode values: 720p, Low, tessellation off, ray tracing off, DLSS off, shading rate 1, DX11, HairWorks off and Advanced PhysX off.
- Close background applications and verify that the game is using the intended discrete GPU rather than an integrated adapter.
- Run the built-in benchmark, then change one major setting at a time.
Average FPS looks acceptable but the game stutters
- Check VRAM against the 2 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended figures for the standard release.
- Lower resolution or shading rate before increasing visual effects.
- Compare benchmark runs with the same settings and watch for CPU-limit behavior in busy scenes.
DX12 behaves worse than DX11 on a standard system
DX12 is listed in the recommended standard configuration, but the published requirements do not promise identical behavior on every PC. Test DX11 as the compatibility baseline, keep the API that produces more consistent frame times, and reserve DX12 as a requirement for Enhanced RTX features.
What the requirements do—and do not—tell you
The requirements establish hardware classes, operating-system support, memory, DirectX paths and storage. They do not establish a current FPS chart for every GPU, resolution and preset. They also do not account for laptop power limits, driver revisions, thermal throttling, background workloads or monitor refresh rate. Use the tables to decide which edition and starting profile fit your PC, then use the benchmark to make the final settings decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
