Unfortunately, that compilation process can cause annoying stutter.

What Are Shaders?

Shaders are computer programs that help determine various aspects of rendered graphics.

Elden Ring Screenshot of a Battle Scene with a knight on horseback fighting a dragon.

FROM Software

Pixel shaders, for example, calculate the attributes of a pixel.

This includes the color, brightness, reflectivity, or transparency of that pixel.

What Is Shader Compilation?

So, for example, you might compile your code to run on an Intel CPU orApple Silicon.

The same thing is necessary for a GPU.

The shader code must be compiled to run on the specific GPU brand and model in question.

Why Do Some PC Games Have Shader Compilation Stutter?

In some games, compiling shaders in the background interferes with the game itself,causing a visible stutter.

The computer is working too hard at compiling the shaders to execute the game smoothly.

Specifically, these stutters become an issue when running a game underDirectX 12.

Why Don’t Consoles Have Shader Compilation Stutter?

Shader compilation stutter is a problem that’s completely absent from consoles like thePS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Related:What Is a GPU?

What Can You Do About Compilation Stutter?

Unfortunately, most of the time, the developers have to fix shader compilation problems.

The good news is that they’ll eventually get a handle on the process.

Until then, the#stutterstrugglewill remain an irritating issue in PC gaming.

Related:Why Do My Games Look Worse With VRR?