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Nvidia Introduces DLSS 5 to *Hogwarts Legacy* Amid Mixed Fan Reception
By Drooid · · How we work
New DLSS 5 Model Arrives in *Hogwarts Legacy*
Nvidia is adding its latest DLSS 5 neural-rendering model to *Hogwarts Legacy* and the upcoming title *Where Winds Meet*. The update follows a rollout in *NBA 2K27* that occurred roughly a month earlier. According to Nvidia’s blog, the new model runs “twice as fast” as the version tested in September and is “ten times faster” than the prototype shown at the company’s GTC 2026 event in March.
Background: Development and Prior Deployments
DLSS 5 debuted at GTC 2026, where it required two RTX 5090 GPUs to achieve a playable frame rate. Early testing in September revealed severe performance penalties at 4K resolution on a single RTX 5090, prompting Nvidia to focus on speed improvements before broader integration. The technology’s first commercial appearance arrived in *NBA 2K27*, where an update later this year introduced the faster model that now serves as the basis for the *Hogwarts Legacy* implementation.
Performance Claims and Technical Expectations
Nvidia’s statements emphasize that the new model’s speed gains enable developers to enable DLSS 5 without the “big performance hit” that characterized earlier demos. The company suggests the upgrade primarily refines lighting and subsurface scattering rather than dramatically altering character textures. However, the claim of a ten-fold speed increase remains an internal benchmark; independent testing has yet to confirm real-world frame-rate impacts on typical gaming rigs.
Community Feedback
On X (formerly Twitter), user NikTek shared a GIF comparing the game with DLSS 5 on and off, noting that the visual difference is minimal and questioning the utility of the feature given its performance cost. The divergent reactions highlight a split between players who prioritize visual fidelity and those who weigh performance considerations heavily.
Outlook and Potential Adoption
If the performance improvements continue as Nvidia projects, the modest visual enhancements may encourage additional studios to adopt DLSS 5 beyond the current two titles. The technology’s future uptake will likely depend on whether the balance between subtle image quality gains and measurable frame-rate benefits aligns with broader gamer expectations.