Before installing

Shader Model 6.6 Requirement

Official API requirement

The PC version requires DirectX 12 with Shader Model 6.6 or higher in addition to a hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU.

DirectXVersion 12
Shader Model6.6+
Hardware RTRequired
Legacy DX modeNot announced

What the official evidence confirms

Steam states all three requirements together. A graphics card reporting DirectX 12 at a broad feature level does not automatically prove the driver and hardware expose Shader Model 6.6.

Why this matters to a player

This check is most useful for older GPUs and unusual driver environments. It explains why a card can support some DirectX 12 software yet remain outside the published minimum.

What remains unconfirmed

No DirectX 11 fallback, launch flag, software ray-tracing fallback, Linux compatibility layer or unsupported-hardware bypass is promised.

Practical next step

Use the operating system’s diagnostic tools and GPU vendor information to verify the actual model and current driver; do not rely only on the DirectX version label.

Verification checklist

  1. Use the operating system’s diagnostic tools and GPU vendor information to verify the actual model and current driver; do not rely only on the DirectX version label.
  2. Keep the confirmed store or publisher wording separate from assumptions based on earlier Ace Combat games.
  3. Recheck the linked primary source when a new trailer, store update, review build or launch patch changes the available evidence.

Shader Model 6.6 Requirement FAQ

What is confirmed about Shader Model 6.6 Requirement?

The PC version requires DirectX 12 with Shader Model 6.6 or higher in addition to a hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU.

Does this page include final launch values?

Only the listed facts are confirmed. No DirectX 11 fallback, launch flag, software ray-tracing fallback, Linux compatibility layer or unsupported-hardware bypass is promised.