About DXMT

What Is DXMT?

DXMT is a graphics translation layer that converts DirectX 11 graphics calls into Apple Metal API calls. Because macOS does not support DirectX directly, Windows games need a process that translates graphics commands into a form macOS can handle. Bob-Ddong-Iri-Hoyo uses a DXMT-centered setup to handle the DirectX 11 execution paths for Eternal Return and HoYoverse games.

Why Use DXMT?

There are two main reasons for using DXMT.

1. Lower Call Overhead

Approaches such as DXVK, which translate DirectX calls into Vulkan, also exist. However, macOS does not provide Vulkan as a native graphics API, so an additional layer may be required to translate Vulkan calls back into Metal. This structure can be less favorable in terms of call overhead and performance. By contrast, DXMT aims to connect DirectX 11 commands to Metal more directly. This is one of the reasons this project is centered on DXMT.

2. It Is Open Source and Modifiable

DXMT is open source, so its code can be modified to fit the needs of this project. The green flashes and broken effects that appear in some environments may be caused by certain values passed to Apple’s graphics driver. To reduce those issues, values that may cause problems need to be adjusted to a safe range before they reach the graphics driver. A custom DXMT build can filter potentially problematic values inside the DXMT code and replace them with safer values.

DXVK is also open source and can be modified, but because it routes through Vulkan as described above, it is not this project’s preferred option. GPTK is not open source, so it cannot be modified in the same way.

DirectX 11 -> Metal

Role in the Launcher

When you create a Bottle in the launcher, you also choose the DXMT version. The selected DXMT is used as the graphics translation path for games running inside that Bottle. Different games may require different DXMT versions or options, so when an issue occurs, it is useful to check the DXMT version and launch options together with the Wine version. Currently, only one DXMT build is provided, so users do not need to choose among DXMT versions.

Limitations

DXMT does not make every DirectX game run automatically. Compatibility can vary depending on the DirectX features, shaders, anti-cheat systems, and launcher structure used by each game.

Bob-Ddong-Iri-Hoyo primarily targets Eternal Return and HoYoverse games. Even if DXMT works with another game, that does not mean the game is officially supported.