Black Myth: WuKong performance review — Here is how the game runs on Alienware X16 R2 with Nvidia RTX 4090

In 2024, we are in the era of epic games like Elden Ring, God Of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and so on. These story-rich, graphic-heavy games have the power to take us to worlds beyond our imagination, promising an experience worth remembering. Last month, another game joined this list - Black Myth: WuKong. If you’ve ever dreamed of entering a mythical world where graphics push the boundaries of reality, this is just the adventure you’re looking for.

To truly appreciate the game’s potential, I tested it on the Alienware X16 R2 powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. Thus, armed with the power of Alienware's flagship gaming laptop, I dove deep into this action-packed universe, tweaking various settings to see how far the performance could stretch while keeping the cinematic beauty intact.

Whether you’re after flawless graphics or buttery-smooth gameplay, this review explores how the game fared against one of the most powerful gaming machines on the market. Spoiler alert: It’s a battle worth witnessing.

Performance with maxed-out graphic settings

I started by testing the game at its highest possible graphics settings, with the resolution set to 2560x1600. The configuration included super-resolution maxed out, DLSS with frame generation enabled, ray tracing off, and the graphics set to Cinematic, which is the game's highest preset.

Under these conditions, the Alienware X16 R2 delivered frame rates between 80 to 90 FPS, occasionally dipping to around 70 FPS during scenes with heavy action or complex visual effects.

This setup provided an impressively smooth gaming experience, with only minor, almost imperceptible lag in highly intense moments. The visual quality was breathtaking, with rich details and fluid animations bringing the mythical world of Wu Kong to life. Even without ray tracing, the lighting and shadows were handled excellently, offering a visually rich environment without sacrificing too much on performance.

For players who prioritise visual fidelity and are willing to accept minor performance dips during peak moments, this setting is a solid choice.

Ray-tracing enabled and its impact

To test the boundaries of the laptop’s capabilities, I enabled ray tracing while keeping all other settings the same.

This pushed the system's performance, resulting in frame rates that hovered between 50-60 FPS. The addition of ray tracing enhanced the visual effects, adding realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects that made the game’s world even more immersive. However, this came at the cost of performance.

The drop in FPS was noticeable, making the game feel slightly less responsive and less fluid, particularly in combat-heavy sequences where every frame counts.

Ray tracing undeniably enhances the game’s aesthetic appeal, but the impact on performance suggests that it might not be the best option for players who prioritise a smooth gameplay experience. For those who are more focused on cinematic visuals and are okay with lower frame rates, enabling ray tracing could still be worthwhile.

However, given the hit on performance, it might be best reserved for exploring the game world rather than for intense combat scenarios.

Exploring various DLSS modes

To find a middle ground between visuals and performance, I experimented with various DLSS quality modes. Setting DLSS to Balanced mode, which uses 55% super-resolution, yielded frame rates in the range of 60-70 FPS. This configuration struck a reasonable balance, offering decent graphics quality while keeping the gameplay smooth enough for most scenarios. However, there were still occasional drops during graphically demanding scenes, which slightly detracted from the overall fluidity.

Switching to DLSS Ultra Performance mode, with a super-resolution of 25%, drastically boosted the frame rates to between 100-120 FPS. The gameplay felt exceptionally smooth and responsive, especially during fast-paced combat and exploration. However, this setting comes with a trade-off in visual quality. Textures appeared less detailed, and some of the finer visual elements seemed a bit blurred or less defined. While the difference wasn’t drastically game-breaking, it was noticeable, especially when compared to higher DLSS settings.

After testing various settings, I found that DLSS Performance mode with a super-resolution of 50% offered the best overall experience. This setting provided a stable frame rate range of 90-100 FPS, striking a harmonious balance between high-quality visuals and smooth performance. The game ran very smoothly, with rich details and vibrant effects that fully showcased the capabilities of the Alienware X16 R2.

During intense combat scenarios, such as boss fights against formidable foes like the wolf, the game maintained its smooth performance with only minor lag. These brief interruptions were rare and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience. This setting seems to be the sweet spot, delivering excellent visuals without compromising on frame rates, making it ideal for both casual exploration and high-stakes combat.

Sound quality and immersion

Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience, and Black Myth: WuKong does not disappoint in this regard. The audio quality on the Alienware X16 R2 was excellent, with every footstep, weapon clash, and environmental sound coming through clearly.

The subtle rustling of leaves and the distinct thud of footsteps added depth to the game’s immersive world. While the clarity of the sound was impressive, the bass also deserves a special mention. If you don’t have access to your headphones or an extra set of speakers, you can still enjoy Black Myth WuKong and other games on this laptop. And that is really something.

Verdict: which configuration should you opt for?

Overall, Black Myth: WuKong performs admirably on the Alienware X16 R2 across various settings, but the ideal configuration depends on the player’s preferences for visuals versus performance. For those who value stunning graphics and can handle slightly lower frame rates, playing with super-resolution maxed, DLSS enabled, and ray tracing ‘on’ offers a visually immersive experience. However, if the goal is to achieve the smoothest gameplay possible, adjusting DLSS to Performance mode with a 50% super resolution provides the best balance between visual fidelity and frame rate stability.

The Alienware X16 R2 handles the game’s demands well, showcasing its capability to deliver high-end gaming experiences. As a powerful gaming laptop, it proves more than capable of meeting the needs of modern, graphics-intensive titles like Black Myth: WuKong. Whether you are exploring breathtaking landscapes or battling against mythical foes, this setup ensures a seamless and visually stunning journey through the world of Wu Kong.

About the Alienware X16 R2

The Alienware X16 R2 used to test this game featured an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. The laptop has a 16-inch display with 240Hz refresh rate.

I also played other games like GTA V, Horizon Forbidden West, Shadow of The Tomb Raider and Doom: Eternal on the laptop. All of these games ran splendidly on high graphic settings. I could even pause a game, return to the home screen to do some quick work, and get back to gaming on the laptop without noticing any lag or issues. For a detailed review of the Alienware X16 R2, click here.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision.