GAME · BORDERLANDS 2 · DXVK 3.1.1 · UNTESTED BY US
Borderlands 2 with DXVK: setup and built-in fixes
How we checked this
- EXE
- Borderlands2.exe · Binaries\Win32 (reported)
- Bitness
- 32-bit → x32
- API
- D3D9
x32/d3d9.dll- DXVK
- 3.1.1 (untested)
- Built-in profile
- d3d9.lenientClear = True, d3d9.supportDFFormats = False, d3d9.floatEmulation = Strict
Install
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Download DXVK from GitHub
Use the official release page only, and check the hash with the verifier on the download page.Check: You have dxvk-3.1.1.tar.gz.
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Open the x32 folder
Borderlands 2 is reported to be a 32-bit game, so you need thex32folder. DLLs of the wrong bitness do nothing and give no error (F05).Check: You see d3d9.dll.
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Copy d3d9.dll next to the game's .exe
A Direct3D 9 game needs onlyd3d9.dll(F38). Put it in Binaries\Win32, beside Borderlands2.exe.Check: d3d9.dll sit beside Borderlands2.exe.
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Start the game and check
DXVK writes<exe>_d3d9.lognext to the game on Windows (F13). Turning on the HUD is the other check; see the HUD guide.Check: A log file appears next to the .exe.
To undo it, delete the DLLs you copied (F12): see the uninstall guide. The general steps, with the checklist and warnings, are on the Windows install page.
People often put the DLL in the game’s root folder. For this game the program is reported to be in the Binaries\Win32 subfolder, so check where Borderlands2.exe actually is (the Game Checker finds it) and copy beside it.
What DXVK already fixes in Borderlands 2
DXVK’s profile matches Borderlands2.exe:
| Option | Value | What the option does (upstream comment, our words) |
|---|---|---|
| d3d9.lenientClear | True | Use the fast full-target clear path when a clear covers nearly the whole render target. |
| d3d9.supportDFFormats | False | Expose AMD/Intel vendor DF depth formats; ignored on (or when spoofing) Nvidia. |
| d3d9.floatEmulation | Strict | How D3D9 'anything times zero = zero' float behaviour is emulated: True = fast approximation, Strict = exact but slower, False = off, Auto = DXVK decides. |
No rows match.
Our research brief reads the strict float emulation as the fix for missing lava in one area, the Vault of the Warrior; we did not confirm the source comment and did not run the game. Release notes name Borderlands 2 in 2.5.2 and 3.0. The profile applies automatically when the exe name matches, so you do not need a dxvk.conf for it. For the first Borderlands, DXVK has a smaller profile (d3d9.lenientClear = True) for Borderlands.exe.
PhysX with DXVK
Borderlands 2 can use NVIDIA PhysX. DXVK can report NVIDIA GPUs as AMD to some games (dxgi.hideNvidiaGpu and d3d9.hideNvidiaGpu, see GPU selection), and our research brief says the Borderlands 2 profile does not set that at 3.1.1. Whether the PhysX setting stays available with DXVK, on NVIDIA or AMD, is untested by us. Do not expect GPU PhysX on an AMD card with or without DXVK.
The Pre-Sequel and Borderlands Enhanced
The brief says the Pre-Sequel has its own profile (BorderlandsPreSequel.exe, d3d9.lenientClear). That profile is not in our extract, and we did not verify the Pre-Sequel’s or the Enhanced Edition’s graphics API, so we give no DLLs for them. Check with the Game Checker.
Co-op and online
Remove DXVK
Delete the DLL from Binaries\Win32 (F12).
What we have not tested
- Any run of the game: FPS, stutter and crashes are unmeasured, so we make no speed claim.
- What the built-in settings change on screen, including the lava report.
- PhysX with DXVK on NVIDIA or AMD.
- The Pre-Sequel and the Enhanced Edition: APIs and profiles unverified.
- Co-op and anti-cheat behaviour.
Check your own copy
The Game Checker reads your .exe on your device and tells you its bitness and Direct3D version. Our checker also flags files in the game folder that use the same name as DXVK’s DLLs.
Questions people ask
Does DXVK work with Borderlands 2?
It is reported to be a 32-bit Direct3D 9 game, which DXVK handles. DXVK has a built-in profile for it and the release notes name it in 2.5.2 and 3.0. We have not run it.
Where does d3d9.dll go for Borderlands 2?
Beside Borderlands2.exe, reported to be in Binaries\Win32, not the root folder.
What does DXVK's Borderlands 2 profile set?
Three Direct3D 9 options: d3d9.lenientClear = True, d3d9.supportDFFormats = False and d3d9.floatEmulation = Strict. They apply automatically.
Does PhysX still work with DXVK?
We have not tested it. GPU PhysX needs NVIDIA hardware regardless.
Is it safe for co-op?
We know of no anti-cheat but have not verified it. Replacing graphics DLLs can look like cheating; stay offline unless you have checked.
Sources
- DXVK source: built-in profiles (config.cpp at v3.1.1) · accessed 2026-11-07
- DXVK releases (2.5.2 and 3.0 notes) · accessed 2026-11-07
- DXVK README at v3.1.1 · accessed 2026-11-07