DLSS Swapper Trick Lets AMD RDNA4 GPUs Run FSR 4 Anywhere
Modder have found a way to activate FSR 4 in games that only support FSR 3.1. Thanks to DLSS Swapper, all owners of an RDNA4 GPU from AMD can now use the improved image quality – without any official update.
FSR 4 comes to all FSR 3.1 games
Owners of the new AMD RDNA4 GPUs no longer have to wait for game developers to integrate FSR 4 into their titles. Modder have found a way to bring the latest version of AMDS Fidelityfx Super Resolution to games that have only supported FSR 3.1 so far. The key is in the manual exchange of DLL files-a method that Nvidia users have been using for DLSS updates for years.
FSR 4 represents significant progress towards its predecessor. While FSR 3.1 still rely on traditional algorithms, FSR 4 uses AI acceleration for the image improvement for the first time. This technology enables stricter details and reduces artifacts that could occur in previous versions. The new version also supports improved frame generation techniques, which should ensure more fluid gaming experiences.
The community was discovered around the popular tool for the community DLSS Swapper on X. After AMD accidentally had the complete source code of FSR 4 leaked last week, it became possible to extract the required FSR 4 files and integrate them into existing games. The process works similarly to DLSS upgrades: three specific DLL files from the SDK have to be copied to the game directory and one of them renamed.
Simple exchange with great effect
The procedure requires the files “amd_fidelityfx_framegeneration_dx12.dll”, “amd_fidelityfx_loader_dx12.dll” and “amd_fidelityfx_upscaler_dx12.dll” from the FSR SDK 2.0. The loader file must be renamed “amd_fidelityfx_dx12.dll” before all three files are copied into the game directory. The original FSR 3.1 files must be removed because both versions cannot work at the same time. Using DLSS Swapper, the specifically required steps are the following:
- DLSS Swapper Download and install
- The latest Fidelityfx SDK Download from AMD
- Unzip the archive into a new folder
- Navigate to the “kits fidelityfx signedbin “
- “amd_fidelityfx_upscaler_dx12.dll” rename into “amd_fidelityfx_dx12.dll”
- Start DLSS Swapper, click on the “Library” symbol and select “FSR 3.1 DirectX 12” above
- Click on the “Import” button on top
- Navigate to the folder in which the newly named file “amd_fidelityfx_dx12.dll” is located
- Now version 4.0.2.44888 should be displayed in the list of FSR options
The Optiscal tool can also change the FSR version. However, the process is different. First tests with DLSS Swapper show promising results. A user was able to successfully activate FSR 4.0.2 in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which was clearly shown in the graphics settings of the game. The image quality improved noticeably, especially when displaying fine details and reducing flickers in moving scenes.
Technical backgrounds and compatibility
However, the technology only works with RDNA4 graphics cards such as the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, since FSR 4 rely on AI acceleration. The new GPUs have special AI accelerators that are required for the complex calculations of the machine learning algorithms. Older Radeon cards automatically fall back to FSR 3.1.5, even if the FSR 4 files are installed.
Technically speaking, the DLL exchange is a modification and can lead to instabilities. Nevertheless, this method has been working reliably with Nvidia GPUs and DLSS for five years. However, users report occasional crashes or graphics errors, especially in games that are not fully compatible. Linux users have reported additional problems with activation, even with supported hardware.
Outlook for official solutions
In the future, AMD plans to integrate an override system into its adrenaline software, similar to Nvidia, which automatically activates FSR 4 in supported games. This function is intended to make manual installation superfluous and at the same time ensure stability. Until the introduction of this official solution, Manual DLL exchange remains the only way to use FSR 4 in non-supported titles.
The community solution once again shows how committed users can overcome technical restrictions. While game developers often need months or years to implement new technologies, modder manages to make these functions available within a few weeks.
