Overview
DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling, version 4) is NVIDIA's AI upscaling and frame-generation solution supported in Neverness to Everness on PC. The integration combines two technologies: AI-powered upscaling that reconstructs target-resolution images from lower-resolution renders, and Multi-Frame Generation that inserts AI-generated frames between rendered frames for higher perceived smoothness.
DLSS 4 is the recommended performance feature for PC players running the game with path tracing enabled. Path tracing is the most computationally expensive lighting mode in the game; DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation makes it practical to run path tracing at high resolutions without unacceptably low framerates.
What DLSS 4 Does
AI Upscaling
The upscaling component renders the game at a lower internal resolution (such as 1440p) and uses a deep learning model to reconstruct a higher target resolution (such as 4K). The AI model is trained on high-resolution reference images and learns to fill in the missing detail accurately, producing output that closely approximates a native render at the target resolution.
The benefit is significant performance gains with minimal visual quality loss. Players can choose between several upscaling presets:
Preset | Internal Resolution | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Quality | Highest internal resolution (about 67% of target) | High-end GPUs prioritizing visual clarity |
Balanced | Medium-high internal resolution (about 58% of target) | Most players; balance between framerate and quality |
Performance | Medium internal resolution (about 50% of target) | Significant FPS boost with acceptable quality |
Ultra Performance | Lowest internal resolution (about 33% of target) | Maximum FPS; visible quality loss at close inspection |
Multi-Frame Generation
Multi-Frame Generation is the headline feature of DLSS 4. Where the previous DLSS Frame Generation generated one interpolated frame for each rendered frame, DLSS 4 can generate multiple interpolated frames per rendered frame. The result: significantly higher perceived smoothness on the same hardware.
On RTX 40-series GPUs, Multi-Frame Generation can roughly double or triple the displayed framerate compared to running the game without Frame Generation. This is what makes 4K path tracing at 60 fps or higher achievable on consumer hardware. The technology is required for the most ambitious graphics settings combinations the game supports.
Hardware Requirements
Feature | GPU Requirement |
|---|---|
DLSS Upscaling | Any RTX-series GPU (RTX 20-series and newer) |
Frame Generation | RTX 40-series (RTX 4060 and up) |
Multi-Frame Generation | RTX 40-series and newer |
DLSS 4 requires Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to be enabled in Windows settings. The official PC Setup Guide recommends turning Frame Generation off in the Graphics settings as a troubleshooting step if 40-series card players experience frequent crashes; disabling Frame Generation may resolve those crashes while keeping standard DLSS upscaling enabled.
When to Use Each Mode
Enable upscaling Quality on high-end RTX 30/40-series cards. The performance gain is real and the quality loss is barely visible.
Enable Frame Generation on RTX 40-series for high refresh rate displays. Players with 144Hz+ displays benefit most from the smoothness boost.
Use Multi-Frame Generation when running path tracing at 4K. Without it, framerates often dip below 60 fps even on top-tier cards.
Drop to Balanced or Performance on mid-range RTX cards. The framerate gain is large; the visual difference at typical viewing distances is minimal.
Disable Frame Generation if crashes occur. Some 40-series setups crash with Frame Generation enabled; this is a known troubleshooting fix.
DLSS 4 with Path Tracing and Reflex
DLSS 4, path tracing, and NVIDIA Reflex are designed to work together. The combination is the showcase configuration for Neverness to Everness on RTX 40-series PCs:
Path tracing provides the highest-fidelity visuals.
DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation provides the framerate to make path tracing playable.
Reflex trims input latency to keep the experience responsive despite the inserted frames.
This three-way combination is also what differentiates the high-end PC experience from the PS5 Pro version, which uses Sony's competing PSSR upscaling rather than DLSS 4.
Tips
Always enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling. DLSS 4 Frame Generation requires it; without it, Frame Generation either fails to engage or runs poorly.
Update GPU drivers regularly. NVIDIA Game Ready Drivers tuned for Neverness to Everness deliver the best DLSS 4 performance.
Test multiple presets. The right DLSS preset varies by GPU, target resolution, and personal sensitivity to upscaling artifacts. Try Quality, Balanced, and Performance and pick what looks and feels best.
Pair Frame Generation with high-refresh-rate displays. The smoothness boost is most visible on 144Hz+ monitors; on 60Hz displays the gains are subtle.
Disable Frame Generation if you experience input lag. On some setups, Frame Generation introduces enough latency to affect combat timing; Reflex helps but does not always fully compensate.
Related Pages
Graphics Settings
Path Tracing
NVIDIA Reflex
PS5 Pro Enhancements