How to run in 60 FPS on Windows 8.1

For some reason Rune Classic caps out at 30 FPS on Windows 8.1. Here's a possible fix.

Introduction

Windows 8.1 updated legacy Direct 3D drivers for old games. Some older games actually run better as a result. Unfortunately for other games, they can run worse. Usually this manifests as capping the framerate at 30 FPS. Unfortunately Rune is one of these games, along with most other Unreal engine based games. For most UT based games, running a Direct X 10 renderer will usually fix this. But with Rune Classic because it's not compatable with third party renderers, it's a bit harder to fix.

Thankfully the fix I found helped me. But it may or may not work for your system depending on your configuration.

Download and apply the fix.

This fix was designed for the game No One Lives Forever. However it worked for me with Rune.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/df4qlf7822vq26b/nolf-Windows_8_8_1_DDRAW_FPS_FIX.zip?dl=0

To install it. Extract the contents of the Windows 8.1 folder in the Zip to your System folder in your Rune Classic directory. This is typically located in your C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steamapps\common\Rune Classic directory. You should find something like this.

Now extract it to your System folder.

Load the game up, and it should now run in 60 FPS.

Windows 10

Note that on Windows 10 this fix will cause Rune to crash.

This fix will not work on WIndows 10. It seems Rune Classic runs in 60 FPS on Windows 10 by default.

Conclusion

This fix may or may not work for everyone's system. It didn't work for me with NOLF for instance. My purpose for this guide is to try and help out anyone who wants to run this game on Windows 8.1 and potentially Windows 10.

Something to note is for some reason the game runs brighter than normal. So you may have to turn the brightness down ingame.

[JimbowoJuice]

If you still need a windows 8.1 guide post 2018 then you should probably invest in a hard drive to backup your files before you change to any other operating system.

[StixsmasterHD4k]

I solved the issue but injecting a wrapper to the engine that made it run in DX10/11/12...not only did it solve the FPS issue but it allows you to push the graphics further than what the devs did

[i hate snikkerzz]

need new link

[Jatzhy Moss]

Well, found a alternative fix without the file.
I just put the game on windowed mode, and the drag it bigger to whole screen.
I have over 100FPS now.

[Bluebeak]

it shouldn't. At least it didn't in my experience. Your mileage may very though as it can potentially be affected by what graphics card you have.

[Jatzhy Moss]

Is it ''normal'' that Steam Overlay stops showing in-game after this fix?

[⊰UTNerd24 ❤]

Thanks, Owl! Although running the game in 1080+ causes the overlay to be absent. Anyway around that?

[Bluebeak]

I've updated the link

[Jullillg]

Link removed, please update thank

[Valphyr]

Oh wow thank you! You're a life saver!