Zoning into the expansion....

[Sartori]

Hello

So, is the expansion going to be like a whole separate game in itself that will run more intensive then the main game? The reason being they are having us test with the benchmark?

Thanks

[Yurai]

Isn't the benchmark part of it mainly for people to test out DX11 (which is new)?

The expansion itself is "just" new areas in the existing game.

[Keydah]

The reason for the benchmark is that they're implementing DX11 with Heavensward. It's going to be completely optional and you don't need to use it. The textures could be higher res or something (doubt it) there, or the way the map are done (going up instead of just across the ground) could make it more intensive, but otherwise, no, it won't be more intensive.
Nor is Heavensward going to be a whole separate game - you can't go to Ishgard or Dravania if you don't own it, so in a sense it is, but it's still there within the already existing game.

[SecretCrowds]

Hello

So, is the expansion going to be like a whole separate game in itself that will run more intensive then the main game? The reason being they are having us test with the benchmark?

Thanks

No. The expansion will be the same file as the main game. The benchmark is to ensure our PC specs meet the upgraded graphics. Once the expansion is up, if you choose DX11, the old zones and new zones will look better. If you choose DX9, the old zones will look the same and the new zones will be on similar graphic quality to the old one.