So, I’m a computer hardware journalist, and naturally I do a lot of benchmarking with PC games. That doesn’t mean that anything I’m about to say is completely about self-interest.
All that said, I’ve been looking forward to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II for a number of reasons. First, it looks like an incredible game, but second, it looks like a visual cornucopia that can push computer hardware to its limit.
So why doesn’t it have a built-in benchmark?
PC gamers are constantly seeking the perfect balance between the best graphics possible and smooth performance. Most gamers don’t have the best graphics card available, and with an endless array of hardware configurations, optimizing game settings can become a frustrating trial-and-error process for both programmers and gamers.
For some reason, despite all the technological leaps in game development, many titles (not just Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II) still lack a simple yet essential built-in benchmarking tool. These tools—found in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Total War: Warhammer III, and F1 2024, among others—are not just a convenience for hardware journalists striving for accurate reviews, but they are crucial for players aiming to get the best experience from their hardware.
We all want 60+ fps gameplay. There is an easy way to find out what we need to do to get it. Yet this isn’t even the standard for graphically intensive games, much less more graphically accommodating titles like Cult of the Lamb, and that makes no sense.