Introduction

NVIDIA DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing) is a new AI-based anti-aliasing mode for users who have spare GPU headroom and want higher levels of image quality. DLAA uses the same technology developed for DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), but works on a native resolution image to maximize image quality instead of boosting performance. The Elder Scrolls Online is the first game to support NVIDIA DLAA. This game also supports NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and classic TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing), so we are keen to have a look at the DLAA, DLSS, and TAA implementations in this game.



Below, you will find comparison screenshots at 4K, 1440p, 1080p in different DLSS quality modes, and also DLAA and TAA. For those who want to see how DLAA, DLSS, and TAA perform in motion, watch our side-by-side comparison video.

All tests were made using a GeForce RTX 3080 GPU at Maximum graphics settings; motion blur and depth of field were disabled. DLSS in this game shipped with version 2.2.16.

Screenshots

Side by Side Comparison Video

Conclusion

DLSS is designed to improve performance with only a minimal loss in image quality, while the new DLAA algorithm does the opposite, significantly improving image quality at a slight performance hit. Compared to TAA and DLSS, DLAA is clearly producing the best image quality, especially at lower resolutions. In most games, DLSS was already doing a better job than TAA at reconstructing small objects (like wires or tree leaves, for example); however, as our comparison images show, DLAA does an even better job at reconstructing small objects.

In the Elder Scrolls Online, DLAA, DLSS, and TAA do not use sharpening filters, so depending on your personal preference, you can add some additional sharpening if that's what you like. DLAA running at the native resolution does not completely save it from ghosting issues, which are more pronounced with DLSS, though. That said, while ghosting is still there with DLAA, it is way less noticeable than with classic DLSS since DLAA runs at the native resolution. You'll need to zoom into the image to see it, which means it is not an issue in normal gameplay with DLAA enabled.

Many gamers have talked about the possibility of an Ultra Quality mode for DLSS to provide better image quality with a minimal performance uplift or the ability to run DLSS completely at the native resolution. With NVIDIA DLAA, the option to run a high-quality anti-aliasing solution without an upscaling component is finally here, and it indeed provides better image quality than both TAA and DLSS, but at a slight cost of around 8% GPU performance. We hope that from now on out, DLAA will be present in every upcoming DLSS implementation of a game because it's always great to have a wide range of options between maximum image quality and maximum performance.