Using XESS in《Skull and bones》, will result in a very blurry picture.

[CPTSoar]

The image quality using XESS is not even as good as FSR in 《Skull and bones》.

My PC

CPU:    I5 12600KF

GPU:    B580

RAM:    32G(DDR4)

MOTHERBOARD:    B760M(A chinese brand）

[VonM_Intel]

Hi CPTSoar,

Thank you for posting in our Community. I understand that the image looks noticeably blurrier when using XeSS, which definitely isn’t the kind of visual quality we want you to experience. To help us look into this further, could you please share a few additional details?

• Which XeSS quality mode are you currently using (e.g., Performance, Balanced, Quality, or Ultra Quality)?
• What’s the game resolution and monitor refresh rate you’re playing at?
• Have you tried adjusting the in-game sharpening or image scaling options while XeSS is enabled?
• Could you please share a screenshot or short video that captures the blurry image issue you’re experiencing?
• Lastly, could you confirm your current graphics driver version?

I'd like to delve deeper and verify specifics like the Windows OS, precise driver versions, and any system errors. Utilizing the Intel SSU tool will enable me to collect detailed information about your system setup, which could aid in identifying the underlying cause of this issue. These details will help us pinpoint whether this is an optimization issue, a driver-related behavior, or a game-specific implementation difference.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello CPTSoar,

Did you get a chance to review the previous post?

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[CPTSoar]

Hello, I apologize for the delayed response.
     In Skull And Bones , XESS causes the image to be very blurry in quality mode, balanced mode, and performance mode (the clarity is much lower than TAA and FSR2).

     My monitor's refresh rate is 165Hz.
     The driver version of my B580 GPU is:32.0.101.8136（2025. 10 . 07）

     To be honest, thank you very much for emailing multiple times to inquire.
     But I compared the picture quality of the three XESS levels more carefully, and the performance of XESS in other games.
     I think this is a technical issue rather than a bug. Given Intel's current level, it is impossible to produce visuals as clear as DLSS (of course, this is not entirely Intel's problem, because I know some games intentionally provide better texture packs for DLSS as a marketing strategy).
     As for the issue of game screenshots, due to work reasons I often forget, and recently I haven't been playing Skull And Bones. But I can assure you that any player using XESS to play Skull And Bones can experience the blur brought by XESS; this is not an isolated case.
     Please don't forget to optimize XESS's performance in Skull And Bones (this is definitely not a hardware issue or a problem with my personal software, it is a technical issue).
     Thank you again.
     顺颂商祺。

[CPTSoar · Accepted solution]

It should be added that sharpening cannot be adjusted in Skull And Bones, as the game does not provide support for sharpening settings.

[CPTSoar]

Hello, I apologize for the delayed response.
In Skull And Bones , XESS causes the image to be very blurry in quality mode, balanced mode, and performance mode (the clarity is much lower than TAA and FSR2).
My monitor's refresh rate is 165Hz.

The driver version of my B580 GPU is:32.0.101.8136（2025. 10 . 07）
To be honest, thank you very much for emailing multiple times to inquire.
But I compared the picture quality of the three XESS levels more carefully, and the performance of XESS in other games.
I think this is a technical issue rather than a bug. Given Intel's current level, it is impossible to produce visuals as clear as DLSS (of course, this is not entirely Intel's problem, because I know some games intentionally provide better texture packs for DLSS as a marketing strategy).
As for the issue of game screenshots, due to work reasons I often forget, and recently I haven't been playing Skull And Bones. But I can assure you that any player using XESS to play Skull And Bones can experience the blur brought by XESS; this is not an isolated case.
Please don't forget to optimize XESS's performance in Skull And Bones (this is definitely not a hardware issue or a problem with my personal software, it is a technical issue).
Thank you again.
顺颂商祺。

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello CPTSoar,

Thank you for thoroughly testing XESS in Skull and Bones and for your patience during our follow-up process.

I acknowledge that XESS shows reduced image clarity compared to TAA and FSR2 across all quality settings in this title. Your cross-game comparisons offer valuable technical insights.

No need to worry about providing screenshots - your comprehensive description gives us sufficient information for our technical analysis.

Your candid assessment of XESS performance is greatly valued and helps us pinpoint areas for enhancement.

I'll handle this matter internally and provide updates as they become available.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[RandyT_Intel]

Hello CPTSoar,

I'm reaching out on behalf of my colleague Jeannete. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.

To ensure we can accurately reproduce and investigate the problem, we kindly request the following from your end:

1. Screenshot or Screen Recording – This will help us compare the behavior and better understand the context of the issue.
2. SSU Log – Please generate and share the System Support Utility (SSU) log. This will provide us with detailed system information crucial for troubleshooting.

Once we receive these details, we’ll proceed with reproducing the issue and keep you updated on our findings.

Best regards,

Randy T..

Intel Customer Support Technician

[VonM_Intel]

Hello CPTSoar,

I have not heard back from you, so I will close this inquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician