The Mesa 26.0.0 release enhances performance and graphics on Linux, introducing a new Vulkan-to-Metal layer called KosmicKrisp for smoother gameplay on macOS without proprietary software. The RADV raytracing driver has improved speed with a more efficient geometry handling path, while the RadeonSI driver now defaults to the faster ACO backend for shader compilation, reducing load times despite some potential edge-case bugs. Additionally, the release includes numerous Vulkan extensions that enhance multi-monitor setups and improve memory handling for external buffers. Users can test the new features by updating their distro or compiling Mesa themselves, with any issues reported through the Mesa GitLab issue tracker

Mesa 26.0.0 Release: Boosting Performance and Graphics on Linux

The latest release of Mesa brings several performance tweaks, including new Vulkan-to-Metal layer, KosmicKrisp, which allows for smoother gameplay on macOS without needing proprietary software. RADV raytracing also gets faster with a more aggressive geometry handling path that reduces stutter in games like Quake II RTX. RadeonSI switches to ACO by default, cutting down shader compilation time and improving performance, but it may resurface some obscure edge-case bugs. The new Mesa release includes dozens of Vulkan extensions, such as VK_KHR_relaxed_block_layout and VK_EXT_discard_rectangles, which mainly promote "EXT" level features into the core spec for supported drivers.

Mesa 26.0.0 Release: Boosting Performance and Graphics on Linux @ Linux Compatible