What GPU do I need to run Gradius?

The minimum GPU requirement for Gradius is DirectX 9.0c compatible video card. For smoother performance at higher settings, a more powerful graphics card is recommended.

What are the system requirements for Gradius?

The minimum system requirements for Gradius are: CPU: Intel Pentium 90 MHz, GPU: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card.

Can I play Gradius at 60 FPS?

To achieve 60 FPS in Gradius at medium-to-high settings, you typically need at least an entry-level GPU (e.g. GTX 1650 or RX 6500 XT). Use the FPS estimator on this page to check your specific GPU.

Gradius

69/100

48 ratings1985Easy to run

Can your GPU run this game?

Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions

Search for your GPU above to see a full FPS breakdown at every quality and resolution.

Gradius FPS by GPU

Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality

60+ fps30–59 fps<30 fpsClick any row to load the full benchmark

Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions

1080p performance

Gradius estimated FPS at 1080p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPU	low	medium	high	ultra
RTX 5090	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 4090	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RX 7900 XTX	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 5080	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 4080 Super	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 4070 Ti	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	937 fps
RTX 4070	999 fps	999 fps	988 fps	803 fps
RX 7800 XT	999 fps	999 fps	871 fps	707 fps
RTX 3080	999 fps	999 fps	847 fps	688 fps
RTX 4060 Ti	999 fps	999 fps	800 fps	650 fps
RTX 3070	999 fps	912 fps	729 fps	593 fps
RTX 4060	999 fps	824 fps	659 fps	535 fps
RTX 3060	882 fps	706 fps	565 fps	459 fps
GTX 1660 Super	640 fps	512 fps	409 fps	333 fps

1440p performance

Gradius estimated FPS at 1440p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPU	low	medium	high	ultra
RTX 5090	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 4090	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RX 7900 XTX	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps
RTX 5080	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	946 fps
RTX 4080 Super	999 fps	999 fps	999 fps	889 fps
RTX 4070 Ti	999 fps	999 fps	865 fps	703 fps
RTX 4070	999 fps	926 fps	741 fps	602 fps
RX 7800 XT	999 fps	816 fps	653 fps	531 fps
RTX 3080	993 fps	794 fps	635 fps	516 fps
RTX 4060 Ti	938 fps	750 fps	600 fps	488 fps
RTX 3070	855 fps	684 fps	547 fps	444 fps
RTX 4060	772 fps	618 fps	494 fps	401 fps
RTX 3060	662 fps	529 fps	424 fps	344 fps
GTX 1660 Super	480 fps	384 fps	307 fps	249 fps

4K performance

Gradius estimated FPS at 4K across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPU	low	medium	high	ultra
RTX 5090	999 fps	988 fps	791 fps	642 fps
RTX 4090	999 fps	918 fps	734 fps	596 fps
RX 7900 XTX	999 fps	824 fps	659 fps	535 fps
RTX 5080	971 fps	776 fps	621 fps	505 fps
RTX 4080 Super	912 fps	729 fps	584 fps	474 fps
RTX 4070 Ti	721 fps	576 fps	461 fps	375 fps
RTX 4070	618 fps	494 fps	395 fps	321 fps
RX 7800 XT	544 fps	435 fps	348 fps	283 fps
RTX 3080	529 fps	424 fps	339 fps	275 fps
RTX 4060 Ti	500 fps	400 fps	320 fps	260 fps
RTX 3070	456 fps	365 fps	292 fps	237 fps
RTX 4060	412 fps	329 fps	264 fps	214 fps
RTX 3060	353 fps	282 fps	226 fps	184 fps
GTX 1660 Super	256 fps	205 fps	164 fps	133 fps

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Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card

Minimum required

DirectX 9.0c compatible video card

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Processor

Minimum required

Intel Pentium 90 MHz

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About

Gradius, released in 1985, is a seminal title in the shmup (shoot 'em up) genre that has influenced many games to follow. One of its defining features is the innovative power meter system, where players can collect power-ups to unlock new abilities. This unique mechanic adds a strategic layer to the fast-paced gameplay, making Gradius a memorable experience for fans of retro arcade shooters.

When it comes to PC performance, Gradius is remarkably accessible, requiring only an entry-level GPU to run effectively, making it a great option for those with modest hardware. A graphics card with a minimum score of around 300 will generally yield smooth FPS, even at higher graphics settings. Players can expect solid performance across a range of systems, offering a satisfying gameplay experience without the need for cutting-edge technology.

With a rating of 69/100, Gradius is worth playing, especially for enthusiasts of classic arcade games. While it may not be the highest-rated title, its historical significance and engaging mechanics ensure that it remains a fun choice for gamers looking to experience early examples of the shoot 'em up genre.

Performance profile

Released in May 1985, Gradius predates modern GPU acceleration as we know it today. It runs effortlessly on virtually any current hardware, including integrated graphics and entry-level laptops — framerate is limited by the engine, not the GPU.

Extremely light — Gradius runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.

Storyline

Gradius, our mother planet. Bacterian, a cluster of stars located in subspace, has invaded this dazzling planet and exposed it to a series of vicious battles. Threatened with extinction in the face of such an onslaught, the planet Gradius decides to deploy its final hope: the super-dimensional fighter Vic Viper. Its destination is the enemy fortress of Xaerous. The only way to put an end to this conflict is to plunge deep into the enemy's stronghold and destroy the core that lies at its center. Prepare to launch! And so, Vic Viper takes off into the vast blackness of space.