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NVIDIA announced GeForce Game Ready Driver 617.42 on October 6, 2026. It includes optimizations and enhancements for five named games or updates, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 7, STAR WARS: Galactic Racer and Valor Mortis. NVIDIA says you can download it through the NVIDIA App or from its official driver page. The driver is software; NVIDIA’s announcement does not say you need to buy a new graphics card to install it.
What GeForce Game Ready Driver 617.42 includes
NVIDIA’s October 6, 2026 announcement says version 617.42 brings game optimizations and enhancements for the following titles and updates:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
- Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 7
- STAR WARS: Galactic Racer
- Valor Mortis
The announcement’s game-specific details are not identical for every title. In particular, its DLSS 4.5 feature descriptions specify different GPU-generation eligibility for some frame-generation features.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
NVIDIA says DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution applies across modes. It lists DLSS 4.5 Frame Generation for GeForce RTX 40 Series systems and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, with up to 6X multiplication, for GeForce RTX 50 Series systems. NVIDIA also says Reflex can be enabled on GeForce RTX systems and mentions optional ray-traced reflections. These are NVIDIA’s feature claims, not independent performance measurements.
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- AI Performance: 767 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2632 MHz (OC mode)/ 2602 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
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In NVIDIA’s announcement, Andrew Burnes wrote: “Additionally, NVIDIA Reflex can be enabled on all GeForce RTX systems, further reducing PC latency, making gameplay even more responsive.” This is NVIDIA’s product statement, rather than a separately measured result.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
NVIDIA says the paid Dark Arisen expansion launches October 9, 2026, alongside a free update to the base game. That update adds DLSS 4.5 Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, upgrading the game’s existing DLSS Frame Generation and Super Resolution integration.
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 7
NVIDIA and Asobo Studio describe Sim Update 7 as scheduled for October 13, 2026. The announced contents include free National Championship Air Races, engine updates and refinements, an upgrade of the DLSS suite to version 4.5, and Multi Frame Generation of up to 6X. NVIDIA specifies Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for GeForce RTX 50 Series. The date is the announced schedule; availability may vary by region, so check the game for its current update status.
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STAR WARS: Galactic Racer
NVIDIA says STAR WARS: Galactic Racer launched with DLSS 4.5 Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, hardware-accelerated ray-traced Lumen lighting, and DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction. NVIDIA describes the game as a runs-based racing adventure with a solo campaign and multiplayer.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Valor Mortis
NVIDIA names Valor Mortis among the titles receiving driver optimizations and enhancements, but does not provide a separate feature breakdown in the announcement. No specific DLSS capability should be assumed for this game based on that mention alone.
What NVIDIA’s performance figures mean
NVIDIA reports an average 4.2X 4K frame-rate increase with 4X Multi Frame Generation in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and up to a 6.4X frame-rate increase in its testing of 6X Multi Frame Generation. These are NVIDIA-reported figures; the announcement does not provide independent replication or a full testing methodology.
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR7 128bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
A feature multiplier such as “up to 6X” describes the selected Multi Frame Generation mode, not a guaranteed real-world frame-rate increase on every system. Actual results depend on the hardware, settings and game conditions.
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- Choose an official download route. Open the NVIDIA App and check for the driver, or visit NVIDIA’s driver download page.
- Select your exact hardware and operating system. The visible listing identifies Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 and reports a 990.85 MB file. Confirm the correct GPU and OS selection on NVIDIA’s page before downloading.
- Download and run the installer. Follow the installer’s prompts, then restart if requested.
- Check the release notes for full details. NVIDIA’s driver listing reports a fix for an Assassin’s Creed Shadows crash to desktop after extended gameplay following an update to driver 616.56. Consult the official driver release notes for the complete changelog.
The driver listing’s detailed fields were not fully available in the captured page, so use NVIDIA’s current page to confirm compatibility and release details before installing.
Best Value
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4 OC mode: 2640MHz/Default mode: 2610MHz (Boost Clock)
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.125-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Do you need a new graphics card?
No new graphics card is stated as a requirement for installing driver 617.42. The generational distinction matters if you specifically want the features NVIDIA assigns to particular GPUs: Modern Warfare 4’s stated DLSS 4.5 Frame Generation support is for RTX 40 Series, while its Dynamic Multi Frame Generation is for RTX 50 Series. Check your GPU’s compatibility on NVIDIA’s driver page and in the relevant game settings; do not assume every DLSS 4.5 feature works on every RTX card.
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