8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller
Hall-effect sticks and L4/R4 bumpers with low-latency 2.4G dongle for 60 FPS Sync Attacks and Legion positioning.
Astral Chain Recomp PC & Linux Vulkan Guide
Astral Chain Recomp (captainj-sparrow/astral-chain-pc-recomp) is an MIT-licensed static recompilation that lifts Astral Chain ARM64 code to native x86-64 C over a custom Vulkan renderer. Built on the TotK Recomp pipeline with extensive timing, HDR10, and upscaling engineering by @capibawa, it runs start-to-credits on Windows and Linux without CPU emulation or shader stutter, shipping zero proprietary game files.
60 FPS SyncedExact Perfect Dodge, Assault & cutscene timings
DLSS / XeSS / FSR 3Temporal upscaling with native-res 2D HUD
16:10 to 48:9Ultrawide camera, HDR10 & bounce-light GI
Select your Windows, Linux, or macOS build
Inspect verified byte counts, 64-character SHA-256 checksums, and direct GitHub Releases links for captainj-sparrow/astral-chain-pc-recomp (1.18.0) and the separate swaymun/AC-Recomp (v0.1.0) macOS preview.
Release binaryAstral.Chain-Setup-1.18.0-windows.zip
Release tag1.18.0
Verified byte size222,640,534 B (212.33 MiB)
GitHub repositorycaptainj-sparrow/astral-chain-pc-recomp
Playable start-to-credits on Windows 10/11 x64 (SSE4.2+, Vulkan 1.3). Includes 60 FPS timing fixes, DLSS/XeSS/FSR 3, HDR10, ultrawide up to 48:9, and ao = gi bounce light.
SHA-256 digest
896fd68844870e0e57f0781e5f4a43a13ee91a331d98bece376f0cda6b0d4ebcSetup or launch sequence
Unpack zip -> Run Astral Chain-Setup.exe -> Select your 1.0.0 base + 1.0.1 update + prod.keys -> Builds astralchain.exeStatic recompilation vs traditional Switch emulation
Combining the CPU lifter from LAS Recomp with host service overrides and a multi-threaded Vulkan 1.3 backend from the TotK Recomp lineage removes runtime JIT overhead altogether.
| Subsystem | Switch Emulators (JIT) | Astral Chain Recomp (x86-64) | Practical Impact in Combat |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU execution | Dynamic ARM64 JIT translation at runtime | Ahead-of-time ARM64-to-C lift compiled with Clang/LLD (x86-64-v3 AVX2 or v2 SSE4.2) | Runs cleanly on older quad-core CPUs; three virtual Horizon cores with 250 us async preemption |
| 60 FPS action & cutscene pacing | Legacy 60 FPS mods broke Assault Attack windows and desynced voices | Real-time clock step (realtime = 1), fixed action counters (1.6.0), synced 60 FPS in-engine cutscenes & 30 FPS VP9 movie catch-up (1.13.0) | Perfect Dodge, Sync Attacks, 360-spin inputs, and cloth physics behave identically to 30 FPS reference timing |
| Shader & texture streaming | First-encounter shader compilation and ASTC decode spikes | Offline SPIR-V translation (ac_xlate) + setup-time driver pre-warming + background ASTC preparation (1.8.0) | Eliminates traversal and enemy-spawn hitches; automatic VRAM panic recovery added in 1.12.2 |
| Display & lighting pipeline | Scaled 1080p targets with stretched HUD | Native 32n x 18n render targets up to 3840x2160, DLSS/XeSS/FSR 3, aspect = wide up to 48:9, HDR10, and ao = gi radiance cascades | Crisp native HUD anchored to ultrawide edges, emissive-aware SSGTAO, and bounced surface color tinting |
1.18.0Latest Windows & Linux release (2026-11-15)
~14 GBInstalled footprint (~11 GB temp merge space)
48:9 MaxUltrawide & 16:10 camera with corner HUD
0 BytesProprietary Nintendo or PlatinumGames data
Two open-source recompilation projects compared
Players searching for an Astral Chain PC or Mac port encounter two distinct GitHub repositories built on different runtime lineages and expecting different game versions.
Windows & Linux x64
Release 1.18.0 Highlights
Published on 2026-11-15, version 1.18.0 resolves a crash right before the ending credits roll and introduces a fourth Ambient Occlusion tier, ao = gi (High + bounce light), using screen-space radiance cascades so lit walls and floors tint nearby characters. Read the full release history.
One-Click Updates & Launcher
No Re-Extraction on Updates
Starting in 1.14.2 and 1.16.0, updating an existing installation no longer requires re-selecting your base and update dumps: click Update my installed game in Astral Chain-Setup or manage builds automatically through RecompLauncher.
Apple Silicon Preview
AC-Recomp v0.1.0 on macOS
Maintained separately by swaymun on top of SuperMarioWonderRecomp and MoltenVK, AC-Recomp compiles a native ARM64 AC-Recomp.app bundle on macOS 13+ from a base 1.0.0 NSP, reaching the File 01 highway chase at 30 FPS.
| Attribute | Astral Chain Recomp (Windows & Linux) | AC-Recomp (Apple Silicon macOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream repository | captainj-sparrow/astral-chain-pc-recomp (MIT) | swaymun/AC-Recomp (MIT original code; SuperMarioWonderRecomp base) |
| Current release & binaries | 1.18.0 (Astral.Chain-Setup-1.18.0-windows.zip 212.33 MiB; x86_64.AppImage 231.96 MiB) | v0.1.0 preview (AC-Recomp-v0.1.0-macos.dmg 4.67 MiB; macos.zip 2.18 MiB) |
| Playability status | Playable start-to-credits; ending credits crash fixed in 1.18.0 | Early preview: boots opening, character creation, and File 01 motorcycle chase at 30 FPS on M-series Macs |
| Required user game files | Base game 1.0.0 (XCI or NSP) plus 1.0.1 update (NSP) + prod.keys | Base game 1.0.0 (NSP only, no update) + console keys |
| Graphics & upscaling | Vulkan 1.3 native, DLSS/DLAA, XeSS, FSR 3, FSR 1, HDR10, ao = gi bounce light, ultrawide 16:10-48:9 | Vulkan on Metal via MoltenVK, 1,332 offline SPIR-V shaders, FSR 1 upscaling, experimental --fps 60 & --render-res |
Interactive astralchain.ini configuration generator
Select your GPU family, monitor aspect ratio, upscaler preset, and gamepad layout to build a verified astralchain.ini file and AC_* environment overrides. See the complete INI key reference for every setting.
Generated astralchain.ini
# astralchain.ini - place next to astralchain.exe (or astralchain on Linux)
[frame rate]
fps = 60
realtime = 1
cloth_realtime = 1
highfps_fix = 1
[performance]
async_preempt = 1
free_cores = 0
timer_1ms = 1
astc_bc = auto
tex_mip_skip = 0
gpl = 1
vk_recorder = 1
vk_dyn_a2c = 1
[display]
device_profile = desktop
fullscreen = 1
window_size = 2560x1440
output_res = 2560x1440
aspect = wide
upscaling = dlss
upscaling_quality = quality
anti_aliasing = smaa
ao = gi
aniso = auto
shadow_scale = 2
draw_distance = 150
hdr = 0
[language]
operation_mode = docked
menu_lang = en
[input]
pad_layout = auto
prompts = auto
motion = 1
rumble = 1
rumble_strength = 130
rumble_triggers = 0
stick_deadzone = 8
AC_* overrides & shader warm
# Place NVIDIA DLSS SDK nvngx_dlss.dll next to astralchain.exe:
copy nvngx_dlss.dll "Astral Chain
vngx_dlss.dll"
# Optional AC_* environment overrides (override astralchain.ini for one run):
AC_FPS=60 AC_UPSCALING=dlss AC_AO=gi ./astralchain
# Rebuild driver shader cache after a GPU driver update:
astralchain.exe --warm-shaders
# In-game shortcuts:
# F1: Settings menu | F10 (or L+R then -/+): Perf overlay | F11: Fullscreen | F12: No-HUDKeep output_res on a 16:9 32n x 18n grid (1280x720, 1920x1080, 2560x1440, 3840x2160); aspect = wide expands the camera to 16:10, 21:9, or 32:9 without losing the Vulkan device.
Verify setup zip, AppImage & DMG SHA-256 locally
Drop any downloaded .zip, .AppImage, or .dmg archive below. Your browser computes its SHA-256 digest via WebCrypto locally and checks all 52 recorded GitHub release assets with zero file upload.
Drop local .zip, .AppImage, .exe, or .dmg release archive here (or click to browse; hashed locally via WebCrypto with zero upload)
Waiting for a local Astral Chain Recomp / AC-Recomp archive or 64-character SHA-256 digest.
Controllers for dual-stick Legion combat
Astral Chain Recomp uses SDL3 for low-latency gamepad input, rumble curves, gyro aiming, back paddles, and automatic Xbox or PlayStation prompt detection.
View on Amazon
GameSir Super Nova Hall-Effect Gamepad
Drift-free Hall sticks, physically swappable ABXY faceplates (pad_layout = xbox or nintendo), and motion gyro via SDL3.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Symmetrical dual-stick layout with Switch/X-Input modes, motion aiming for Bow Legion, and rear paddles (`lpaddle1`/`rpaddle1`).
GuliKit KK3 Max Wireless Controller
TMR electromagnetic sticks and 1000 Hz polling for tight 360-spin and Perfect Dodge input windows on Windows and Linux.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, astralchainrecomp.wiki earns from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you.
Technical questions on Astral Chain Recomp
Verified answers from upstream source code, release notes, and issue trackers.
Does Astral Chain Recomp include game ROMs, keys, or Nintendo code?
No. Neither captainj-sparrow/astral-chain-pc-recomp nor swaymun/AC-Recomp distributes any Nintendo or PlatinumGames code, assets, shaders, fonts, or keys. The setup wizard compiles astralchain.exe locally on your machine from your own legally obtained copy of Astral Chain (base 1.0.0 plus the 1.0.1 update for the Windows/Linux port).
Are gameplay timings and cutscenes accurate at 60 FPS?
Yes. Since release 1.6.0 (gameplay action windows, Perfect Dodge, Assault Attack, and 360-spin) and release 1.13.0 (in-engine cutscene audio synchronization and pre-rendered 30 FPS VP9 movie catch-up), the port plays from opening to credits at 60 FPS without audio drift. You can still toggle 30 FPS live in the F1 menu.
How do I enable NVIDIA DLSS or DLAA on Windows?
Download nvngx_dlss.dll from NVIDIA's DLSS SDK and place it next to astralchain.exe inside your installed game folder before launching. Press F1 -> Graphics (or set upscaling = dlss in astralchain.ini) and pick Native (DLAA), Quality, Balanced, Performance, or Ultra Performance. Intel XeSS (libxess.dll) and AMD FSR 3 are already bundled.
Why does Windows SmartScreen warn when opening Astral Chain-Setup.exe?
Both Astral Chain-Setup.exe and the locally compiled astralchain.exe binary are unsigned open-source executables without a commercial EV code-signing certificate. Always verify your downloaded zip's SHA-256 checksum against the GitHub Releases ledger before choosing More info -> Run anyway.
Do I need my game dumps again when updating to 1.18.0?
No, provided your folder was installed with version 1.0.0+ update support and still contains astralchain-install.json. Unpack the 1.18.0 setup archive, launch Astral Chain-Setup.exe, click Update my installed game, and select your existing Astral Chain directory; saves in profile/save and settings in astralchain.ini are preserved.
What shortcuts control the in-game menu, FPS counter, and No-HUD mode?
Press F1 (or Start + Select on a gamepad in supported screens) for the Dear ImGui settings menu, F10 (or hold L + R and press Minus + Plus on a controller) to cycle the performance overlay without triggering Legion Fusion on L3 + R3, F11 for borderless fullscreen, and F12 to hide the gameplay HUD for screenshots.