Intel ANV Vulkan Driver Now Enables Descriptor Heaps By Default
Intel's ANV Vulkan driver in Mesa 26.2 now enables VK_EXT_descriptor_heap support by default, after nearly two months of experimental testing since early May. This extension allows explicit management of descriptors and their memory, reducing CPU overhead and improving efficiency for modern Vulkan API usage. The change is particularly beneficial for Steam Play (VKD3D-Proton) users, and the timing aligns with DXVK 3.0 also enabling descriptor heap usage by default on capable drivers. Mesa 26.2 is expected to reach stable release in August.