In 2018, Nvidia introduced its groundbreaking real-time ray tracing technology for games, branded as Nvidia RTX. Initially, many considered it the next evolution in gaming graphics, while others viewed it skeptically, comparing it to Nvidia’s previous technology, PhysX. Fast forward to 2021, and RTX cards have been in the market for over two years, with numerous new games embracing this technology. It’s fascinating to see how many of these titles have integrated RTX features so effectively.
At its core, RTX technology enhances real-time lighting and how it interacts with the environment. While this doesn’t always translate to visually superior graphics, it does guarantee more realistic and physically accurate visuals. As graphics cards advance, ray tracing will evolve to a level where many games could appear photorealistic, which is a remarkable leap for gaming. Players are bound to be astounded once ray tracing becomes commonplace in nearly every game, but for now, only a select few have mastered it.
29. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Ray Tracing Enhances Visuals Without Significant Performance Impact
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has faced criticism for its optimization, and players are advised to check if the game has received sufficient updates to run smoothly on both PC and consoles before purchasing. This is unfortunate because the combat system builds on the strengths of the original game and amplifies them.
Although Dragon’s Dogma 2 may not rival other AAA titles in terms of graphical appeal, its use of ray tracing does a stellar job of elevating the lighting, which helps make the visuals stand out. Players with capable systems can fully immerse themselves in one of the finest action games featuring ray tracing.
28. Dying Light 2
Ray Tracing Is Essential to Enjoy the Visuals, As Regular Lighting Looks Dull in Comparison
Dying Light surprised players with its unique blend of parkour and zombie action. Fans were excited to hear that a sequel was in the works, promising an enhanced budget and a more polished experience. While the story of Dying Light 2 didn’t captivate everyone, the gameplay and combat kept it enjoyable for fans.
The increased budget is clearly reflected in the game’s stunning ray-traced visuals, which completely overshadow the game’s standard lighting. Given the first-person perspective, any enhancement that boosts immersion is worth the sacrifice in FPS. Ray tracing makes Dying Light 2 a true visual spectacle, especially as players confront terrifying zombies.
27. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ray Tracing Enhances the Visuals, but Significantly Affects Performance
Tango Gameworks’ journey took a strange turn when Xbox decided to shut down the studio, despite its unexpected hit Hi-Fi Rush. Unfortunately, Ghostwire: Tokyo didn’t meet sales expectations, even though it has much to offer despite its open-world design feeling somewhat uninspired.
The game’s visuals are undoubtedly its highlight, with beautiful animations that shine in first-person. Enabling ray tracing elevates the game’s visual appeal, making Tokyo feel more immersive and atmospheric as players battle spirits and uncover the mystery of the city’s vanishing population.
26. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Ray Tracing Enhances the Game’s Vibrant Color Palette
After the release of Marvel’s Avengers, many fans feared the worst for the Guardians of the Galaxy game. However, public opinion quickly turned positive, thanks to its outstanding narrative. Though the combat might not be the game’s strongest point, the story and characters are what make it shine.
What sets this game apart is its ray-traced visuals, which bring a new level of vibrancy to the diverse color palette. This, paired with a gripping narrative, makes Guardians of the Galaxy a compelling gaming experience filled with both style and substance.
25. HITMAN: World of Assassination
Ray Tracing Adds Realism to Agent 47’s Assassination Missions
HITMAN: World of Assassination is the ultimate Hitman package, combining all three games in the series with updates to take full advantage of the latest RTX technology. Players control the legendary Agent 47 as he carries out assassinations, from using sniper rifles to poisoning drinks.
In environments where reflective surfaces, like windows, are common, ray tracing truly shines, allowing players to appreciate the extent of this technology and adding an extra layer of immersion to the game’s world.
24. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Ray Tracing Brings Pandora’s Beautiful Biomes to Life
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora may not have lived up to its original hype, feeling more like a reskinned Far Cry game rather than a groundbreaking title. However, the game’s depiction of Pandora’s biomes shines through when ray tracing is enabled, showcasing the world in its full glory.
For players who prioritize the stunning landscapes of Pandora, ray tracing is essential to fully appreciate the beauty of these environments, enhancing the immersion and experience of James Cameron’s world.
23. Alan Wake 2
Ray Tracing Enhances the Unique Art Style of Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is a stunning example of creative risk-taking, offering a gripping survival horror experience. The game is packed with atmospheric visuals, and ray tracing only enhances this. The distinctive art style of Alan Wake 2 is more immersive and visually striking with ray tracing enabled, making it one of the best horror games of 2023.
22. Returnal
A Mind-Bending Roguelike with Stunning Ray Tracing
Sony’s foray into roguelikes with Returnal has been met with praise, as it delivers a captivating psychological horror experience alongside incredible gameplay. The game’s complex protagonist, Selene, and the repeating narrative structure only add to the game’s uniqueness.
The stunning visuals, especially with ray tracing turned on, make the alien landscapes of Returnal even more captivating, contributing to its success as both a visually impressive and narratively rich game.
21. A Plague Tale: Requiem
An Impressive Sequel with Stunning Visuals, Thanks to Ray Tracing
The original A Plague Tale: Innocence was a surprise hit, thanks to its emotional story and compelling stealth gameplay. The sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem, takes everything up a notch, including its visuals. With RTX enabled, the game becomes even more visually striking, allowing players to fully appreciate its rich environments and atmospheric design.
20. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered:
A Web-Slinging Adventure in New York City
While Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered doesn’t introduce significant changes to the original game, it still provides some interesting updates. New suits, DLCs from the Game of the Year edition, and enhanced facial animations are a part of the package. However, the primary attraction of this remaster lies in its improved graphics, specifically with the use of ray tracing.
For those with systems that can handle it, the game’s New York City comes to life like never before, with web-slinging through a hyper-realistic version of the city. The impact of ray tracing is immediately noticeable when gazing at skyscraper windows, where the reflections are impressively lifelike. Without ray tracing, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is already stunning, but with it, the game becomes an absolute visual treat.
19. Crysis Remastered Trilogy
A Classic Revived with RTX Support
Once the gold standard for PC gaming, Crysis became infamous for testing the limits of hardware with its demanding graphics. CryEngine showcased its prowess, and only the most powerful computers could run the game at its highest settings. While the original gameplay was enjoyable, the focus was often on the game’s groundbreaking engine.
Now, with the Crysis Remastered Trilogy, players can relive the experience of the first three titles with updated graphics and ray tracing support. The trilogy delivers a nostalgic return to these classics, now with the added beauty of modern technology—despite still requiring powerful hardware for smooth gameplay.
18. Dead Space
A Survival-Horror Classic Reborn
When the 2023 remake of Dead Space was announced, many wondered if it truly needed a remaster. The original game still looked great, and improvements seemed unnecessary. However, the remake proved the critics wrong with a visually stunning overhaul, expanded levels, and refined combat mechanics.
Ray tracing takes the atmosphere of the USG Ishimura to another level, amplifying the horror with its eerie lighting and reflections. The graphical improvements alone make this remake worth it, especially when the terrifying moments are enhanced by the new lighting effects.
17. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Next-Gen Update with Ray Tracing
The next-gen update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt brings the game into the modern era with updated visuals, including breathtaking ray-traced lighting. While there were some bugs at launch, the visual upgrade is undeniable, offering a spectacular feast for the eyes. The ray-tracing effects are particularly stunning during picturesque sunsets, making players appreciate the game’s beauty even more.
This update demonstrates how ray tracing can elevate even the most beloved titles. The Witcher 3’s already timeless look gets a fresh, stunning upgrade with lighting that leaves players in awe, even nearly a decade after its initial release.
16. Ghostrunner 2
A Futuristic Cyberpunk Experience Enhanced with RTX
Building on its predecessor, Ghostrunner 2 takes players deeper into a futuristic cyberpunk world, where they control a powerful ninja in a first-person perspective. The game maintains the brutal combat and tight parkour mechanics, but the visuals truly shine with the inclusion of ray tracing.
The cyberpunk environment is the perfect backdrop for ray tracing. The difference in visual quality with RTX turned on is striking, enhancing the already stunning settings into a visually breathtaking experience.
15. Portal
A Classic Puzzle Game Gets a Ray-Tracing Upgrade
Portal, a pioneering puzzle game, is now made even more captivating with the addition of ray tracing through a free DLC. The iconic test chambers look even more intriguing with the revamped lighting, making this classic feel fresh and inviting for players returning to the game.
Ray tracing not only enhances the game’s looks but also showcases how this technology can breathe new life into even the cleanest, most minimalist visuals. It’s a testament to how powerful lighting can redefine a game’s aesthetic, even one as simple as Portal.
14. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
A Stunning Debut for Miles as Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales lets players experience Miles’ first solo adventure as the new Spider-Man, set against a beautiful and expansive version of New York City. This standalone expansion fills the gap before Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and it does so in style, with visuals that are enhanced even further through ray tracing.
The combination of smooth gameplay and stunning visuals makes this a standout title. The ray-tracing effects elevate the lighting and reflections, allowing players to truly immerse themselves in Miles’ world as they web-sling through the city.
13. Watch Dogs: Legion
A Bold Take on Protagonists with Stunning RTX Visuals
Watch Dogs: Legion introduced a unique mechanic, letting players recruit anyone in London to join the DedSec rebellion. While the gameplay had its drawbacks, the game’s visuals, especially with ray tracing enabled, were a highlight.
The open-world environment of Watch Dogs: Legion looks incredible with RTX, making the streets of London feel more lifelike. For players looking to explore a visually stunning open-world game, this title offers a beautiful, futuristic rendition of a modern city.
12. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Lara Croft’s Final Chapter Looks Better Than Ever
In the final entry of the rebooted Tomb Raider series, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, players encounter stunning ray-traced visuals that enhance both the underwater sequences and the game’s overall atmosphere. While the game’s gameplay didn’t impress all players, the visual upgrade is hard to ignore.
Ray tracing breathes new life into the world of Lara Croft, making the jungle and underwater environments look more realistic than ever. Even though it wasn’t the game fans expected, the updated visuals will surely keep players engaged.
11. Far Cry 6
A Visually Impressive, Yet Underwhelming Sequel
While Far Cry 6 didn’t live up to expectations for many players, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful games to look at. The ray tracing support in the game enhances the realism of various surfaces, especially the reflective ones, making the game visually impressive.
Despite the shortcomings in gameplay, Far Cry 6 delivers a visually stunning experience, with RTX adding a layer of realism that enhances the overall immersion.
10. Doom Eternal
The Doom Slayer’s Stunning Return
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Doom reboot, Doom Eternal, continues the bloody journey of the Doom Slayer. This game took everything that made the original great and expanded upon it, from gameplay to graphics.
The game’s fast-paced action is enhanced by incredible visuals, and with ray tracing, Doom Eternal looks even more jaw-dropping. The combination of high-speed combat and cutting-edge graphics makes for an unforgettable experience.
9. Quake 2 RTX
Reviving a Classic with Ray Tracing
Quake 2 RTX was completely redesigned to showcase the significant impact of RTX technology on gaming, especially for remastered titles like this one. Originally released in 1997, Quake 2 was a landmark FPS, but its outdated graphics are hard to ignore today. Quake 2 RTX addresses this by revitalizing the game’s visuals with modern technology.
What makes Quake 2 RTX truly revolutionary is how it builds upon the original from 1997, showing just how much technology can enhance an old classic. Most modern AAA games require cutting-edge hardware for impressive visuals, often reserved for high-end cards like the 4090. However, Quake 2 RTX proves that even older games can shine with RTX support. Thanks to the minimal hardware requirements of the original game, even players with mid-range graphics cards can experience the full impact of RTX technology.
8. Deathloop
Arkane’s Time-Loop Thrills, Enhanced by Ray Tracing
Deathloop is one of the most engaging time-loop games released in recent years. While it might not live up to all the hype surrounding it, the game’s compelling story and gameplay make it a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Arkane has clearly poured effort into perfecting the visuals, and the game’s RTX support enhances this dramatically. When enabled, RTX brings the game to life as players traverse its levels, methodically taking down their targets.
7. Resident Evil Village
Capcom’s Iconic Survival Horror Now With Stunning Ray Traced Graphics
Resident Evil Village is a fantastic entry in the iconic series, filled with campy horror and action, a hallmark of what made Resident Evil so beloved.
What elevates the experience is the breathtaking graphical fidelity that RTX brings. The landscapes Ethan navigates become chillingly beautiful, creating an eerie atmosphere that keeps players on edge.
6. Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Not Perfect, But Visually Impressive
The latest installment in the Wolfenstein franchise, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, has received mixed reviews for its story and co-op features. However, one thing it does right is its stunning visuals.
Nvidia’s RTX effects are well-implemented, enhancing reflections and lighting throughout the game. However, some may find the lack of baked reflections on glass without RTX to be either a missed opportunity or a marketing tactic.
5. Metro Exodus & DLCs
The Stunning Conclusion to the Metro Trilogy
Metro Exodus is a game that truly benefits from real-time ray tracing. The impact of RTX on its atmosphere is undeniable, and the developers have worked hard to ensure that the game’s visuals are top-notch.
Metro has long been a graphical benchmark for PC gaming, and Exodus continues that tradition. While demanding on hardware, RTX transforms the game’s dark, post-apocalyptic world into something more immersive and lifelike, thanks to realistic lighting and shadows.
4. Battlefield 5
DICE’s Visual Mastery, With A Caveat For Multiplayer
Though not the most beloved entry in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 5 excels in one key area: its visual presentation. RTX technology enhances the lighting, reflections, and shadows, delivering a much more realistic visual experience compared to older titles.
However, it’s important to note that these effects do come at a performance cost. In multiplayer, this can impact gameplay, making it less ideal for competitive play.
3. Control
A Supernatural Adventure with Stunning RTX Effects
Control was one of the first games to showcase the advantages of RTX technology. Is it effective? Absolutely. Control already boasts a captivating environment, with physics-driven interactions and atmospheric settings, and RTX further elevates this experience.
While RTX can be demanding, those with weaker systems can still enjoy the game with lower settings. For those with capable hardware, the improved visuals make the game stand out even more.
2. Cyberpunk 2077
Ray Tracing at Its Best with Overdrive Mode
Cyberpunk 2077, despite its rocky launch, is a stunning spectacle when ray tracing is enabled. To enjoy it at higher resolutions with stable frame rates, you’ll need a powerful PC, but there’s a solution for those with less powerful systems.
The game was one of the first to implement Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a feature that uses AI to upscale lower resolution images, ensuring smooth gameplay even with demanding RTX features.
1. Minecraft
Ray Tracing Transforms Minecraft’s Simple Graphics
Minecraft, though nearly a decade old, remains one of the most popular games, constantly updated with new features. One of the biggest updates came in 2020, allowing players to enjoy real-time ray tracing on Windows.
Although Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic might make one question the need for ray tracing, the results speak for themselves. The realistic reflections and lighting completely change the look and feel of the game, making it a worthwhile upgrade even at the cost of some performance.
