Nvidia DLSS 3.5 feels like the future of ray tracing is here today

The discharge of Nvidia DLSS 3.5 in Cyberpunk 2077 appears like a watershed second in PC graphics, in that I can’t foresee an occasion during which I’d desire to play ray traced video games with out DLSS Ray Reconstruction. In actual fact, after spending a while utilizing your complete suite to revisit Evening Metropolis, it’s tempting to go so far as to say that I welcome our AI-driven future.

For these out of the loop, the unhelpfully named Nvidia DLSS 3.5 doesn’t check with a brand new model of the Deep Studying Tremendous Sampling upscaler (as 1.0 and a pair of.0 did). As an alternative, DLSS 3.5 describes a collection of applied sciences that may assist the aforementioned know-how, in addition to Body Era, and now additionally Ray Reconstruction. So, with that out of the way in which, let’s speak about why it’s such an enormous deal.

Nvidia describes Ray Reconstruction as a method that improves the standard of ray and path traced results, corresponding to reflections, international illumination, and dynamic lighting. It does this by changing the hand-tuned denoisers utilized in video games with, you guessed it, an AI-powered renderer. If you happen to’d prefer to be taught extra concerning the technical particulars behind it, take a look at Nvidia’s weblog here, however suffice to say the ends in observe are nothing in need of superior.

Taking to the neon-soaked streets of Cyberpunk 2077, armed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, I instantly stopped by Afterlife to soak in some reconstructed rays. Wanting on the bar from the entranceway, the enhancements Ray Reconstruction gives listed here are delicate however noticeable.

Wanting on the membership’s ground, the gaps between every of the metallic tiles is best outlined because of improved shadow element. This identical enchancment is seen on the ridged surfaces above the bar itself, together with the air flow grates. Reflections on all these surfaces are additionally extra detailed because of the higher retention of fabric element, offering a extra precisely sharp however tough impact.

Nevertheless, it isn’t till I sit down with Rogue that I discover one of many extra dramatic enhancements that Ray Reconstruction gives. All the small print of the lovingly crafted textures that make up her character mannequin are introduced out in full power with the know-how enabled, from the wrinkles and freckles on her face to her jacket’s materials. Even her hair is improved with extra outlined particular person strands.

You may see these identical enhancements manifest on Johnny Silverhand too, within the wrinkles of his fingers, the metallic shine of his belt and elbow, and his luscious locks of hair. Whereas these variations on their very own aren’t wholly transformative, it’s laborious to not describe Ray Reconstruction as a method higher than the sum of its components. Talking for myself, I actually really feel extra immersed on the earth of Evening Metropolis with it enabled than I do in any other case.

That stated, Ray Reconstruction isn’t excellent but. Probably the most noticeable downside, to my eye, is akin to a ghosting impact that may happen on faraway NPCs or these in environments during which lightning shifts from one coloration to a different. That is distracting and disappointing, however I’ve little doubt this may be mounted by way of tuning Ray Reconstruction additional.

In brief, I like to recommend anybody taking part in Cyberpunk 2077 with an RTX GPU to allow each DLSS Tremendous Decision and Ray Reconstruction. The applied sciences at this level are a no brainer, and I’m glad that Nvidia is ready to lengthen these advantages to everybody from an RTX 2050 proper as much as the GeForce RTX 4090. It gained’t be lengthy till we’ve different video games with which to check it as effectively, with Alan Wake 2 due very quickly.

Nevertheless, I don’t need a future devoid of competitors. As such, I sincerely hope that each AMD and Intel are taking discover and are cooking up applied sciences that’re equally (if no more) compelling.

Take a look at our Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty review if all this discuss of ray tracing has you itching to return to the RPG.