Adding Raytracing to ANY Older Game? (Without an RTX Card)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of adding ray tracing effects to older games without requiring an RTX graphics card. Using tools like ReShade and specific shaders, you can enhance the visual quality of classic titles, making them look more modern and visually appealing.

Step 1: Install Required Software

To get started, you need to download and install the following tools:

• ReShade

  • Visit ReShade's official website and download the installer.
  • Run the installer and select the game executable for the game you want to enhance.
  • Choose the graphics APIs you want to install (Direct3D 9, 10, 11, etc.).

• Marty's RTGI Shader

  • Go to Marty's RTGI and download the RTGI shader files.
  • Follow the instructions provided on the site to install the shader into your ReShade directory.

• NiceGuy Shaders

  • Visit NiceGuy's GitHub and download the shaders.
  • Install them similarly by placing them in the ReShade directory.

• DXVK

  • Download the latest version of DXVK from DXVK Releases.
  • Extract the files and follow the provided instructions to set it up for your game.

Step 2: Configure ReShade for Ray Tracing

After installing the necessary software, you need to configure ReShade:

1. Launch the game and ReShade will prompt you to select effects.

2. Enable the following shaders:

   • RTGI (for global illumination)
   • NiceGuy shaders for additional effects

3. Adjust settings to your preference:

   • Open the ReShade menu (usually by pressing the Home key).
   • Tweak the parameters for RTGI and NiceGuy to achieve the desired visual effects.

Step 3: Test with Different Games

Try applying the setup to various games to see how it performs. Here are some examples:

• GTA IV: Check performance and visual enhancements. Ensure that the frame rate remains playable.
• Borderlands 2: Experiment with settings to balance visuals and performance.
• Dragon's Dogma: Note how different lighting effects come into play.

Step 4: Analyze Performance Benchmarks

Monitor how the ray tracing effects impact performance:

• Use built-in game benchmarks or external tools like FRAPS.
• Pay attention to frame rates and any stuttering issues.
• Adjust ReShade settings to optimize performance if needed.

Step 5: Fixing UI Issues

Some games may experience UI problems after applying shaders:

• If the UI becomes unresponsive or visually corrupted, try:
  • Disabling certain shaders that may conflict with the UI.
  • Adjusting ReShade settings specifically for in-game menus.

Step 6: Explore Free Alternatives

If you want to try ray tracing without the overhead of extensive configurations:

• Test out the Max Payne RTX Demo available on ModDB.
• Play with Open Lara RTX to see how different engines handle ray tracing.

Conclusion

Adding ray tracing to older games can significantly enhance the visual experience without needing high-end graphics cards. By following these steps, you can customize your games with better lighting and reflections, utilizing tools like ReShade and various shaders. Explore different settings to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and performance, and enjoy your revitalized gaming experience!