In the latest GTA V update, GTA Online Los Santos Drug Wars, Rockstar Games added ray traced reflections to the game. In this article we will share some of the best comparisons that really show off this new graphics effect. Whilst GTA V for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 already had some ray tracing effects, reflections offer the greatest difference and improvement to the game’s graphics.
Here’s the official note from Rockstar’ patch notes for the update about ray-traced reflections: “Ray-traced reflections have been added to Fidelity Mode for both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, adding detail and contrast to the game world. This allows for vehicles, characters, and more details to be shown on reflective and glossy surfaces.” Before the December update, the next gen version of GTA V’s Fidelity Mode only had ray traced shadows which does not give a huge improvement to how the game looks.
Incredible comparison
Below will be a selection of great side-by-side comparisons in a variety in-game situations from our very own VideoTech.
The first example shows the chrome paint job for cars that now reflects far more detailed surroundings. It is not just the buildings but other vehicles now show up plus road texture and markings. You can see vegetation such as trees too,
The second material we’ll take a look at is a puddle of water. This shot shows how the water reflects the white fence, mail box, bicycle, house and street light. It looks especially stunning in this sunset lighting.
Whilst most people play GTA Online these days, these ray traced reflections do make a case for you to go back and go through the story mode once again. As you can see in this comparison of these skyscraper windows, ray tracing shows Michael with a backdrop of downtown Los Santos behind him.
Visual effects such as explosions now create more accurate reflections on a variety of surfaces; you can see how the light from the explosion reveals the room on the floor. Vehicles will also be reflected such as helicopters.
Night-time is another time of day that takes advantage of ray traced reflections. You can see how much more realistic this area looks. The neon lights of the club reflect correctly in the puddles below with far more detail appearing in the posters on the wall.
Night-time looks so great with RT reflections on we could not resist showing another shot in the dark from a different location. The roads at midnight have never looked so good in this game.
Ray traced reflections are not just limited to looking fantastic on puddles at night though. Vehicles see a huge improvement in realism thanks to RT reflections; the level of detail is just such a significant jump. You can now read signs in reflections and see NPCs. There is also a lack of jagged edges too.
Walk up to a car and just take a look in the windows. Your character will be displayed in the window along with the environment behind it. Many glass windows through out the game will offer the same effect such as doors and show windows.
You can check out the full video comparison with even more examples below and we would recommend it as seeing ray tracing in this level of detail in motion is much better than just a static image.
Stay tuned to RockstarINTEL for more news updates on GTA Online.
