Ray Tracing on Xbox Game Pass: A Gamer's Guide
Are you as fascinated by ray tracing as I am? This technology has added a new layer of realism and depth to video games, elevating our gaming experiences. However, finding games that support this impressive tech can sometimes be challenging. That's why I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you discover all the Xbox Game Pass games that feature ray tracing.
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing is a sophisticated technique used in computer graphics to create highly realistic images. This technology simulates the path of light rays as they interact with virtual objects, creating accurate shadows, reflections, and refractions.
Traditional computer graphics typically render objects as flat shapes and then add shading and lighting effects to create the illusion of depth. In contrast, ray tracing follows the actual paths of light rays, resulting in images that are much more lifelike.
Due to its complexity, real-time ray tracing requires considerable processing power, which is why it has only recently been incorporated into video games, thanks to advancements in GPU technology.
Games on Xbox Game Pass with Ray Tracing
Below is a curated list of Xbox Game Pass games that support ray tracing. This list focuses on games that benefit significantly from this technology without the need for mods or hacks.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows (RTX)
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Set in the 14th century, this game follows siblings Amicia and Hugo as they evade the Inquisition. Ray tracing enhances the shadows, albeit subtly, but the game is stunning regardless.
Anvil: Vault Breaker
Ray Tracing Support: Reflections
Available On: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Anvil: Vault Breaker’s reflections get a boost from ray tracing, although the improvements don’t make the game stand out significantly more.
Atomic Heart
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections (RTX)
Available On: PC
In an alternate USSR setting, you play an army major investigating a robot uprising. The ray-tracing effects in this game are stellar, providing enriching graphics.
Battlefield 2042
Ray Tracing Support: Ambient Occlusion, Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The future-centric installment in the Battlefield series uses ray tracing to enhance ambient occlusion and reflections. The visual improvements are noticeable, although demanding on GPUs like the RTX 3060.
Battlefield V
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC
Set during World War II, Battlefield V uses ray tracing to boost shadows and reflections. Even though I haven’t tried it on my RTX 3060, it should perform better than Battlefield 2042 with similar settings.
Chorus
Ray Tracing Support: Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Set in the 31st century, Chorus employs ray tracing for realistic reflections, which look great but can be taxing on lower-end GPUs.
Deathloop
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
This unique game features two assassins trapped in a time loop. Ray tracing is used effectively to produce convincing shadows and reflections, making it one of the most intriguing ray-traced Game Pass titles.
Dirt 5
Ray Tracing Support: Ambient Occlusion, Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC
An off-road racing game that benefits from ray tracing in terms of ambient occlusion, shadows, and reflections. Though I haven't played since the update, the improvements are likely significant.
Doom Eternal
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
This action-packed franchise looks phenomenal with ray tracing, especially in darker environments. It also supports Nvidia DLSS 2.0, enhancing performance without sacrificing visual fidelity.
Exoprimal
Ray Tracing Support: Ambient Occlusion, Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Set in a world where exosuits meet dinosaurs, Exoprimal combines stunning graphics and immersive gameplay. Choose your exosuit and team up for epic battles.
Forza Horizon 5
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC, Xbox Series X/S
A racing game with a vast selection of cars and ray-traced shadows and reflections. The photo mode alone makes this a must-try for car enthusiasts.
Gears 5
Ray Tracing Support: Software-based shadow and screen space global illumination
Available On: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Set in the Gears of War universe, Gears 5 uses software-based ray tracing, offering a visually appealing experience, although it might not be as satisfying as hardware-based implementations.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
An action-adventure game set in a supernatural Tokyo, Ghostwire: Tokyo is beautifully atmospheric, thanks to its use of ray tracing.
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections, Skylights
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Build your own Jurassic Park with enhanced shadows, reflections, and skylights. While the ray-tracing differences aren't always dramatic, DLSS efficiently boosts frame rates.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy
Ray Tracing Support: Reflections, Transparent Reflections
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Set in the Marvel universe, this game offers impressive ray-traced reflections. The spaceship interior and various glass elements add extra layers of realism.
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections, Light Shafts
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
With enhanced ray-traced shadows and reflections, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries brings a fresh layer of realism to the BattleTech universe.
Minecraft
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections, Global Illumination
Available On: PC
Ray tracing transforms Minecraft, especially the water effects. However, you must find an RTX-enabled world on the marketplace to enjoy these visual upgrades.
Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows
Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Ray tracing in Mortal Shell is minimal, primarily enhancing shadows. It also supports DLSS 2.0 for improved performance.
Paradise Killer
Ray Tracing Support: Reflections (DirectX 12)
Available On: PC
Set on a tropical island, this game benefits from improved reflections, although its overall graphics might not be as impressive as other ray-traced titles.
The Ascent
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections (DirectX 12), Ambient Occlusion (DirectX 12)
Available On: PC
The cyberpunk world of The Ascent is visually stunning, with ray tracing significantly enhancing the shadows and reflections.
The Riftbreaker
Ray Tracing Support: Shadows, Reflections
Available On: PC
While ray tracing in The Riftbreaker offers improved visuals, its aesthetic value may not be as high as other games in this list.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Ray Tracing Support: Reflections, Global Illumination
Available On: PC
This Warhammer title looks visually impressive with ray tracing, although it can be demanding on GPUs like the RTX 3060.
Reviving Older Games with Ray Tracing
Ray tracing isn't just revolutionizing new games; it also breathes new life into older titles. One prime example is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red has rolled out a ray tracing update, elevating the game's visual experience with enhanced shadows, reflections, and 4K updates.
Other beloved classics like Minecraft, Crysis, and Control have also received ray tracing updates, allowing players to enjoy these games with contemporary visual improvements.
Minecraft: Ray tracing turns blocky landscapes into breathtaking vistas with realistic lighting and shadows.
Crysis: Already visually stunning, Crysis now features even more detailed lighting and reflections.
Control: The eerie atmosphere of Control becomes even more haunting and immersive with ray tracing.
With ray tracing, the gaming industry is set to reach new levels of visual splendor, offering a profound experience whether you're diving into the latest release or revisiting old favorites.
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