🎯 Ray tracing technology offers a cinematic realism in game graphics. But what about FPS drop? Is it still logical to enable ray tracing in 2025? In which games should it be enabled, and on which systems is it risky?
Ray tracing is a graphics technology that mimics how light moves physically in a game environment. Unlike traditional rasterization, details such as how light reflects off surfaces, the softness of shadows, and the naturalness of reflections are processed in real-time.
🔎 WHICH GRAPHICS CARDS SUPPORT IT?
- NVIDIA RTX 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 series
- AMD RX 6000, 7000 series
- Intel Arc Alchemist family
🌟 ADVANTAGES OF RAY TRACING
🎨 1. REALISTIC LIGHTING
- Natural interaction of light from sources like sunlight, lamps, fire with objects is provided.
🪞 2. ACCURATE REFLECTIONS
- Reflections on water, glass, metal surfaces appear in accordance with physical laws. Real calculations replace fake reflection effects.
🎬 3. CINEMATIC VISUALS
- Creates a film-like atmosphere in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2. Its effect is striking, especially in night, rain, and city-themed scenes.
⚠️ DISADVANTAGES OF RAY TRACING AND FPS DROP
When ray tracing is enabled, the graphics processor has to calculate much more data, which leads to FPS drop.
📉 FPS LOSSES:
- In low and mid-range graphics cards: %30-60 FPS drop
- In high-end systems: %15-30 FPS drop
- While relatively less affected at 1080p resolution, the drop is dramatic at 1440p and 4K.
🧠 RAY TRACING + DLSS / FSR = SMART COMBINATION
Image enhancement technologies like DLSS or FSR can be used to maintain performance when ray tracing is enabled.
⚙️ WHICH TECHNOLOGIES?
- DLSS (NVIDIA)
- FSR (AMD)
- XeSS (Intel)
🧪 EXAMPLE SCENARIO:
In Cyberpunk 2077, achieving 60+ FPS at RT Ultra + DLSS Balanced settings is possible. Therefore, it is logical not only to enable RT but also to combine it with supports like DLSS/FSR.
🎮 WHEN IS IT LOGICAL TO ENABLE RAY TRACING IN GAMES?
🔥 SHOULD BE ENABLED:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Alan Wake 2
- Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition
- Control
- Watch Dogs Legion
These games are focused on visuals, not on competition.
🚫 SHOULD BE KEPT CLOSED:
- Valorant
- CS2 (Counter-Strike 2)
- Fortnite Competitive Mode
- Apex Legends
In these types of games, millisecond response time is vital. FPS performance is a priority, visuals are secondary.
💡 IS IT LOGICAL TO ENABLE RAY TRACING IN 2025?
✔️ IF IT IS LOGICAL TO ENABLE:
- If your GPU is RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT or above
- If you are playing a game supported by DLSS or FSR
- If you can maintain 60 FPS and above performance
- If visuals are more important to you than FPS
❌ IF IT SHOULD NOT BE ENABLED:
- If you struggle to achieve 1080p/60FPS
- If the game is competitive
- If you are using an entry-level card like RTX 2060 / RX 6600
📊 PERFORMANCE TESTS RESULTS (GENERAL DATA)
| Game | Ray Tracing Off (FPS) | Ray Tracing On + DLSS (FPS) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RTX 4070) | 102 | 70 | Digital Foundry |
| Alan Wake 2 (RX 7900 XT) | 95 | 65 | TechPowerUp |
| Control (RTX 3080) | 120 | 85 | Hardware Unboxed |
🔚 WHEN IS IT LOGICAL TO ENABLE RAY TRACING, ACCORDING TO WHOM?
- If visuals are your priority, you have a current graphics card, and can achieve 60+ FPS, enabling it is logical.
- If you are competitive, performance-oriented, or have a weak system, keeping it closed is the most correct option.
🧷 RECOMMENDED SETTINGS COMBINATION (FOR MID/HIGH-END SYSTEMS)
- Resolution: 1440p
- Ray Tracing: Medium / High
- DLSS / FSR: Balanced
- V-Sync: Off
- Frame Limit: On (144+ recommended)
