Back in 2025, Grand Theft Auto V, a game that has mesmerized players for over a decade, received a substantial graphical facelift on PC. This update introduced ray tracing, a cutting-edge technology that significantly enhanced the game’s lighting and brought a new level of depth and realism. Yet, like with many game updates, fans are divided; some find the new brightness overwhelming, while others feel it transforms the game’s original visual essence.
Recently, a devoted GTA 5 fan showcased an illustrative side-by-side comparison image, illustrating the stark contrast between having ray tracing on and off. Remarkably, this comparison highlights just how transformative the impact of ray tracing can be, even in a veteran game like Grand Theft Auto V. For those unfamiliar, while the game has been a staple in gaming since its release over ten years ago, its latest PC update went further than previous next-gen console improvements by incorporating ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion.
One Reddit user, Ivaylo_87, drew attention to this graphical transformation by posting images comparing light effects in a scene with protagonist Franklin. Without ray tracing, light sharply outlines the ground from an archway, leaving much of the hall in shadow. But with ray tracing enabled, the illumination spreads more evenly, introducing a warm, reddish glow that lends a fresh vibrancy to the environment and accentuates architectural details.
Despite the evident enhancements, the community’s reception of this update has been mixed. Some players raved about the updated look, praising its newfound depth and vibrancy. However, critics argue that the updated lighting exposes the polygonal structures too much, detracting from the realism. Others feel that the brightness is excessive and that the game’s original lighting was intentionally crafted to establish a specific atmosphere that ray tracing disrupts.
Ray tracing, when done right, can rejuvenate a game, offering realistic light reflections and enhancing overall immersion. Yet, it’s not surprising some players are skeptical about altering a game’s visual language, especially one as iconic as GTA 5. As the industry continues to embrace this powerful technology, perhaps we’ll see more games that are designed from scratch to incorporate these lighting advancements right from day one, preserving their intended feel while embracing the benefits of modern tech.
