Over a 12 months after its launch, Elden Ring lastly obtained the long-promised patch that brings ray tracing to the sport with model 1.09. Whereas the replace introduces some delicate visible enhancements and bug fixes, it falls in need of expectations by not together with upscaling assist, similar to DLSS or FSR. This half-hearted implementation by Bandai Namco and FromSoftware is disappointing to PC gamers, because the visible good points should not definitely worth the efficiency price.
It’s disappointing to see that Bandai Namco and FromSoftware’s historical past of underwhelming PC ports and assist continues with this ray tracing replace for Elden Ring. PC gamers have skilled their fair proportion of challenges and previous failures with video games like Darkish Souls, the place the unique PC port was plagued with technical points and required fan-made mods to make it playable. The group’s expectations had been already modest, however this lackluster ray tracing implementation is simply one other instance of Bandai Namco’s and FromSoftware’s basic apathy in the direction of PC Gaming.
One other Underwhelming PC Implementation
It’s essential for Bandai Namco to acknowledge the significance of delivering high-quality experiences for PC gamers, particularly in the case of cutting-edge applied sciences like ray tracing. PC gaming affords huge potential, and it’s disheartening to see it undermined by a scarcity of correct assist. Transferring ahead, Bandai Namco should prioritize the wants of PC avid gamers and be sure that future updates and titles are developed with the identical degree of care and a spotlight as their console counterparts. The gaming group deserves higher, and it’s time for Bandai Namco and FromSoftware to step as much as the problem.
The up to date ray tracing characteristic affords 4 RT high quality ranges, which reportedly have an effect on shadows and ambient occlusion primarily. Whereas these enhancements present better-looking foliage shadows and a few added depth on textures, the visible enhancements are removed from dramatic. That is disappointing contemplating the lengthy watch for the replace.
Lack of Upscaling Assist
What makes the state of affairs much more irritating for PC gamers is the shortage of upscaling assist, similar to DLSS, FSR, or XeSS. These applied sciences may have helped offset the efficiency hit from enabling ray tracing, however their absence signifies that gamers should select between visible enhancements and clean gameplay.
Bandai Namco’s PC system necessities for ray tracing is perhaps overly cautious, as some lower-tier playing cards can nonetheless deal with the results at decrease resolutions. Nevertheless, this doesn’t change the truth that the advantages of ray tracing in Elden Ring are too delicate to justify the efficiency price for a lot of gamers.
Poor Ray-Tracing Efficiency
Assessments performed on numerous graphics playing cards at completely different resolutions confirmed a big drop in efficiency when ray tracing was enabled. As an example, the RTX 3070 skilled a 25% efficiency loss at 1440p, whereas the Arc A750 managed Medium RT results at 1080p with occasional stutters.
At 1440p/Max Settings/Max RT, the solely GPU that may present a continuing 60fps expertise is the RTX4090. And as for native 4K/Max Settings/Max RT, solely the RTX4090 was as soon as once more capable of present a clean gaming expertise.
In conclusion, Bandai Namco’s half-hearted implementation of ray tracing in Elden Ring is a missed alternative for PC gamers who’ve been anticipating a extra important visible overhaul. The shortage of upscaling assist, similar to DLSS, exacerbates the problem, because the visible good points don’t outweigh the efficiency hit. It stays to be seen if the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree growth will take higher benefit of ray tracing expertise, however for now, Elden Ring’s ray tracing replace leaves a lot to be desired.
