Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V continues to push the limits of visual fidelity with its Enhanced Edition, introducing new ray-traced lighting options that drastically improve the game’s realism. However, not all settings are created equal, and blindly maxing out the graphics could lead to performance issues.
Forget Max Settings – Here’s What Works Best
Recent analysis has tested various ray tracing (RT) presets to determine the best balance between visuals and performance. The findings suggest that “Very High RT” is the sweet spot, offering an optimal mix of high-quality reflections, ambient lighting, and smooth frame rates without the severe performance dips caused by the highest settings.
- Maximum RT: Looks stunning but can tank frame rates, making it unsuitable for smooth gameplay.
- Very High RT: Delivers impressive visuals with minimal performance loss, making it the recommended setting.
- High RT: More stable for performance but lacks the full impact of ray-traced effects.
What This Means for Players
The Enhanced Edition of GTA 5 proves that high-quality ray tracing is now viable on modern mid-range GPUs without requiring ultra-high-end hardware. With “Very High RT”, players can experience realistic lighting, improved reflections, and an overall cinematic feel without unnecessary slowdowns.
If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy Los Santos in 2024, tweak your settings to Very High RT and enjoy the show—because sometimes, max settings aren’t the way to go.
