In 2025, GTA 5 received a major graphical upgrade for PC, following the addition of ray-traced shadows and reflections in the next-gen console versions. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran, choosing to buy a cheap modded gta account from U4gm can save you time and let you focus on enjoying the game. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm. The update introduced more advanced features, including ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion, further enhancing the game's lighting and visuals.

A side-by-side comparison shared by Reddit user Ivaylo_87 demonstrated the dramatic effect of ray-tracing on the lighting in GTA 5. In the first image, taken without ray-tracing, the hallway where protagonist Franklin stands is illuminated by harsh light pouring through an archway, leaving the rest of the hall in shadow. The result is a somewhat washed-out, flat look.

The second image, with ray-tracing enabled, shows a more dynamic lighting effect. The archway’s light appears softer, and the hall is more evenly lit, with a warm, reddish glow enveloping the area. The indirect lighting enhances the depth and three-dimensionality of the doorways and nooks, providing a more lifelike scene.

While many players are impressed by the improved visuals, there is a divide in the community. Some feel that the new lighting looks stunning and adds realism to the game. Others, however, argue that the ray-tracing makes the polygonal edges of the archway more apparent, detracting from the scene's realism. Some players also feel that the lighting is too bright, and the new effect changes the intended visual style of the game.

Ray-traced lighting adds realism by simulating light bouncing off surfaces and affecting the environment. This technology has the potential to refresh older games, but it may alter their original feel. As ray tracing becomes more common in games designed from the ground up with this technology, gamers may find it more immersive, rather than experiencing it retrofitted into a classic game like GTA 5.