Unlocking Real-Time Ray Tracing and DLSS in Unreal Engine 4
Summary: Real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) are powerful tools in Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) that can elevate your game’s graphics to new heights. This article will guide you through getting started with these technologies, highlighting key features, performance improvements, and practical tips for integrating them into your projects.
Getting Started with Real-Time Ray Tracing
Real-time ray tracing in UE4 offers unparalleled photorealism by accurately simulating light interactions in real-time environments. This technology is particularly beneficial for creating immersive games, live television broadcasts, product visualizations, blockbuster films, and interactive architectural experiences.
Key Features of Real-Time Ray Tracing
- Hybrid Translucency: A method that combines ray tracing and rasterization for translucency effects, offering better compatibility and speed.
- Light Functions and Channel Masking: These features ensure that light functions and channel masks are correctly reflected, enhancing the realism of ray-traced reflections.
- Improved Performance: Optimizations can lead to up to 30% better ray tracing performance, with DLSS further doubling frame rates.
Leveraging DLSS for Enhanced Performance
DLSS is a deep learning super-resolution network that boosts frame rates by rendering fewer pixels and then using AI to construct sharp, higher-resolution images. This technology pairs perfectly with computationally intensive rendering algorithms like real-time ray tracing.
Tips for Using DLSS
- Script Blueprints: Use built-in scripts in the BP editor to activate and test DLSS states.
- Sharpening: Adjust the DLSS sharpening slider to enhance image quality or gain a small edge on frame rate.
- Quality Modes: Higher input resolutions like DLSS Quality mode are preferred for dynamic ray-traced shadows, as they provide adequate source pixels for the ray-tracing denoiser.
Integrating Real-Time Ray Tracing and DLSS
To integrate these technologies, you’ll need access to the RTX Developer User Guide and the DLSS plugin. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Access the RTX Developer User Guide: This living document details the latest improvements and optimizations for ray tracing in UE4.
- Activate the DLSS Plugin: Available for mainline UE4 as a plugin, compatible with UE4.26.
- Use Hybrid Translucency: Combine ray tracing and rasterization for faster and more compatible translucency effects.
- Optimize Performance: Use DLSS to net back lost frame rate from higher-quality graphics.
Practical Applications
Real-world projects like Trailo, a real-time ray tracing cinematic automotive project, demonstrate the potential of these technologies. Created in UE4.26 with RTX and DLSS 2.0, Trailo showcases various technical aspects and cinematography techniques alongside ray tracing technology.
Example: Trailo Project
- Project Overview: A real-time ray tracing cinematic automotive project featuring the Koenigsegg Agera, created and fully rendered in UE4.26 with RTX and DLSS 2.0.
- Technical Aspects: Demonstrates various technical aspects and cinematography techniques alongside ray tracing technology.
- Performance: Utilizes DLSS to achieve high frame rates while maintaining high-quality graphics.
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Ray Tracing: Offers unparalleled photorealism by accurately simulating light interactions in real-time environments.
- DLSS: Boosts frame rates by rendering fewer pixels and then using AI to construct sharp, higher-resolution images.
- Hybrid Translucency: Combines ray tracing and rasterization for faster and more compatible translucency effects.
- Performance Optimization: Use DLSS to net back lost frame rate from higher-quality graphics.
By integrating these technologies into your projects, you can achieve high-quality graphics with improved performance, making your games and visualizations stand out.
Conclusion
Real-time ray tracing and DLSS are powerful tools in UE4 that can significantly enhance your game’s graphics. By understanding the key features, performance improvements, and practical tips outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of these technologies and create visually stunning projects.