ReShade RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) is a post-processing shader created by Marty McFly
(Pascal Gilcher) that brings realistic lighting and ambient occlusion to games that don't natively support ray tracing. marty's mods
The "0.36.1" version—specifically the "Extra Quality" or high-end presets—is known for significantly enhancing scene depth and light interaction, though it comes with notable technical caveats. Key Performance & Visual Quality Highlights Realistic Light Bouncing
: Unlike standard screen-space ambient occlusion (SSAO), RTGI calculates how light bounces off surfaces, illuminating ceilings, walls, and pillars that would otherwise be dark. Hardware Independence
: It does not require specialized RTX hardware and can run on any GPU that supports ReShade, though it is highly GPU-intensive Uncompromised Quality
: The high-quality presets model both diffuse and specular global illumination, resulting in very stable lighting with minimal flickering compared to other post-processing solutions. marty's mods Common User Criticisms & Limitations "Bleed Through" Artifacts : Because ReShade only has access to the depth buffer , RTGI often "shines through" UI menus, smoke, or fog. Setup Complexity
: Achieving the "extra quality" look often requires manual tweaking and specific shaders like the iMMERSE Launchpad to correctly align the depth buffer. Performance Cost
: Running at "Extra Quality" can significantly tank frame rates, especially in games that are already demanding. Post-Processing Limits : It is essentially a screen-space solution
(SSRTGI); it cannot "see" objects off-screen or hidden behind other objects in the frame. Expert & Community Verdict Scams, Theft, and Bad Actors in the ReShade Community 22 Mar 2025 —
RTGI (Ray-Traced Global Illumination) by Pascal Gilcher (Marty McFly) is a highly sought-after shader for ReShade that simulates real-time ray tracing in games that don't natively support it. The version 0.36.1 represents a refined iteration of this shader, offering "Extra Quality" settings to enhance path-traced lighting, shadows, and ambient occlusion. Core Features of RTGI 0.36.1
Path-Traced Lighting: Simulates how light bounces off surfaces, creating realistic color bleeding (e.g., a red wall casting a red tint on the floor).
Advanced Ambient Occlusion: Adds deep, realistic shadows in corners and crevices where light is naturally occluded.
Extra Quality Settings: Includes higher sample counts and improved denoising filters to reduce the "flickering" or noise often associated with screen-space ray tracing.
Motion Vectors Support: Modern versions (0.33+) use motion vectors to better track lighting between frames, significantly reducing ghosting during movement. Optimal "Extra Quality" Configuration
To achieve the best visual results with version 0.36.1, focus on these specific parameters within the ReShade menu:
Ray Length & Steps: Increasing these values allows light to travel further and interact with more geometry, but it is the most performance-heavy adjustment.
Sample Count: For "Extra Quality," set this to High or Ultra. This determines how many "rays" are cast per pixel; higher values result in smoother shadows and less noise.
Denoising Filter: Ensure the denoiser is active. This smooths out the raw, grainy ray-traced output into a cohesive image.
Z-Thickness: Adjust this to prevent light from "leaking" through thin walls or objects, a common artifact in screen-space effects. Setup Requirements reshade rtgi 0361 extra quality
Access: RTGI is typically available through Marty McFly's Patreon.
Depth Buffer: You must have a working depth buffer for RTGI to function. Disable in-game Anti-Aliasing (MSAA) and ensure "Copy depth buffer before clear operations" is checked in the ReShade "Generic Depth" tab. Installation: Download the shader files (qUINT_rtgi.fx and textures).
Place them in your game's reshade-shaders/Shaders and Textures folders. Enable qUINT_rtgi at the top of your shader list. Performance Impact
Using "Extra Quality" settings on RTGI 0.36.1 is demanding. It is recommended for users with at least an RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT or higher to maintain a stable 60 FPS, especially at 1440p or 4K resolutions.
The story of ReShade RTGI 0.36.1 is a landmark chapter in the journey of Pascal Gilcher (widely known as Marty McFly
), a former NVIDIA engineer who brought ray-traced lighting to games that were never designed for it. The Visionary: Marty McFly In May 2019, Gilcher released the first version of the Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI)
shader. Unlike native ray tracing that requires specific hardware (RTX cards) and game engine support, RTGI operates in screen space
. It uses the "Depth Buffer"—the game's data on how far objects are from the camera—to calculate how light should bounce off surfaces and cast realistic shadows. The Significance of Version 0.36.1 By the time version
arrived, RTGI had transitioned from a experimental mod into a "must-have" for graphics enthusiasts. This specific version was a "sweet spot" for many users due to its balance of quality and stability: The "Farplane" Tweak
: Community members discovered that for 0.36.1 to look its best, users often needed to set the Farplane to 2500
, allowing the light to bounce realistically across much larger distances than previous versions. Extra Quality Presets
: This era of RTGI introduced more refined quality presets, allowing users to push "Extra Quality" settings that accurately modeled both (soft, scattered light) and (shiny, reflective) global illumination. The Bridge to "iMMERSE"
: 0.36.1 was one of the final major iterations before Gilcher began evolving the shader into the iMMERSE Pro spectral rendering
systems, which aimed to solve long-standing issues like color oversaturation and light leaking. A Cultural Phenomenon
The release of these versions sparked a revolution on platforms like YouTube and Reddit. Modders used 0.36.1 to "remaster" classics like The Witcher 3 , often leading to viral "Next-Gen" graphics videos. Even
took notice of the movement's success, eventually adopting a similar technology called into their own driver modules.
Unlocking the Full Potential of ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhanced Visual Quality
ReShade, a popular post-processing injector for games, has been a game-changer for gamers and developers alike. Its ability to enhance visual fidelity, improve performance, and offer advanced graphics features has made it a staple in the gaming community. One of the most exciting features of ReShade is its Real-Time Global Illumination (RTGI) module, which allows for stunning, cinema-like lighting effects in games. The latest version, ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1, takes this to the next level with "Extra Quality" settings, providing an unparalleled visual experience. ReShade RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) is a
What is ReShade RTGI?
For those new to ReShade and RTGI, let's take a brief look at what these technologies offer. ReShade is a software framework that injects post-processing effects into games, enhancing their visual appearance. RTGI, or Real-Time Global Illumination, is a feature within ReShade that simulates the way light interacts with the environment in a game. It calculates the color and intensity of light as it bounces around the scene, creating more realistic and immersive lighting.
The Significance of ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1
The 0.3.6.1 version of ReShade RTGI marks a significant milestone in the development of real-time lighting technology. This update brings several improvements over its predecessors, including better performance, compatibility with more games, and, most notably, the introduction of "Extra Quality" settings. These settings are designed to push the boundaries of what's possible with real-time lighting, offering an even more realistic and detailed visual experience.
Understanding Extra Quality in ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1
The "Extra Quality" option in ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 is a game-changer. When enabled, it increases the resolution and accuracy of the global illumination calculations, leading to more detailed shadows, better light reflections, and a more natural integration of light and environment. This results in a more cinematic and immersive gaming experience.
Benefits of Using ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 with Extra Quality
Enhanced Realism: The most immediate benefit is the increased realism of the game's lighting. With Extra Quality enabled, the lighting effects become more nuanced and detailed, making the game world feel more alive.
Improved Immersion: Games are more engaging when the visuals are stunning and realistic. The enhanced lighting effects help draw players deeper into the game world, making the experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Customization: ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 offers a range of settings that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and system specifications. This means that users can tweak the Extra Quality settings to find the perfect balance between visual fidelity and performance.
Wide Compatibility: Despite its advanced features, ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 maintains a wide compatibility with various games. This means that a broad range of titles can benefit from its enhanced lighting capabilities.
How to Get Started with ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 and Extra Quality
Getting started with ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 involves a few straightforward steps:
Download ReShade: Visit the official ReShade website and download the latest version. Ensure you select the version that supports your game.
Install ReShade: Follow the on-screen instructions to install ReShade. This process is usually straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
Download RTGI 0.3.6.1: Look for the RTGI module on the ReShade website or forums and download it.
Configure ReShade and RTGI: Once installed, launch your game and activate ReShade. You'll need to enable the RTGI module and adjust the settings to your liking. Make sure to check out the Extra Quality option under the RTGI settings.
Optimization: Depending on your system's specifications, you might need to tweak the settings to achieve the best performance. ReShade and RTGI are designed to be customizable, allowing you to find an optimal balance. Enhanced Realism : The most immediate benefit is
Challenges and Limitations
While ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 offers incredible visual enhancements, there are a few challenges and limitations to consider:
Performance Impact: Advanced features like Extra Quality can have a significant impact on game performance, particularly on lower-end hardware. Users may need to adjust settings or upgrade their hardware to enjoy the full benefits.
Compatibility Issues: Although ReShade and RTGI are designed to be widely compatible, there may be issues with certain games or configurations. Users should check the documentation and community forums for specific game support.
Learning Curve: For those new to ReShade and RTGI, there might be a learning curve in understanding how to best use these tools. The good news is that the community is active and provides a wealth of tutorials and guides.
Conclusion
ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 with Extra Quality represents a significant advancement in real-time lighting technology for games. By offering more realistic, detailed, and immersive lighting effects, it enhances the gaming experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable. While there may be challenges in terms of performance and compatibility, the benefits of using ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 with Extra Quality far outweigh the drawbacks for those looking to elevate their gaming visuals. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more stunning visual effects and improvements in the future. For gamers and developers looking to push the boundaries of what's possible in game lighting, ReShade RTGI 0.3.6.1 is an indispensable tool.
In the world of PC gaming graphics modding, few names carry as much weight as Pascal Gilcher and his legendary ReShade RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) shader. For years, gamers without high-end RTX graphics cards have been chasing the dream of realistic lighting, bounce lighting, and ambient occlusion. While the official updates have progressed, a specific, almost mythical version continues to circulate in forums and modding communities: ReShade RTGI 0361 Extra Quality.
But what exactly is this version? Is it better than the newer paid versions? And most importantly, how do you install and configure it to achieve that "extra quality" promise without tanking your framerate?
This article is your definitive guide to the 0361 Extra Quality build—its origins, its technical edge, and a step-by-step setup tutorial.
While newer versions of the RTGI shader exist, the 0.361 build has gained a cult following among enthusiasts. It strikes a critical balance between computational complexity and visual noise reduction.
Earlier builds were often plagued by heavy flickering and "fireflies" (bright white pixels in shadows) during motion. Later builds sometimes prioritized performance to a fault, losing some of the subtle ambient depth. Version 0.361 introduced refined denoising algorithms that hold up remarkably well even at lower resolutions.
Temporal Accumulation Factor to 0.85. If persists, enable Motion Vectors if your game provides them (via custom ReShade addon).Before diving into the specifics of version 0361, let’s establish the basics. ReShade is a generic post-processing injector for games. It allows developers and artists to create custom shaders (FX files) that alter the game’s render output.
RTGI, or "Ray Traced Global Illumination," is a shader that approximates how light bounces off surfaces. Unlike simple screen-space ambient occlusion (SSAO), which only darkens corners, RTGI analyzes the depth buffer and color buffer to cast light and shadow from nearby surfaces.
The result? Corners are no longer just dark; they are filled with naturally colored bounce light.
In the pursuit of photorealism in PC gaming, few technologies have caused as significant a shift in visual fidelity as Ray Tracing. However, for years, the benefits of Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) were locked behind expensive hardware requirements and specific game engines. That changed with the advent of Reshade RTGI.
Specifically, version 0.361, particularly when configured for "Extra Quality," represents a sweet spot in the evolution of shader-based lighting. It offers a compelling bridge between older game titles and modern visual standards, allowing gamers to experience realistic light bounce, soft shadows, and immersive ambient occlusion without needing an RTX 4090.
In the ReShade in-game menu, under RTGI.fx: