Rtgi 0.17.0.2 Release ((top)) Here
RTGI 0.17.0.2 Release: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Path Tracing Update
The world of PC gaming aesthetics has just taken another leap forward with the release of RTGI version 0.17.0.2. Created by Pascal Gilcher (better known as Marty McFly), the Screen Space Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) shader has become the gold standard for adding modern lighting effects to older titles and enhancing the visual fidelity of new ones via Reshade. This latest point release focuses on refining the massive technological leaps introduced in the 0.17 branch, offering better performance, fewer artifacts, and more accurate light bounce calculations. What is RTGI?
RTGI is a post-processing shader that brings path-traced lighting to almost any game that allows depth buffer access through Reshade. Unlike standard game lighting, which often relies on pre-baked shadows or simple ambient occlusion, RTGI calculates how light bounces off surfaces in real-time. This results in natural color bleeding, realistic shadows in corners, and a sense of "grounding" for objects that traditional rendering methods often miss. Key Improvements in 0.17.0.2
The move from the 0.16 versions to the 0.17 architecture represented a complete rewrite of the shader’s core logic. The 0.17.0.2 update serves as a critical stabilization and optimization patch for that new foundation. Enhanced Denoising Logic
One of the biggest hurdles for real-time ray tracing is "noise"—the grainy flickering seen when there aren't enough light rays to fill a scene. The 0.17.0.2 release introduces a more sophisticated temporal denoiser. It better tracks pixels across frames, significantly reducing the "ghosting" effect that sometimes occurs when a character moves quickly across a dark room. Improved Surface Physics
Light now interacts more realistically with different material types. The update refines the way light scatters on rough versus smooth surfaces. You will notice that metallic objects have a more distinct "sheen" from indirect light sources, while matte surfaces like cloth or stone absorb and diffuse light with greater accuracy. Optimization and Performance
Ray tracing is notoriously heavy on hardware. This release includes several back-end optimizations to the ray-marching algorithm. Users on mid-range hardware will notice slightly more stable frame times, especially in complex scenes with multiple light sources. The shader is now more efficient at discarding rays that don't contribute to the final image, saving precious GPU cycles. Better Compatibility with Reshade 5.x+
As Reshade continues to evolve, RTGI must keep pace. Version 0.17.0.2 is built to take full advantage of the latest Reshade features, including improved depth buffer detection and better handling of UI masking. This ensures that the lighting doesn't "bleed" over your game’s HUD or menus as often as it did in previous iterations. How to Install RTGI 0.17.0.2
For those looking to upgrade their visual experience, the process remains straightforward:
Support the Creator: RTGI is currently hosted via Pascal Gilcher’s Patreon. You will need to be a supporter to download the latest binaries.
Install Reshade: Ensure you have the latest version of Reshade installed for your specific game.
Copy the Files: Place the shader (.fx) and header (.fxh) files into the "reshade-shaders/Shaders" folder of your game directory.
Set Up Depth Buffer: In-game, open the Reshade menu and ensure your depth buffer is correctly aligned so the shader can "see" the 3D space. Conclusion
The RTGI 0.17.0.2 release isn't just a minor incremental update; it's a testament to the ongoing refinement of real-time lighting on the PC. By smoothing out the edges of the 0.17 rewrite, Marty McFly has provided gamers with a tool that makes decade-old classics look like modern, ray-traced masterpieces. Whether you are a virtual photographer or just someone who wants their games to look as immersive as possible, this update is an essential addition to your modding toolkit.
RTGI 0.17.0.2 a specific beta update for the Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) shader created by graphics modder Pascal Gilcher (also known as Marty McFly . This shader is used through
to inject advanced path-traced lighting into various video games, even those that don't natively support ray tracing. About the 0.17.0.2 Release The 0.17.0.2 version was released on October 30, 2020
, as a beta update for Patreon supporters. This specific iteration was part of the "v0.17" series, which focused on refining the shader's performance and visual accuracy before moving toward later major versions like 0.20 or the current "iMMERSE Pro" builds. Key Features of the RTGI Shader Dynamic Lighting rtgi 0.17.0.2 release
: Adds real-time light bounces to game environments, making colors and shadows feel more physically accurate. Hardware Independence : Unlike native RTX implementations, RTGI works on non-RTX hardware
(including older NVIDIA and AMD cards) because it operates on the game's depth buffer data rather than dedicated RT cores. Universal Compatibility
: It can be used in almost any 3D game that allows ReShade to access its depth buffer, including classic titles like Assassin's Creed Scalability
: Includes quality presets for both diffuse and specular global illumination, allowing users to balance visual fidelity with their system's performance. RTGI 0.17.0.2 Release! - Patreon 30 Oct 2020 —
Pascal Gilcher * Home. * Collections. * Membership. * Recommendations.
, bringing another layer of visual fidelity to your favorite titles. This update continues to refine how light, shadows, and color bounce interact with 3D environments, making "flat" game worlds feel remarkably physical and alive. What’s New in 0.17.0.2?
This version focuses on performance optimization and stability, ensuring that high-end lighting doesn't always require a high-end frame rate tax. Refined Lighting Accuracy
: Improvements to the diffuse global illumination algorithm for more natural light distribution. Enhanced Ambient Occlusion
: More precise micro-shadowing in crevices and corners for added depth.
: Addressed compatibility issues and edge cases found in previous 0.17.x iterations to provide a smoother experience across various game engines.
RTGI (Ray-Traced Global Illumination) simulates how light bounces off surfaces to illuminate areas not directly hit by a light source. It transforms the look of classic and modern games by: Physical Grounding : Objects feel like they truly belong in the world. Color Bleeding
: Red light hitting a white wall will realistically "bleed" a subtle pink hue onto nearby surfaces. No RTX Required
: While it uses ray tracing techniques, it runs on the software level via
, making it accessible to a wider range of hardware than native hardware-accelerated ray tracing. How to Get It RTGI 0.17.0.2 Beta
is available exclusively for Pascal Gilcher's Patreon supporters. Joining not only gives you the latest shader builds but also supports the ongoing development of one of the most transformative mods in PC gaming. 📥 Download & Support: Marty McFly's Patreon RTGI 0.17.0.2 Release! - Patreon
The latest update for the ReShade Ray Tracing Global Illumination shader, version 0.17.0.2, has officially arrived. This release focuses on refining performance and fixing critical stability issues that users encountered in previous builds. For gamers looking to add path-traced lighting to older titles, this version represents a significant step forward in usability. Core Enhancements and Bug Fixes RTGI 0
The primary focus of RTGI 0.17.0.2 is the optimization of the shader’s internal logic. Pascal Gilcher, the developer behind the project, has addressed several "edge case" bugs that caused visual artifacts in specific lighting conditions. Reduced ghosting on fast-moving objects. Improved light accumulation in dark areas.
Fixed compatibility issues with the latest ReShade 5.0+ builds. Refined depth-buffer detection for smoother integration.
These changes mean that the "shimmering" effect often seen in earlier ray-tracing injections is now much less intrusive. The shader handles complex geometry more gracefully, ensuring that light bounces look natural rather than flickering. Performance Improvements
Ray tracing is notoriously heavy on hardware. Version 0.17.0.2 introduces minor but effective code refactoring to lower the frame-time cost. While you still need a capable GPU, users on mid-range cards will notice a more consistent frame rate.
The update optimizes how the shader samples the screen space. By being more selective with ray casts, it achieves a similar visual quality to older versions while using fewer system resources. This makes it a more viable option for 1440p and 4K gaming. Why This Version Matters
RTGI is unique because it doesn't require native DXR (DirectX Raytracing) support from the game engine. It works by analyzing the depth information provided by ReShade to simulate how light should realistically bounce off surfaces.
Version 0.17.0.2 is being hailed as a "stable" milestone. If you previously found the shader too "fidgety" or prone to crashing your game, this is the version to jump back in with. It provides a much cleaner baseline for creating presets in games like Skyrim, GTA V, or The Witcher 3. How to Install Ensure you have the latest version of ReShade installed.
Access the RTGI shaders through the official Patreon or authorized distribution points.
Place the .fx and .fxh files into your game's reshade-shaders/Shaders folder.
In-game, enable the shader and ensure your Depth Buffer is correctly set up.
📍 Would you like a guide on how to configure the Depth Buffer settings for a specific game?
The RTGI 0.17.0.2 release is a significant historical update for the Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) shader, developed by Pascal Gilcher (also known as Marty McFly). This specific version was released on October 30, 2020, as part of the early beta development for the shader suite. Core Technology
RTGI is a state-of-the-art post-processing shader for the ReShade universal injector. It brings realistic lighting to games by physically simulating how light interacts with the environment through:
Diffuse Global Illumination: Simulates real-time interactive bounce lighting, allowing light to illuminate areas not directly hit by a primary light source.
Ambient Occlusion: Enhances contact shadows and depth perception between objects.
Screen Space Ray Tracing: It utilizes the game's depth buffer data to calculate lighting paths, making it compatible with non-RTX video cards. Key Features of Version 0.17.0.2 🔧 What’s New in 0
While this version was part of a broader beta cycle, it was notable for several implementation details:
ReShade Compatibility: This version is often paired with ReShade 4.9 or similar versions from that period to ensure stability.
Game Versatility: It was widely tested and used in popular titles like GTA V, Skyrim SE, and Minecraft Java Edition to provide a "next-gen" visual look before official ray tracing updates were common.
Hardware Independence: Unlike official hardware-accelerated ray tracing, RTGI 0.17.0.2 operates solely on depth data, allowing older GPUs to achieve similar visual results. Distribution and Legacy
Access: This specific build was distributed primarily through Pascal Gilcher’s Patreon, where it was offered as a benefit for supporters in the early development phase.
Evolution: Since 2020, the shader has evolved into the iMMERSE Pro suite, featuring more advanced algorithms like ReSTIR and improved denoising.
Mainstream Adoption: The technology behind RTGI was eventually adapted by NVIDIA for use in their NVIDIA FreeStyle and Ansel driver modules as "SSRTGI". RTGI 0.17.0.2 Release! - Patreon
🔧 What’s New in 0.17.0.2
This is primarily a hotfix and refinement patch building on v0.17.0.1. Key changes include:
- Improved stability under high memory pressure in 64-bit titles
- Fixed a rare crash occurring when toggling HDR on/off during gameplay
- Adjusted temporal accumulation to reduce “boiling” artifacts on transparent surfaces
- Better handling of games using non-standard depth buffer layouts (e.g., certain Unity and Unreal Engine 4 builds)
- Minor UI tweaks – the ReShade overlay should now display more accurate performance statistics
Bottom Line
RTGI 0.17.0.2 is a stable, refined release. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but fixes real-world annoyances. For most users, it’s the best balance of quality, stability, and performance among all RTGI versions to date.
Pro tip: Pair RTGI 0.17.0.2 with MXAO (ambient occlusion) for contact shadows and Bloom for light spread – the three together mimic a mini path tracer in older games.
RTGI (Real-Time Global Illumination) is a technology used in various applications, including video games and computer-aided design (CAD) software, to simulate realistic lighting. The version 0.17.0.2 of RTGI seems to be a specific release in its development cycle. However, my current information might not be up-to-date or detailed enough to provide a comprehensive report on this exact version.
That being said, I can offer a general overview of what RTGI technology entails and what might be expected from a release like 0.17.0.2, assuming it's part of an open-source or developer-focused project. If you're looking for specific details about this version, I recommend checking the official documentation, changelog, or community forums related to RTGI.
Known Issues in 0.17.0.2
As with any screen-space effect, RTGI is not perfect. The current build has three minor limitations:
- Screen-space nature: Light from off-screen emitters still doesn't contribute.
- Transparent materials: Glass, water, and particle effects may not receive correct bounce lighting.
- Shader compilation stutter: The first time RTGI loads in a new area, you may see a 0.2-0.5 second hitch as the shader compiles new permutations.
All three are expected to be addressed in the upcoming 0.18 branch, which will experiment with a hybrid screen-space + world probe approach.
How to Install RTGI 0.17.0.2
Prerequisites:
- ReShade 5.9.2 or newer (with effect search paths enabled).
- DirectX 9/10/11/12 game (not Vulkan-native titles like Doom Eternal—use the DXVK layer instead).
- A GPU that supports Shader Model 5.0 or higher (GTX 900 series / RX 400 series minimum).
Step-by-step:
- Download the shader pack from the official GitHub repository:
martymcmodding/rtgi(release tagv0.17.0.2). - Extract the
.fxand.hfiles into your game’sReShade-Shaders/Shaders/folder. - Launch the game, open ReShade overlay (default: Home key), and go to the Settings tab.
- Click Reload to compile the new shaders.
- Navigate to the Home tab, search for
RTGlobalIllumination.fx, and check the box. - Apply the included
RTGI_Preset.inior adjust the sliders manually.
Warning: Do not overwrite an older version without deleting the previous
.cachefolder in your game directory. Some users reported shader compilation errors that were resolved by a clean install.
Should you update from 0.16 or earlier 0.17?
- Yes if you see ghosting or AMD performance drops.
- Yes if using ReShade 5.9+ on DX12 titles (e.g., Cyberpunk, Hogwarts).
- Maybe not if you have a heavily tweaked preset with 0.16 – new temporal parameters may require readjustment.
Avoid RTGI entirely if:
- You expect real-time path tracing (buy an RTX 4090 and play Cyberpunk Overdrive).
- Your game lacks a proper depth buffer (2D platformers, some DX9 titles).
- You cannot tolerate any screen-space artifacts.
RTGI 0.17.0.2 – What’s New & Useful
RTGI (often called ReSTIR GI or Pascal Gilcher’s GI) remains the most advanced screen-space global illumination shader for ReShade. Version 0.17.0.2 is a minor but impactful patch following the major 0.17 update.