Red Dead Redemption 2 becomes more high-tech — modder adds ray tracing and improves graphics

An enthusiast decided to improve the graphics of the Rockstar Games title.

In early November, a modder going by the nickname BadassBaboon returned to the PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2 and introduced a major modification that brings modern technology to the game. He revealed that since the success of the Reality Redemption project, he had planned to create something similar to RealityV and RealityIV (graphics mods for Grand Theft Auto franchise games).

Now Red Dead Redemption 2 players can experience hardware ray tracing (Hardware RT) and enhanced graphics. BadassBaboon explained what is included in the current version of the modification:

• Planar and screen-space water reflections have been improved. According to the modder, they are now clearer and blur less.
• Ray-traced global illumination (RTGI) has been introduced, supporting up to 3 light (ray) bounces.
• RT-ambient occlusion (ray-traced ambient occlusion).
• RT shadows. Currently, the modder explains, these are only implemented for static geometry.

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Image source: BadassBaboon

BadassBaboon clarified that these new features are fully customizable: players can increase the number of light bounces, adjust the intensity, and toggle any of the features on or off.

Currently, BadassBaboon is distributing the beta version of the “Reality Redemption 2” mod for Red Dead Redemption 2 via Google Drive. He posted all the necessary information on his Patreon channel (no payment for subscription or the mod is required).