This is a guide and preset on using raytracing in MSFS
Please Note: Before we begin I want to make it clear that this Guide and preset was only made for Microsoft Flight Simulator-Steam edtion. Other versions such as the one from the Microsoft Game store or X-Box game pass, will not be able to do this using the same method due to the root folder being locked. If you want to Raytrace in these other versions it still is very much possible to do so, but you must use a different method to install reshade HERE
Installing Reshade
Begin by Downloading this online enabled build of reshade from HERE. It is Important that you use a Online enabled build like this, as the depth buffer will dissable when high network activity is detected, meaning the shader wont be able to get the important information it needs to work.
Next run the reshade installer and locate your flightsimulator.exe. Select it and click next. If you cannot find it click browse and look under this file path C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MicrosoftFlightSimulator
Then select DirectX 10/11/12 as your graphics driver and select next and continue.
Confirm that the Standard effects are selected in the next page, as well as the QUINT, and make sure you install all the effects from each package. Finish and quit the installer once promted that you are done.
Now you need to Install the RTGI shader, Go to the MartyMcFly discord and make sure you have downloaded the latest version. In order to join his server you must be a patreon "Breakfast" supporter. You can get get into the server HERE. Once you have downloaded the latest version of the shader continue on to the next step.
Locate your root MSFS 2020 folder (Most steam users will have it under C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MicrosoftFlightSimulator) NOT YOUR COMMUNITY FOLDER and find the new reshade-shaders folder. Install RTGI by dragging and dropping the "Shaders" and "Textures" Folder found in the the ReShade_GI_Beta_0.32.2.zip into the main 'reshade-shaders' folder.
Now Download My preset file from this post and drag and drop the RTGI PRESET.ini file into your reshade shaders folder, or anywere you like, we will need to find this later so take note of were it is.
Now launch MSFS as normal and click the home button on your keybord to open the GUI of the mod once you are loaded into a aircraft, preferably the cockpit.
At the top of the reshade GUI select the blue preset selector, right above the effects searchbar. Select the RTGI PRESET.ini file.
Now select the "addons" Tab at the top of the reshade GUI. Make sure these boxes are selected as follows:
Generic Depth: Checked
Use aspect Ratio heuristics: Checked
Use extended aspect Ratio heuristics (enable dlss blah blah blah.....) : Checked
Copy depth buffer before clear operations: Checked
Go back to the "Home" Tab and select "Edit Global Preproccesor Deffinitions" Right below the effects.
Select The Global Tab under that menu and make sure your settings are as follows:
RESHADE_DEPTH_LINEARIZATION_FAR_PLANE 1000.0
RESHADE_DEPTH_INPUT_IS_UPSIDE_DOWN 0
RESHADE_DEPTH_INPUT_IS_REVERSED 1
RESHADE_DEPTH_INPUT_IS_LOGARITHMIC 0
Note: If you dont see these, simpy add them one by one.
Next select Current preset and make sure the settings are as follows if they are already not.
SKYCOLOR_MODE 1
MATERIAL_TYPE 1
INFINITE_BOUNCES 0
SMOOTHNORMALS 1
IMAGEBASELIGHTING 1
Note: If you dont see these, simpy add them one by one.
Now you have finished and you should see a difference. It is best to use MSFS 2020 TAA anti aliasing with this configuration. If you are having issues with the depth buffer, and getting the shader to work, lean about the depth buffer in this in depth video.
Performance and tips
No performance hit noted.
If you have any questions join this Discord Server. And feel free to message me.
I would put it, but I think it’s not easy for my 1660ti))
2 years ago
ardeeff
MSFS already uses ray casting for light sources...this is just doubling up and costing people at least 15% of their framerate. To each their own I guess.
2 years ago
No FPS drop. Does alot more than raycasting. I can see how you wouldnt want to use it tho.
2 years ago
Firerug
JstnJ
Hey, what are your pc specs, i run a 2070 super oc from gigabyte but have a r5 3600x and notice some frame drops and im looking for recomendations.
2 years ago
Jamar
Oscar Mike Foxtrot Gulf - what an incredible difference this makes - best five dollars I've spent in quite some time! Many thanks!
3 years ago
ChicknManAir
i cannot find the exe folder for msfs2020. can you help me choose msfs2020 when it asks for the game please.
3 years ago
Did you get it through game pass or steam?
3 years ago
Firerug
Oliver2005
If anyone is using the MS Store version of the flight simulator, use this instead of the normal reshade installer. https://github.com/MilkyDeveloper/ReshadeForUWP
3 years ago
Thanks for sharing
3 years ago
Firerug
presuffix
It's not true ray tracing. Asobo have already said it needs implementing by both them and Nvidia. Then you'll see a release in the Nvidia drivers notes. What you have here is a post processing filter.
3 years ago
yh... kind of pointless
3 years ago
theoriginalbabu
NZedder