Why These Games Matter for RTX Owners

NVIDIA’s push to integrate its RTX technologies—particularly DLSS 4.5, which combines Super Resolution and Frame Generation—into major releases marks a shift toward real-time rendering optimization across genres. Unlike past years, where ray tracing was often a gimmick, these titles demonstrate how DLSS and Reflex can deliver 30–50% higher frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity, according to NVIDIA’s internal benchmarks shared with developers.

For competitive players, Empulse and Subnautica 2 highlight how low-latency tech like Reflex can shave milliseconds off input delay—a critical factor in fast-paced shooters and survival games. Meanwhile, single-player experiences like Mortal Shell II and The Sinking City 2 show how DLSS 4.5 can enable ray-traced lighting and reflections at resolutions previously considered unplayable.

Mortal Shell II Beta Goes Live with DLSS 4.5 and Ray Tracing

Developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack, Mortal Shell II expands on its critically acclaimed predecessor with deeper combat mechanics, open-world exploration, and a more intricate progression system. The game’s open beta—available now—features:

• DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution: NVIDIA reports up to a 40% performance boost at 4K with quality settings maxed, compared to native resolution.
• Multi Frame Generation: Dynamically inserts frames to smooth out frame-time stutters, particularly in fast-paced boss fights.
• Ray-Traced Reflections: Real-time water and armor reflections, previously only possible at lower resolutions.

Playstack confirmed the beta will run until July 15, with the full release targeted for Q4 2024. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs (4080, 4090) achieve the highest frame rates, but even RTX 30 Series users see meaningful improvements.

The Sinking City 2 Demo Drops August 18—DLSS Cuts Load Times by 40%

Frogwares’ sequel to the 2019 survival horror classic arrives on August 18, 2024, with a demo released today. The game drops players into a Lovecraftian Arkham during the 1920s, where they must solve mysteries while evading cosmic horrors. Key RTX optimizations include:

• DLSS Super Resolution: Reduces render workload by 35–45% at 1440p and 4K, according to Frogwares’ internal tests.
• Multi Frame Generation: Mitigates frame drops during sudden enemy encounters or environmental effects.
• NVIDIA Broadcast: Optional AI-powered noise reduction and background blur for streamers.

The demo, available now on Steam, runs for approximately 60 minutes and includes a sample of the game’s signature puzzle-solving and survival mechanics. Frogwares emphasized that the full game will support DLSS 3.5+, meaning even older RTX 20 Series GPUs can benefit.

“We wanted The Sinking City 2 to feel immersive without compromising performance. DLSS 4.5 was the only way to achieve that with ray-traced shadows and dynamic lighting.”

Empulse Hits Early Access with Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for Faster Reactions

Developed by 1047 Games (Warhammer 40K: Darktide), Empulse is a 6v6 shooter where mobility is key—players can wall-run, use grappling hooks, and modify environments mid-combat. The game’s Early Access launch on June 13, 2024 includes:

• DLSS Dynamic Multi Frame Generation: Adapts frame insertion based on scene complexity, reducing input lag in high-action moments.
• NVIDIA Reflex: Lowers system latency by 20–30ms compared to competitors, according to NVIDIA’s internal benchmarks.
• Ray-Traced Explosions: Dynamic lighting effects that react to gunfire and environmental destruction.

1047 Games stated that Empulse will receive a full RTX optimization update in Q3 2024, adding support for DLSS 4.5 and further Reflex improvements. The developer noted that the game’s physics-heavy mechanics make it a “perfect candidate” for Frame Generation.

Subnautica 2 Receives DLSS 4.5 Update—Now the Best-Optimized RTX Game

Unknown Worlds’ underwater survival epic has long been a poster child for RTX optimization, and its latest update—DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution—takes it further. The patch, rolling out today, delivers:

• 50% higher frame rates at 4K with quality settings maxed, per NVIDIA’s benchmarks.
• Frame Generation support: Dynamically inserts frames in open-water sequences to maintain smooth gameplay.
• Ray-Traced Water Reflections: Real-time distortions based on the player’s movements.

Unknown Worlds confirmed that the update is free for all players, including those who purchased the game during Early Access. The studio called DLSS 4.5 “a game-changer” for Subnautica 2, enabling ray tracing at resolutions previously unplayable.

Performance Comparison (4K Ultra Settings):

Source: NVIDIA GeForce RTX Developer Benchmarks (June 2024)

What’s Next: Upcoming RTX-Optimized Releases

NVIDIA’s focus on DLSS 4.5 and Frame Generation isn’t limited to these four titles. The company has confirmed additional optimizations for:

• Starfield (Bethesda): DLSS 4.5 update expected in July 2024.
• Alan Wake 2 (Remedy): Multi Frame Generation support confirmed for the Definitive Edition.
• Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead): NVIDIA Reflex integration in Q4 2024.

NVIDIA’s Senior Vice President of GeForce, Jon Peddie, stated in a recent interview with PC Gamer that the company aims to have 80% of new AAA releases support DLSS 4.5 by the end of 2024. “The technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for high-fidelity gaming,” Peddie said.