The Diablo 4 update you’ve all been waiting for is finally here, as Ray-Tracing comes to Sanctuary. Available as part of update 1.3.5, Ray-Tracing will come to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on March 26. Based on previous Diablo 4 updates, the new patch will be available to download from around 5pm GMT UK time. It’s worth noting, however, that because update 1.3.5 isn’t ushering in a brand new season, there’s a chance times will vary. In terms of what fans can expect, the Ray-Tracing update will give a major visual boost to things like shadows and reflections. Shadows, for example, will appear softer and more life-like with Ray-Tracing enabled. This contrasts with the harsher, more angular shadows that are produced when Ray-Tracing is disabled.
Speaking of shadows, Diablo 4 developer Blizzard has also given more characters, monsters and creatures their own ‘Contact Shadows’, something that was previously only available to the main cast.
The Ray-Tracing setting also gives in-game reflections a boost, something that you’ll notice when passing mirrors or wading through water.
PC players wishing to take advantage of Ray-Tracing can do so by selecting ‘Options’ from the in-game menu, visiting the ‘Performance’ tab and manually selecting which visual upgrades to enable. Needless to say, you’ll need a graphics card that supports the technology, so it’s worth paying the Battle.net support page a visit.
Console users, on the other hand, should visit the ‘Graphics’ tab and select ‘Enhanced Visuals’ from the ‘Performance’ menu. Unfortunately, however, this will lock the game at 30 frames-per-second.
You can take a look at Diablo 4’s Ray-Tracing update in action by checking out the tweet below. The full update 1.3.5 patch notes can also be seen further down the page.
GAME UPDATES
• Patch 1.3.5. introduces Raytracing to all supported platforms and updates to Ambient Occlusion and Contact Shadows.
BUG FIXES
• Fixed an issue where the Portal entrance to the Gauntlet didn’t apply Portal cosmetics.
• Fixed issue where ability to interact with things would not function if Corpse Tendrils was equipped to the same key as Interact.
• Fixed an issue where some elites could not properly spawn in the second half of the Path of the Blind dungeon.
• Fixed an issue where some headstone cosmetics would not appear in the Wardrobe.
• Various performance, stability, and visual improvements.
