You are likely here because you found an old mod guide or a YouTube video from 2021 asking for this specific version. Here is the exact method to get RTGI 0.33 running on your modern system.
When you enable the ReShade ray tracing shader RTGI 0.33, you gain access to a suite of adjustable parameters. Here is what mattered in 2021:
| Parameter | Function | | :--- | :--- | | Ray Length | Maximum distance a ray travels to find a surface. Higher = more bounce light but more performance cost. | | Intensity | Strength of the indirect lighting contribution. | | Bounce Count (Hidden) | Fixed in v0.33 to 1-2 bounces for performance reasons. | | Temporal Factor | How much the current frame blends with previous frames to reduce noise. | | Quality Mode | Low (performance) vs. High (visuals). High used 4 rays per pixel. | | AO Mix | Blends traditional ambient occlusion with ray traced AO for cleaner shadows. |
Unlike 2023’s RTGI 1.0 (which required a paid Patreon sub for early access), v0.33 was freely available on GitHub and community forums, cementing its legacy.
How does the 2021 build hold up against today's "Martyan" or "qUINT" shaders?
For most retro-fitting, version 0.33 remains the best "entry level" ray tracing mod. It hits the sweet spot of visual impact versus computational cost.
ReShade RTGI 0.33 proved that ray tracing’s visual appeal – soft shadows, color bleeding, and ambient occlusion – could be approximated without specialized hardware or engine support. For budget PC gamers and retro-modding enthusiasts in 2021, it turned old favorites into something that looked almost next-gen. And while modern games have since integrated hardware RT widely, RTGI 0.33 stands as a testament to what a single dedicated developer can achieve with clever screen-space algorithms and an open-source injection framework.
“It’s not real ray tracing, but on a 2016 GTX 1060 in 2021, it feels like magic.” – Reddit r/pcgaming user, March 2021
Want to try RTGI 0.33 today? Download ReShade 4.9.1 (or newer), search for “RTGI” in the shader repository, or find the .fx file from community backups. Expect 30–50% performance cost, but the visual upgrade in games like Fallout: New Vegas or Bioshock Infinite is remarkable.
ReShade RTGI 0.33 (Ray Traced Global Illumination) shader, developed by Marty McFly (Pascal Gilcher) , was a major update released in
(with further refinements reaching version 0.33 by August 2022). It is a screen-space post-processing effect that simulates ray-traced lighting and shadows by using a game's depth buffer. Key Features of RTGI 0.33 Motion Vectors Support:
One of the most significant additions in the 0.33 update was support for motion vectors
, which improved temporal stability and reduced shimmering or ghosting during movement. Hardware Independence:
Unlike native RTX ray tracing, RTGI does not require specialized hardware (like RT cores) and can run on any powerful GPU, including older non-RTX cards. Global Illumination: reshade ray tracing shader rtgi 033 2021
It adds fully dynamic diffuse and specular global illumination, allowing light to bounce between surfaces realistically. Screen-Space Limitations:
As a post-processing effect, it can only trace light within the player's current view (screen space). It cannot account for objects behind the camera or off-screen, which can sometimes lead to artifacts. How to Get and Install RTGI RTGI is primarily available through Pascal Gilcher's Patreon
, where a subscription (typically at the $5 tier) grants access to the latest beta versions and the community Discord. Reshade RTGI vs 'real' Ray-Traced GI 20 Aug 2021 —
The shader is currently developed via Pascal Gilcher’s Patreon. Later versions (v0.38, v0.40+) have introduced Ray Traced Reflections (RTR) and better denoisers.
Note regarding "Piece": If you are asking for a "piece" of code or a specific download link, I cannot provide direct download links for paid/patron software. However, v0.33 was widely circulated as a "public test" build at the time.
What an intriguing combination of keywords! While there's no direct "story" associated with these terms, I'll weave a narrative around them.
The Year was 2021
In the world of computer graphics, the quest for realism had reached an all-time high. Researchers and developers were pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Amidst this excitement, a team of enthusiasts, led by a passionate individual known only by their handle "RTGI_033," embarked on a mission to create something revolutionary.
Their focus was on Ray Tracing Global Illumination (RTGI), a technique that allowed for more accurate and efficient rendering of light interactions in 3D environments. The team aimed to craft a custom shader, compatible with the popular ReShade framework, which would bring this cutting-edge technology to the masses.
The Quest for Realism
RTGI_033, a skilled programmer and graphics aficionado, spent countless hours poring over research papers, experimenting with various algorithms, and testing the limits of their code. They worked tirelessly to optimize the shader, ensuring it would work seamlessly with ReShade, a post-processing injector that allowed users to enhance their graphics experience.
As the project progressed, RTGI_033 shared their work with the graphics community, releasing updates and beta versions of their shader. Enthusiasts and professionals alike took notice, providing valuable feedback and encouragement. The shader began to gain traction, with users clamoring for more features and improvements.
The Ray Tracing Revolution
With the release of their shader in 2021, RTGI_033's hard work paid off. The graphics community was abuzz with excitement as users began to share their experiences with the ReShade RTGI shader. Suddenly, games and applications that previously lacked luster were transformed, boasting more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows.
The RTGI_033 team's achievement marked a significant milestone in the evolution of real-time graphics. Their work had not only pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible but had also democratized access to advanced graphics techniques. The shader became a benchmark for future developments, inspiring others to explore the vast possibilities of ray tracing and global illumination.
Legacy of RTGI_033
Though the original story behind RTGI_033 may fade into the digital ether, their impact on the graphics community endures. The ReShade RTGI shader remains a celebrated achievement, a testament to the power of dedication, collaboration, and innovation.
The story of RTGI_033 serves as a reminder that, even in the rapidly evolving world of computer graphics, individuals can make a lasting impact. Their contributions have inspired a new generation of developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driving the industry forward, and shaping the visual landscape of tomorrow.
RTGI (Real-time Global Illumination) by Pascal Gilcher brings ray-traced lighting to games that don't natively support it. The 0.33 version from 2021 is a classic, stable build. 📦 Prerequisites ReShade: Download the latest version from reshade.me.
RTGI Shader: This is a paid shader. You must have the files (qUINT_rtgi.fx and textures) from Pascal Gilcher’s Patreon.
Game Choice: Works best on DirectX 11, DirectX 12, or Vulkan titles. 🛠️ Installation Steps
Run ReShade Installer: Select your game's .exe and the correct API (usually DX11/12).
Install Standard Shaders: When prompted, select at least the "Standard" and "SweetFX" effects. Add RTGI Files: Navigate to your game's installation folder. Open the reshade-shaders folder. Place qUINT_rtgi.fx into the Shaders subfolder.
Place the associated .png files into the Textures subfolder.
Launch Game: Press Home (or Pos1) to open the ReShade overlay. ⚙️ Setting Up the Depth Buffer
RTGI requires access to the game's "Depth Map" to know where objects are. You are likely here because you found an
Enable Generic Depth: In the ReShade menu, go to the Add-ons tab.
Check Depth Map: Ensure "Copy depth buffer before clear operations" is checked.
Test: Enable the DisplayDepth shader. Your screen should show a clear grey/white depth map. If it’s solid black or flickering, RTGI will not work.
Note: Online games often disable depth buffers to prevent cheating. 🎨 Tuning RTGI 0.33
Once the depth buffer is working, activate qUINT_RTGI and adjust these settings:
Ray Length: Controls how far light bounces. Keep it low for performance. Ray Amount: Higher values reduce noise but tank FPS.
Z-Thickness: Adjust this if you see "ghosting" or light leaking through thin walls.
Next-Gen Integration: Set to "Enable" for better light distribution in newer games.
💡 Quick Fix: If you see light bleeding through your character or UI, move qUINT_rtgi.fx to the top of your shader list and ensure "Edit Global Preprocessor Definitions" has RESHADE_DEPTH_INPUT_IS_REVERSED set correctly (usually 1 or 0 depending on the game). To help you get the best look, let me know: What game are you modding? What is your GPU (for performance balance)? Are you seeing light leaking or black spots?
ReShade Ray Tracing Shader RTGI 0.3.3 (2021) Review
The ReShade Ray Tracing Shader RTGI 0.3.3, released in 2021, is a cutting-edge shader designed to bring realistic ray tracing to a wider range of games and applications. Developed as part of the ReShade project, a popular tool among gamers and developers for enhancing graphics quality, this shader aims to integrate real-time ray tracing global illumination (RTGI) into compatible titles. Here’s a detailed review of its features, performance, and overall impact.
Published: 2021 (Retrospective Analysis)
In the world of PC gaming graphics modding, few releases have caused as significant a ripple as the ReShade Ray Tracing Shader RTGI version 0.33, which surfaced in early 2021. At a time when native ray tracing was still a luxury reserved for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control, modder Pascal "Marty McFly" Gilcher delivered a software-based solution that democratized path-traced global illumination. How does the 2021 build hold up against
For gamers running older titles—from Mass Effect to Half-Life 2 to Grand Theft Auto V—RTGI v0.33 became the definitive tool to bridge the graphical gap between generations. But what made this specific version so iconic? Why do modding communities still refer back to it years later?
This article dissects the technology, installation, performance impact, and lasting legacy of the ReShade ray tracing shader RTGI 0.33 2021 release.