The old shooter Unreal from 1998 received a RayTracing mod — here’s how the familiar game looks with new graphics

By: Viktor Tsyrfa | 23.10.2025, 21:22
Unreal Engine: Realistic rays with new rendering capabilities Unreal with real rays. Source: notebookcheck.net

The cult shooter Unreal, released in 1998, has been given new life thanks to the UnrealRTX modification, which adds modern real-time ray tracing. Developed by enthusiast mstewart401, this mod transforms the graphics of the classic game, making it visually impressive — with realistic lighting, dynamic shadows, and light reflections on surfaces.

Besides graphic effects, the mod also updates some elements of the environment, decor, and level structures, giving them a more modern look. This is not just a cosmetic improvement — it is a complete visual reconstruction that preserves the atmosphere of the original but adapts it to modern standards.

To use the mod, you need to download the free version of Unreal (Epic made it publicly available) and install the Unreal 227k_12 patch, which ensures compatibility with UnrealRTX. The mod itself is available on GitHub, but installation requires attention: it is important to follow all instructions to avoid conflicts.

The game's story revolves around a prisoner who, after a spaceship crash, finds himself on an unknown planet. He will have to fight numerous enemies, explore locations, and find a way to escape using the weapons he finds.

Source: www.notebookcheck.net