DOOM: The Dark Ages on the RTX 5090 - 4K 210 FPS with Path Tracing and Ultra Settings

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id Software's DOOM: The Dark Ages launches May 13 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The PC version is set to go all-in on the latest RTX technologies, with full Path Tracing and support for DLSS 4, including multi-frame generation. It's a ray-tracing-only game that uses RT for accurate hit detection, which ramps up the combat.

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The Path Tracing or Full Ray Tracing in DOOM: The Dark Ages ensures that it covers everything from shadows to reflections and global illumination. This is then paired with DLSS 4's new AI model for Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction to enhance image quality and Multi Frame Generation and Reflex to boost performance while maintaining responsive controls.

For the absolute maxed-out 4K path-traced DOOM experience, you will need a pretty powerful GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU. NVIDIA confirms that running on a GeForce RTX 5090 in 4K with Ultra Settings, Path Tracing, and Multi-Frame Generation (4X) will give you 210 FPS.

• Read more: NVIDIA giving away DOOM: The Dark Ages for FREE with select GeForce RTX 50 series GPU purchase
• Read more: DOOM: The Dark Ages - Hand-On Preview with 4K 60 FPS RTX 5080 Gameplay

Based on the performance gap between the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, this would result in around 150 FPS on the RTX 5080. The good news is that id Software has a stellar track record of releasing well-optimized games that can run at 60+ FPS on various rigs. Path Tracing in 4K will probably be limited to flagship cards like the RTX 5090, but we're fully expecting that the GeForce RTX 5070 can handle DOOM: The Dark Ages in 1440p with ray-tracing.

On that note, NVIDIA and id Software have shared the first comparison screenshot for DOOM: The Dark Ages running with Path Tracing off and on. Immediately, you can see the difference in the weapons and how they react to light. Secondly, the ground material looks more defined, with more accurate shadows and reflections, making it more realistic. Yes, the 'RTX Off' version still looks fantastic; however, if DOOM: The Dark Ages's Path Tracing is similar to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (which runs on id Tech), then all of these little differences will add up to create a more immersive and cinematic experience.

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DOOM: The Dark Ages, Path Tracing Off, image credit: id Software/NVIDIA.

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DOOM: The Dark Ages, Path Tracing On, image credit: id Software/NVIDIA.