NVIDIA is adding DLSS 5 to RTX Remix, its free modding platform for older PC games. RTX Remix has been available since early 2024, and it lets modders add ray tracing and AI-upscaled textures to classic titles.
DLSS 5 brings neural rendering to the tool, which changes how light falls on characters. The technology launched with NBA 2K27, and many gamers reacted badly to it. Engadget notes that the company seems unmoved by that backlash.
NVIDIA is also bringing DLSS 5 to its new RTX Spark chip, and Hogwarts Legacy gets official support on November 5.
Critics say DLSS 5 alters the artistic intent of games and acts like an AI beauty filter. Some also object to its cost, as it can cut performance by 50% or more in certain games. Unlike earlier DLSS versions, it lowers frame rates instead of raising them.
Engadget's Dave Meikleham calls himself a reluctant defender. He prefers the look in Cyberpunk 2077, Control and the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes.
He says the effect is big on faces but subtle on environments, and he writes, "Put away your pitchforks, please!" He suggests turning it on only in games where the player often sees a character's face.
Also Read: NVIDIA DLSS 5 Gets an Unofficial Shortcut as Steam Tool Simplifies Game Mods
Modders got early access to DLSS 5 after an early build of NBA 2K27 leaked. Community apps such as DLSS 5 Manager and DLSS 5 Swapper now let users add it to many Vulkan and DirectX games on NVIDIA RTX graphics cards. Games with anti-cheat software, such as GTA V Enhanced, may fail to launch.
Early third-party versions cut frame rates by 30% to 60%. A recent update trimmed the drop to about 25% in NBA 2K27 at 1440p, according to PC Gamer. On an RTX 5090, Control at 4K rose from about 80 FPS to nearly 100 FPS after the update. Engadget advises having at least an RTX 5070 or Radeon RX 9070 before turning it on.