F1 25's path tracing demands an RTX 5080 just to hit 1080p with upscaling

[Daniel Sims]

In brief: With F1 25 set to launch in two weeks, EA has revealed new gameplay modes and technical features. The most significant addition for players with high-end PCs is path tracing. Despite its steep performance cost, EA has released a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing recommended settings for a wide range of hardware.

The system requirements on F1 25's Steam page recall the earlier days of simple "Minimum" and "Recommended" columns – before game publishers began releasing spreadsheets with four or more categories. EA's latest press release takes this further, offering seven columns to account for virtual reality, path tracing, and even 8K gameplay.

Players still using nearly decade-old GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 can achieve 60 frames per second at 1080p, but only with the low graphics preset.

Everything above 1080p, according to EA's chart, requires at least an RTX 3080 Ti – and in some cases, an RTX 5080.

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The new VR column recommends those GPUs, or AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XT to achieve 90 fps at 2K per eye – matching the performance profile of the Meta Quest 2 and 3S. Meanwhile, for 4K and beyond, EA claims the RTX 4090 or 5090, paired with 32 GB of system RAM, can deliver 8K 60 fps gameplay with balanced upscaling and frame generation enabled. However, using frame generation to reach 60 fps in a racing game may noticeably affect response times.

Finally, new path tracing option, available as the "Ultra Max" graphics setting, demands an RTX 4080 Super, RTX 5080, or RX 7900 XTX just to hit 60 fps at 1080p with upscaling. This feature aims to accurately simulate lighting, shading, and reflections based on real-world locations.

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Gameplay additions include enhanced AI, updated track layouts, and new features across F1 25's various modes. Developers have used LIDAR to more accurately recreate real-world tracks and have introduced the franchise's first reversed courses.

In the team management mode, players can now scout, recruit, and choose between multiple drivers. A new mode also features characters from the upcoming F1 film.

F1 25 launches on May 30 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. Early access for those who pre-order the Iconic Edition begins May 27. Preloads start May 15 on Xbox, May 20 on PC, and May 25 on PS5.

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F1 25's path tracing demands an RTX 5080 just to hit 1080p with upscaling

 

[toooooot]

This game is not even a looker. Mediocre graphics, relatively small base.
I would understand if this was done in one of those games like Forza motorsport or Grand Tourismo.
But this one... Complete waste of power.

 

[bviktor]

But but 8K something.

I'm so happy Sony finally dropped the ball and ended 8K production.

Wake me up when we finally hit 60 FPS @ 2160p. I'll be generious, it can be with or without DLSS, I don't care at this point, I just want butter smooth gameplay and visuals.

 

[Squid Surprise]

Wake me up when we finally hit 60 FPS @ 2160p. I'll be generious, it can be with or without DLSS, I don't care at this point, I just want butter smooth gameplay and visuals.

We have that already… assuming you have a decent GPU… so… wake up?

 

[Watzupken]

This is just silly. No wonder game sales for big developers are tanking. Essentially they are tone deaf, tripling down on features that gamers don’t care or can’t afford to run, while regurgitating the same game play and story over and over again each year.

 

[candle86]

Yep need for speed most wanted 2005 looks better than this

 

[Theinsanegamer]

We have that already… assuming you have a decent GPU… so… wake up?

Well....the game needs a 5080 to hit 60 FPS at 1080p with upscaling....thats not 4k, nor native....sooo....

wake up and learn 2 reed?

 

[Squid Surprise]

Well....the game needs a 5080 to hit 60 FPS at 1080p with upscaling....thats not 4k, nor native....sooo....

wake up and learn 2 reed?

No… that’s with pathtracing… without it, you’re fine…oh.. it’s “read” not “reed”… don’t expect people to read if you can’t spell

 

[gingerbill]

I shout at the clouds waving my fist at the 'cost' of some of the new graphics features . They are just not worth it .

Glad I enjoy games that graphics are not important. My days of buying a fast GPU are long gone and I assume wont return as the prices now are absurd.

 

[NumberNine]

Stop buying garbage games.

 

[airbornex]

So we've gone from “can it run Crysis?” to “can it run F1 at Ultra Max with path tracing and VR at 2K per eye?”

 

[ScottSoapbox]

I’m always confused by people’s anger at optional graphs settings.

You don’t have to use path tracing and you probably shouldn’t use 8K. You can play this game on a 1060 or a 5090. Everybody wins.

 

[EvilRebar]

I feel like people forget that games used to be released with aspirational settingd that did not run well on contemporary hardware.

You weren't maklxing out Crisis on release.

 

[arrowflash]

I feel like people forget that games used to be released with aspirational settingd that did not run well on contemporary hardware.

You weren't maklxing out Crisis on release.

The difference is that Crysis looked the part for how difficult it was to run at release time.

Games released in the last 3 years or so, don't.