Not long ago, investing deeply from your rainy-day savings to acquire the latest top-tier GPU may have seemed extravagant. I cherish the time spent with my GTX 970, a reliable companion that effortlessly navigated the demands of eighth-generation gaming. Back then, this graphics card handled every game thrown its way with ease.
However, today’s gaming landscape presents a stark contrast for budget-conscious enthusiasts. The phrase that encapsulates the 2025 PC gaming environment could well be “RTX on, savings gone.” While modern titles are stunning and advancements like path tracing have revolutionized graphical fidelity, the costs have risen significantly.
Where older models like the RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 3090 were often more for bragging rights than necessary upgrades, current gaming experiences demand the ultimate in performance. Obtaining the latest RTX 5090 has become crucial to truly appreciate games at their peak graphical settings, as detailed in several leading sources discussing the synergy between game design and graphic requirements.
In this article, I will highlight several titles that unequivocally justify the investment in an RTX 5090. My criteria for selection include games with intricate ray tracing capabilities, optimal 4K performance at 60fps, and a preference for settings that bypass DLSS whenever feasible.
10 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The Joy Of Flight
To fully experience the breathtaking visuals of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, opting for the 4K setting is essential. Unfortunately, even an RTX 4090 struggles to maintain a stable 60fps on maximum Ultra settings. Fortunately, with its impressive 32GB GDDR7 memory, the RTX 5090 adeptly handles this challenge, ensuring seamless performance even at demanding resolutions.
This installment of Flight Simulator elevates immersion to unprecedented levels, making substantial GPU power a prerequisite for navigating its intricately rendered landscapes.
9 Monster Hunter Wilds
The Real Final Boss Was VRAM, It Turns Out
While some may raise eyebrows at the inclusion of Monster Hunter Wilds in this lineup, it has become notorious for draining GPUs. Though it may not rank among the most visually impressive titles, this action role-playing gem nevertheless demands a robust GPU for PC gamers.
Even with an RTX 5090, gamers might not always achieve optimal performance; the game can consume over 20GB of VRAM at maximum settings in 4K. That said, with the right setup, maintaining over 60fps during gameplay is viable, albeit with occasional stutters.
8 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Unreal Engine 5 Unleashed
Oblivion Remastered is a comprehensive revamp of the classic game, powered by Unreal Engine 5, transforming graphics and gameplay. However, combining a Bethesda title with a notoriously unoptimized engine poses serious challenges for GPUs.
Even with an RTX 5090, achieving a consistent 60fps at 4K throughout every area is a significant hurdle. Add ray tracing into the mix, and you could find yourself dropping below ideal frame rates. The emerging joke in the community could very well be, “But can it run Oblivion Remastered?”
7 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indy Struggles On Most GPUs
In the visually stunning Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the potential for an immersive experience is undeniable; however, many players won’t fully grasp it. Using an RTX 5090 at 4K reveals significant fluctuations in frame rates.
What’s the benefit of a gripping game design if you cannot play it as intended? Certain sections may deliver 60fps, yet dense environments with extensive foliage might reduce the performance to 40fps or less, making the RTX 5090’s potential feel underwhelming unless embracing DLSS — which has its drawbacks.
6 Hogwarts Legacy
What It Takes To Cast A 4K Spell
While frame generation can enhance performance, Hogwarts Legacy falls short due to input lag and persistent stutters, particularly in its expansive open world. Even high-end cards such as the RTX 5070 and 5080 find themselves grappling with frame rates on Ultra settings.
Engaging with the magical world of Hogwarts through Avalanche’s captivating landscape isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. For those seeking to avoid issues related to DLSS and frame generation, the RTX 5090 emerges as the sole option to ensure a solid 4K experience at 60fps, alongside engaging ray tracing effects.
5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Parry This, You Casual GPUs
Although many open-world RPGs often tax GPU resources, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II manages to excel in optimization, allowing a wider range of PC configurations to enjoy its richly crafted Bohemia.
The game thrives on immersion, and experiencing it at maximum settings in 4K is the optimal route. Its “Experimental” graphics mode truly enhances the visuals, but to keep above 60fps, the power of an RTX 5090 becomes indispensable.
4 DOOM: The Dark Ages
Medieval Hellfire, Powered By Ray Tracing
DOOM: The Dark Ages undoubtedly sets a new benchmark for visual excellence, but that comes at a heavy price for your GPU. Gamers face the age-old dilemma: prioritize visuals or frame rates.
However, there’s no need to choose between the two; pushing the RTX 5090 to its limits is required to maintain frame rates above the coveted 60fps threshold at maximum settings. Experiencing The Dark Ages in 4K with all settings maxed out is an unforgettable journey.
3 Cyberpunk 2077
Wake Up, Samurai, We Have A GPU To Burn
Cyberpunk 2077 has effectively become Nvidia’s prime showcase for new GPU technology. It arguably stands unrivaled as you push every graphical setting to maximum in Night City, a visually demanding environment.
This title often enters discussions around Nvidia’s Frame Generation; however, purists seeking peak performance without DLSS or latency concerns will require substantial investment. The RTX 5090 can consistently deliver about 60fps at 4K under Ultra settings with ray tracing enabled, although it may still necessitate DLSS for optimal gameplay. Truly, experiencing Cyberpunk 2077’s breathtaking graphics hinges heavily on a high-performance Nvidia GPU.
2 Black Myth: Wukong
The King That Breaks Gods And GPUs Alike
In the gaming realm, a longstanding fact remains: one must choose between producing visually stunning games that run efficiently and those that push the envelope to extremes with Unreal Engine 5’s rich features, such as Lumen and Nanite. Black Myth: Wukong ranks as one of the most visually captivating releases in recent years, arguably among the top three for many.
However, developers Game Science have crafted it to a degree where achieving consistent 60fps at maximum settings proves exceedingly challenging. At 4K with graphics set to Cinematic, players with an RTX 4090 average 45-47fps, while the RTX 5090 performs marginally better at 60-62fps. Introducing ray tracing into the equation practically guarantees the need for DLSS, even for the most powerful cards available.
1 Alan Wake 2
The Dark Place, As It Was Meant To Be
What captivates me about Alan Wake 2 extends beyond its stunning path tracing implementation or innovative mesh shaders—it’s the captivating storytelling that these technical elements enhance. The haunting environments of Bright Falls and the intricately designed Dark Place represent some of the most compelling settings in video game history, making for significant demands on your GPU.
Unfortunately, the developers at Remedy haven’t yet resolved issues related to DLSS’s visual artifacts in high settings. Consequently, players looking to optimize their experience should revert to conventional anti-aliasing, necessitating the utmost GPU power available.
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