Microsoft is testing ray tracing on Minecraft on Xbox

Through a new Minecraft Preview build exclusive to Xbox Insiders, it seems that Microsoft is on the verge of incorporating ray tracing support for Minecraft on Xbox Series X|S consoles However, even with an original tease of the feature dating back two years, it is still in the early testing phase and not yet widely available in an easy way. (via The Verge)

At the moment, Xbox Insiders that have been able to access the feature, say that Ray Tracing feature is enabled through additional resources packs. That means it is difficult for most gamers to install and download these in the Xbox version of the game. Some gamers have been able to access ray tracing on the Xbox Series X|S by either taking part in a multiplayer game with a device that comes with the additional resource packs and has already enabled the feature. Alternatively, some have accessed it by creating a new world and found the feature in the settings.

Minecraft with raytracing on Xbox? The latest Minecraft Preview is optimized for Xbox Series S / X and has early raytracing support ???? pic.twitter.com/cqH0cuGbtS

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) March 28, 2022

This could be an indication that Mojang Studios working on an upgrade for both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Besides, the latest build is marked as optimized for Xbox Series X|S, which is an indication that the next-gen patch s set to be released in the near future.

As a reminder, ray tracing is a unique lighting technique that enhances the appearance of a game by making it more realistic. The feature helps mirror how light is reflected and refracted in real life and replicates it in the game. Be sure to test out this feature if you are an Xbox Insider and share your thoughts and experience with us in the comment section below.