Blender, the open-source 3D creation suite, is a powerful tool beloved by artists and developers alike. Among its many features, the EEVEE render engine stands out for its real-time rendering capabilities. However, one of the most sought-after features—control over indirect lighting—has historically been elusive. In this article, we will explore a groundbreaking workaround introduced by Gleb Alexandrov that allows users to manipulate ray-traced bounced light in EEVEE, a feature that many believed was beyond reach. ## Understanding EEVEE and Its Limitations EEVEE is designed to provide quick previews and final renders with an excellent balance of quality and performance. Nevertheless, it does come with some limitations, particularly when it comes to indirect lighting. In traditional ray tracing engines, artists can control the intensity and behavior of light bouncing off surfaces, creating more realistic environments. However, EEVEE, being a rasterization-based engine, has typically lacked these nuanced settings. The absence of direct control over indirect lighting has posed challenges for 3D artists aiming for realism in their projects. This is where the innovative workaround by Gleb Alexandrov enters the scene, providing a much-needed solution that elevates the rendering capabilities of EEVEE. ## The EEVEE Ray Tracing Hack Explained Gleb Alexandrov's technique is not just a mere adjustment; it is a transformative workaround that grants users the ability to harness the power of ray-traced indirect lighting in EEVEE. The process involves several steps that, when implemented correctly, can yield stunning results. ### Step-by-Step Tutorial 1. **Prepare Your Scene**: Begin by setting up your scene in Blender. Ensure that your lighting, objects, and environment are placed as desired. This setup will serve as the foundation for applying the ray tracing hack. 2. **Enable Ray Traced Light Bounces**: Navigate to the render settings panel. While EEVEE does not include full ray-traced lighting options, you can enable the “Screen Space Reflections” and “Ambient Occlusion” features. These settings will help mimic some characteristics of ray-traced lighting. 3. **Add an Indirect Light Source**: Create an additional light source in your scene that will serve as your indirect light. You can use area lights, point lights, or even image-based lighting. 4. **Control Light Intensity**: This is where the magic happens. By using shaders and custom nodes in Blender's Shader Editor, you can create a node setup that allows you to manipulate the intensity of the indirect light. Gleb’s approach includes using the ‘Light Path’ node to determine how light behaves in relation to surfaces, enabling you to fine-tune the bounce light intensity. 5. **Fine-Tuning and Rendering**: Once you have your indirect light source and node setup complete, it’s time to play with the settings. Adjust the light intensity and watch as the bounce light reacts dynamically within your scene. Render your project to see the results and make further adjustments as necessary. ## Why This Hack Matters The ability to control ray-traced bounced light in EEVEE opens up a realm of possibilities for artists and designers. This workaround not only enhances the visual fidelity of rendered scenes but also empowers creators to push the boundaries of their work. ### Improved Realism By unlocking control over indirect lighting, artists can achieve a level of realism previously thought possible only with full ray tracing engines. This hack allows for more accurate light interactions, resulting in dynamic shadows, enhanced depth, and a more immersive atmosphere within 3D environments. ### Time Efficiency EEVEE is renowned for its fast rendering capabilities, and this hack maintains that efficiency. Artists can produce high-quality renders without the lengthy render times associated with traditional ray tracing. This means more time for creativity and experimentation, allowing artists to focus on their projects without the constraints of long waits for rendering. ## Limitations and Considerations While Gleb Alexandrov's workaround is impressive, it’s essential to recognize its limitations. The hack does not replicate full ray tracing; instead, it provides a clever solution to control indirect light within the confines of EEVEE's existing framework. Users should be aware that results may vary depending on scene complexity and lighting setups. ### Experimentation is Key Artists are encouraged to experiment with different lighting setups and node configurations to find what works best for their unique projects. The beauty of Blender lies in its flexibility, and this hack is no exception. ## Conclusion The EEVEE ray tracing hack introduced by Gleb Alexandrov is a game-changer for 3D artists seeking to enhance their work in Blender. With the ability to unlock full control over indirect lighting, users can elevate their projects to new heights of realism and visual appeal. As Blender continues to evolve, innovative techniques like this one remind us of the platform's limitless potential. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into the Shader Editor, and discover the wonders of EEVEE's indirect lighting control. By harnessing the power of this hack, you can create scenes that not only dazzle but also reflect the true artistry that can be achieved with Blender. Happy rendering! --- Tags: EEVEE, ray tracing, Blender tutorial, indirect lighting, 3D rendering, Gleb Alexandrov, lighting control, Blender tips, open-source software, digital art Source: https://www.blendernation.com/2025/12/19/the-eevee-ray-tracing-hack-that-shouldnt-exist/