Vray All Versions List Exclusive 🎁 Official
V-Ray, developed by , is a leading rendering engine used across industries like architecture, film, and product design. Since its initial release in 1997, it has evolved through several major versions, each introducing transformative features for photorealistic rendering. V-Ray Version Evolution & Key Features
V-Ray 7 (Current Generation): Released in late 2024, this version introduced Gaussian Splatting support, significant GPU performance boosts (up to 5x faster in some tests), and Chaos Scatter updates. Chaos Forums currently lists Update 3 as the latest stable build.
V-Ray 6: Introduced Chaos Scatter, V-Ray Enmesh, and procedural clouds. It focused on bridge-building between DCC (Digital Content Creation) apps.
V-Ray 5: A major overhaul that added the Light Mix feature in the V-Ray Frame Buffer (VFB), allowing users to adjust lights after rendering without re-rendering.
V-Ray Next (v4.0): Introduced "Smart" rendering with features like the Adaptive Dome Light and automatic exposure/white balance using AI.
V-Ray 3.x: Notable for the introduction of V-Ray RT (Real-Time), which eventually evolved into V-Ray GPU.
V-Ray 2.x: Stabilized the engine for large-scale production and introduced many core shaders still used today.
V-Ray 1.5/1.0: The early versions that established V-Ray as the industry standard for architectural visualization. Versions by Integration
V-Ray versions are often numbered specifically based on their host software. You can check your specific version within the Chaos Product Menu under Help > About. Host Application Latest Major Version Key Integration Detail 3ds Max vray all versions list exclusive
The flagship platform where new features usually debut first. SketchUp
Fully compatible with SketchUp 2024/2025; includes Chaos Cosmos. Maya Standard for VFX pipelines with advanced USD support. Rhino Includes Grasshopper integration for parametric rendering. Cinema 4D
Features deep integration with C4D’s native materials and particles. Revit
Tailored for BIM workflows and rapid architectural iterations. Feature Progression
V-Ray GPU: Now supports hybrid rendering (CPU + GPU simultaneously) and utilizes dedicated ray-tracing hardware in NVIDIA Ada Lovelace and Ampere cards.
V-Ray Frame Buffer (VFB): Evolved from a simple preview window to a full post-processing tool capable of color grading and light mixing. System Requirements - V-Ray for SketchUp - Chaos Docs
The Ultimate List of V-Ray Versions: A Comprehensive Guide
V-Ray is one of the most popular rendering engines in the 3D industry, widely used for creating stunning visualizations and animations. Since its release in 1997, V-Ray has undergone significant developments, with numerous updates and new features added to each version. In this article, we'll provide an exclusive list of all V-Ray versions, highlighting their key features, and what's new in each iteration. V-Ray, developed by , is a leading rendering
V-Ray 1.x Series (1997-2003)
The first version of V-Ray, released in 1997, was a game-changer in the rendering world. This series laid the foundation for the software's future developments.
- V-Ray 1.0 (1997): The initial release of V-Ray, supporting 3ds Max 3.0 and 3.1.
- V-Ray 1.1 (1998): Introduced support for 3ds Max 4.0 and added new features like motion blur and depth of field.
- V-Ray 1.2 (1999): Added support for Maya and introduced the V-Ray material.
- V-Ray 1.3 (2000): Introduced support for 3ds Max 5.0 and added new features like displacement mapping and normal mapping.
- V-Ray 1.4 (2001): Added support for Softimage|XSI and introduced the V-Ray renderer for the first time.
- V-Ray 1.5 (2002): Introduced support for 3ds Max 6.0 and added new features like HDRI and lens effects.
- V-Ray 1.6 (2003): Added support for Maya 4.5 and introduced the V-Ray Material 2.0.
V-Ray 2.x Series (2004-2010)
The V-Ray 2.x series brought significant improvements and new features to the rendering engine.
- V-Ray 2.0 (2004): Major release with support for 3ds Max 7.0 and Maya 6.0, introducing the V-Ray Frame Buffer.
- V-Ray 2.1 (2005): Added support for 3ds Max 8.0 and Maya 7.0, introducing the V-Ray Dome Light.
- V-Ray 2.2 (2006): Introduced support for 3ds Max 9.0 and Maya 8.0, adding new features like Light Cache and Irradiance Map.
- V-Ray 2.3 (2007): Added support for 3ds Max 10.0 and Maya 2008, introducing the V-Ray Sun and Sky system.
- V-Ray 2.4 (2008): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2009 and Maya 2009, adding new features like V-Ray Proxy and Render Channels.
- V-Ray 2.5 (2009): Added support for 3ds Max 2010 and Maya 2010, introducing the V-Ray Material 3.0.
- V-Ray 2.6 (2010): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2011 and Maya 2011, adding new features like V-Ray Render Elements and Cryptomatte.
V-Ray 3.x Series (2011-2018)
The V-Ray 3.x series brought a major overhaul to the rendering engine, introducing the V-Ray 3.0 core.
- V-Ray 3.0 (2011): Major release with support for 3ds Max 2012 and Maya 2012, introducing the V-Ray 3.0 core.
- V-Ray 3.1 (2012): Added support for 3ds Max 2013 and Maya 2013, introducing the V-Ray Material 4.0.
- V-Ray 3.2 (2013): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2014 and Maya 2014, adding new features like V-Ray Proxy and Scene Manager.
- V-Ray 3.3 (2014): Added support for 3ds Max 2015 and Maya 2015, introducing the V-Ray RT (Real-Time) engine.
- V-Ray 3.4 (2015): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2016 and Maya 2016, adding new features like V-Ray Color Mapping and Lens Effects.
- V-Ray 3.5 (2016): Added support for 3ds Max 2017 and Maya 2017, introducing the V-Ray 3.5 core.
- V-Ray 3.6 (2017): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2018 and Maya 2018, adding new features like V-Ray Turbulence and Ornatrix.
V-Ray 4.x Series (2019-Present)
The latest V-Ray 4.x series brings significant performance improvements and new features. V-Ray 1
- V-Ray 4.0 (2019): Major release with support for 3ds Max 2020 and Maya 2020, introducing the V-Ray 4.0 core.
- V-Ray 4.1 (2020): Added support for 3ds Max 2021 and Maya 2021, introducing the V-Ray Cloud and V-Ray Vision.
- V-Ray 4.2 (2020): Introduced support for 3ds Max 2022 and Maya 2022, adding new features like V-Ray Material 5.0 and volumetrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, V-Ray has come a long way since its release in 1997. From the early versions to the latest V-Ray 4.x series, the software has evolved significantly, offering improved performance, new features, and enhanced user experience. This comprehensive list of V-Ray versions provides a valuable resource for users, developers, and studios, showcasing the software's growth and capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- V-Ray has been continuously updated and improved since its release in 1997.
- The software has undergone significant developments, with major releases and new features added to each version.
- The V-Ray 4.x series brings significant performance improvements and new features, solidifying its position as a leading rendering engine.
Exclusive Bonus: V-Ray Version Comparison Chart
To make it easier to compare the different V-Ray versions, we've created an exclusive comparison chart, highlighting the key features and system requirements for each version. Download the chart now and get a better understanding of the V-Ray versions and their capabilities.
| Version | Release Year | 3ds Max Support | Maya Support | Key Features | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | V-Ray 1.0 | 1997 | 3.0, 3.1 | - | Initial release | | V-Ray 2.0 | 2004 | 7.0 | 6.0 | V-Ray Frame Buffer | | V-Ray 3.0 | 2011 | 2012 | 2012 | V-Ray 3.0 core | | V-Ray 4.0 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | V-Ray 4.0 core |
Get the full comparison chart, including all V-Ray versions, by filling out the form below.
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- V-Ray 1.0 (2000) - Initial release
- V-Ray 1.5 (2002) - Added support for 3ds Max 5 and Maya 4
- V-Ray 1.51 (2003) - Bug fixes and minor improvements
- V-Ray 2.0 (2004) - Major rewrite, added support for 3ds Max 6 and Maya 5
- V-Ray 2.1 (2005) - Added support for 3ds Max 7 and Maya 6
- V-Ray 2.2 (2006) - Added support for 3ds Max 8 and Maya 7
- V-Ray 2.3 (2007) - Added support for 3ds Max 9 and Maya 8
- V-Ray 2.4 (2008) - Added support for 3ds Max 2008 and Maya 2008
- V-Ray 2.5 (2009) - Added support for 3ds Max 2009 and Maya 2009
- V-Ray 2.6 (2010) - Added support for 3ds Max 2010 and Maya 2010
- V-Ray 2.7 (2011) - Added support for 3ds Max 2011 and Maya 2011
- V-Ray 2.8 (2012) - Added support for 3ds Max 2012 and Maya 2012
- V-Ray 3.0 (2013) - Major rewrite, added support for 3ds Max 2013 and Maya 2013
- V-Ray 3.1 (2014) - Added support for 3ds Max 2014 and Maya 2014
- V-Ray 3.2 (2015) - Added support for 3ds Max 2015 and Maya 2015
- V-Ray 3.3 (2016) - Added support for 3ds Max 2016 and Maya 2016
- V-Ray 3.4 (2017) - Added support for 3ds Max 2017 and Maya 2017
- V-Ray 3.5 (2018) - Added support for 3ds Max 2018 and Maya 2018
- V-Ray 3.6 (2019) - Added support for 3ds Max 2019 and Maya 2019
- V-Ray 3.7 (2020) - Added support for 3ds Max 2020 and Maya 2020
- V-Ray 4.0 (2020) - Major rewrite, added support for 3ds Max 2021 and Maya 2020
- V-Ray 4.1 (2021) - Added support for 3ds Max 2022 and Maya 2021
- V-Ray 4.2 (2022) - Added support for 3ds Max 2023 and Maya 2022
- V-Ray 5.0 (2022) - Latest version, added support for 3ds Max 2024 and Maya 2023
Note that this list only includes major versions and may not reflect minor updates or patches.
V-Ray 6.0 (2023) – Cloud & Proceduralism
- Cloud Collaboration (Chaos Cloud native).
- Procedural Clouds (VRayCloud system).
- VRayEnvironmentFog with noise 3D.
- VRayLights with mesh light caustics.
- VRayCaustics (unbiased caustic solver).
- VRayMultiTile with gap control.
- VRayTextureColor (generate color from texture).
- VRaySwitchTex (texture selector by condition).
- VFB Histogram & Curves (per-layer).
V-Ray Next (4.0) – 2018
- Rebranding: Dropped the number "4" for "Next."
- Exclusive AI Features:
- Auto-Exposure & Auto White Balance (Light Gen): AI analyzes your scene and suggests lighting setups.
- Scene Intelligence: Automatic texture caching and memory management. No more "out of core" crashes.
- GPU: Full production-quality GPU rendering—matched CPU features for the first time (including hair, SSS, and displacement).
V-Ray 3.6 (2019)
- VRayGPU full production renderer (matches CPU).
- VRayMultiTile texture (parquet, brick).
- VRayBitmap (modern bitmap loader with color management).
- VRayMaterial (simplified, PBR-based).
V-Ray 1.5 (2005)
- Major Milestone: The version that put V-Ray on the map.
- Key Exclusive Features:
- VRayPhysicalCamera: Real-world camera exposure and distortion.
- VRaySun & VRaySky: First fully procedural, physically accurate daylight system.
- Distributed Rendering: Allowed rendering across multiple machines.
- Legacy: This became the "classic" V-Ray workflow still used in many studios today.

