It can't use path tracing because many of the light sources in Skyrim are fake (unless they require another mod that fixes that). Many things that look like light sources (torches, windows, fireplaces etc.) are not, and there are hidden light sources sprinkled by developers instead all over the place. Occasionaly they happen to coincide but it's the exception rather than the norm.

Lighting in Skyrim in general is a mess and there are many mods dedicated to fixing the original lights, shadows, ambient lighting, sun & moon etc. If anybody's interested read through the descriptions for mods like Relighting Skyrim or Realistic Lighting Overhaul to get an idea.

[–] Frogster8@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've had countless times where I've modded skyrim to "perfection", had it exactly how I want visually, then I enter a building and get the overlapping light sources bug. In the end I find it impossible to fix, impossible to tolerate, and my gaming experience stops there, I've never actually finished skyrim I just always go through this cycle.