LOD (Level of Detail)
LOD is a technique that swaps 3D models for simpler versions as they move further from the camera, improving performance without visible quality loss.
What is LOD?
Level of Detail (LOD) is a rendering optimization that uses multiple versions of the same 3D model at different polygon counts. Objects close to the camera use the high-detail version; distant objects swap to progressively simpler meshes that are visually indistinguishable at that distance.
The result: a scene renders far fewer triangles overall, keeping frame rates high without any visible loss of quality.
Why It Matters
Every polygon costs GPU time. LOD lets a game show full detail only where the player can see it, close up, and cheap low-poly stand-ins everywhere else. It's one of the most effective ways to fit dense scenes (forests, crowds, cities) into a real-time performance budget. For a deeper dive on balancing visuals against frame rate, read our full guide to level of detail in game development.
