Low Poly
Low poly refers to 3D models with a small number of polygons, used for performance-efficient real-time rendering in games, mobile apps, and VR.
What is Low Poly?
Low poly describes 3D models built with a deliberately small number of polygons, a low polygon count. They prioritize performance and efficiency over raw geometric detail, relying on textures, normal maps, and shading to look more detailed than their polygon count suggests. Beyond the technical benefit, low poly is also a popular art style in indie games and motion graphics.
Why It Matters
Fewer polygons mean faster rendering, lower memory use, and smaller files, which is essential for mobile, web, and VR. A mobile character might use 3,000 to 10,000 triangles where a film asset uses millions. When a high-detail sculpt needs to become a lightweight asset, retopology rebuilds it as clean low-poly geometry, and LOD swaps in even lighter versions at distance. See our walkthrough of building low-poly game assets in Sloyd for a practical example.
