Using multiple dynamic lights can quickly become a performance bottleneck — especially in complex scenes or open worlds. Here’s how to optimize dynamic lighting performance effectively:
1. Use Stationary or Static Lights When Possible
Even though dynamic (movable) lights are flexible, they are expensive.
- Static Lights – Baked only, best performance
- Stationary Lights – Mixed: baked indirect lighting, dynamic direct lighting (limited number supported)
- Movable Lights – Fully dynamic, most expensive
Prefer Stationary lights over Movable for static geometry when possible. You get dynamic shadows + performance boost.
2. Minimize Shadow-Casting Dynamic Lights
Shadows are expensive.
Optimization Tips:
- Set “Cast Shadows” = false for lights that don’t need it.
- Use distance fade or culling to disable shadows at long distances.
- For smaller lights (lamps, fireflies), disable shadows or fake them with decals or static AO.