Hey all I have a very simple particle system for a fire(200 particles total). I have a decent bp that allows it to grow, spread to flammable objects, burn them down and die when there is no more fuel. It runs and looks perfect.
My problem: It is ■■■ to render, I can have about 10-15 on screen no problem with 0 frame drops but if the fire reaches an area with lots of flammable objects or god forbid a forest my frame will drop to about 20-60(normally getting 120) any more then 25 seems to be about where ■■■■ starts falling apart.
Obviously I could use less particles, make the fires not live as long, kill ones that are “older”, make them burn things down faster or some sort of mix of them all. But that doesn’t help in a situation where a player has a flamethrower and is going apeshit etc, etc… I don’t wanna have to limit this as through my testing I got it feeling very nice and real and I like where it is.
Is there some sort of way to do particle instancing? I have the fires setup with a point light, some decals that spawn under them and a collision for the spread, so idk about instancing all that seamlesssly together. Arrays and for loops is my best guess.
Any help appreciated