Optimize Performance While Maintaining Visual Quality

Reduce Volumetric Cloud Complexity

In shader settings, locate cloud quality or volumetric density options. Lowering these reduces the computational cost of rendering layered clouds while keeping them visually present. This is often the highest-impact setting for frame rate improvement.

Adjust Ray Tracing Samples

Path tracing quality is controlled by sample count or bounce depth. Reducing samples per frame decreases lighting calculation overhead. The visual difference is subtle at moderate settings, but frame rate gains are noticeable.

Scale Water Effects

Water reflection and wave detail can be toggled or reduced. Disabling PBR water reflections or lowering wave frequency helps on lower-end systems while keeping water recognizable.

Monitor Frame Rate

Use F3 debug screen to watch FPS while adjusting each setting. Make one change at a time so you identify which settings matter most for your hardware. On Apple Silicon, Luster typically maintains smooth performance even at higher quality settings.