LOD Group
Unity component that switches mesh detail by distance
Also known as: Unity LOD Group · LOD0 LOD1 Unity · Unity LOD Fade · Level of detail Unity
Definition
A LOD Group is a Unity component that switches between several versions of a mesh depending on how large the object appears on screen. Each level has a threshold given as a percentage of screen height, and when the object shrinks below it, Unity swaps to a cheaper mesh and finally to nothing or a billboard. If meshes are named with _LOD0, _LOD1 and _LOD2 suffixes, Unity creates the LOD Group when it imports the model.
In production
Author each LOD in your 3D tool, name them with the suffixes, and check the transitions in the Scene view with the LOD bar. Keep silhouettes consistent so objects do not visibly pop, and use Cross Fade where the pop would show. LODs save the most on dense meshes such as foliage and vehicles. Also check lighting and materials on the lowest LOD, since they are seen the most from afar.
