When creating assets for real-time projects, one of the most common questions is whether to use low poly or mid poly 3D models. The answer is rarely absolute. The right choice depends on how the asset will be used, how close it will be to the camera and how it fits into the overall performance budget of a scene.
Understanding the practical differences between low poly and mid poly models helps creators make better decisions, avoid unnecessary optimisation passes and build more efficient real-time environments.
A Note on Context
Avalon3D Digital is a new platform built around curated, real-time ready 3D asset packs. As the library grows this blog is intended to document the principles behind how assets are designed, optimised and organised for production use.
These articles are written to share practical insight rather than promote specific products, helping creators make informed decisions regardless of the tools or engines they use.
What “Low Poly” and “Mid Poly” Actually Mean
Low poly and mid poly are not strict technical categories. They are relative terms that describe how much geometric complexity an asset contains compared to its intended use.
Low poly 3D models typically prioritise simplicity. They rely on clean silhouettes, minimal geometry and smart texture usage to convey form without excessive detail. These assets are often used where performance is critical or where many instances of the same object appear in a scene.
Mid poly models sit between low poly and high detail assets. They include additional geometry to support smoother shapes, better curvature and more readable forms at closer viewing distances, while still remaining suitable for real-time rendering.
When Low Poly Assets Make Sense
Low poly assets are ideal when performance and scale matter more than fine detail.
They are commonly used for:
- Background environments and distant scenery
- Large quantities of props or repeated objects
- Mobile and VR projects with strict performance limits
- Stylized worlds where shape language matters more than realism
Because low poly assets use fewer polygons, they are easier to render and easier to instance across a scene. This makes them especially effective for modular environments and world building systems.
In stylized projects, low poly models can also contribute to a clear visual identity by emphasising bold shapes and readable silhouettes.
When Mid Poly Assets Are the Better Choice
Mid poly models are often used when assets need to hold up at closer viewing distances without relying entirely on textures or normal maps.
They are well suited for:
- Hero props and focal objects
- Architecture viewed up close
- Characters and creatures
- Interactive elements the player frequently encounters
Mid poly assets allow for smoother curves and more natural forms while remaining efficient enough for real-time pipelines. When used thoughtfully, they can add visual richness without significantly impacting performance.
Balancing Geometry and Textures
Choosing between low poly and mid poly is not just about polygon count. It is about how geometry and textures work together.
Low poly assets often rely more heavily on textures, colour and shading to convey detail. Mid poly assets distribute some of that detail into geometry, reducing the burden on textures and sometimes improving visual stability under different lighting conditions.
In real-time projects, the most effective assets usually strike a balance between the two.
Consistency Matters More Than Absolute Counts
One common mistake is mixing vastly different levels of detail within the same environment. Even well-optimised assets can feel out of place if their complexity does not match surrounding objects.
Game-ready asset packs typically aim for a consistent level of detail across all assets. This makes scenes feel cohesive and avoids visual noise caused by mismatched geometry density.
Engine-Agnostic Considerations
Both low poly and mid poly assets can be engine-agnostic when built correctly. Clean topology, predictable scale and standard formats ensure assets behave consistently across Unity, Unreal, Godot, CryEngine and Blender workflows.
Designing assets with real-time constraints in mind from the beginning is more effective than retrofitting optimisation later.
Choosing the Right Approach for Real-Time Projects
There is no universal rule that low poly is always better or that mid poly is always necessary. The most effective real-time projects use a mix of both approaches based on context.
Low poly assets support scale and repetition, whereas Mid poly assets support focus and interaction.
Intentional use of both leads to better performance and clearer visual results.
Low poly and mid poly models are tools, not goals. Understanding how and when to use each approach allows creators to build efficient, visually coherent real-time environments without overcomplicating production.
As Avalon3D Digital grows, this blog will continue to explore the design and optimisation decisions behind curated, real-time ready asset packs.