PC game, use "High Definition Render Pipeline" OR "Lightweight" ????

Unity Engine
1

For PC games should I use “High Definition Render Pipeline” ? Or technology ONLY for the new modern PC?

For example, a big game with an open world, or is it better to stop at “Lightweight” ?

I do not quite understand the difference between them, and most importantly do not lose players using the “High Definition Render Pipeline”?

2

“Windows and Windows Store, with DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 and Shader Model 5.0”.

I understand that “High Definition” under modern PCs, because the average PC is basically DirectX 9. I as an indie developer is not profitable to use “High Definition” ?

3

I’d say it depends entirely on your game.

The HDRP is offering high-quality fidelity, but it obviously comes at a cost. If you plan to target a broad range of players, then the standard built-in pipeline (“3D”) might still be your best friend. You can upgrade to the LW or HDRP at any time, anyway.

4

Note that your assumption that the average PC is DirectX9 is probably wrong. Looking at the steam hardware stats : Steam Hardware & Software Survey
and that DX11 is out for 10 years now (even on Windows Vista), I think that can safely say that the average is DX11 :slight_smile:
You might be able to ship with HDRP and still run “smooth” on lower hardware by tweaking the HDRP settings (that’s what game settings are for, right ?).