This patch focuses on a major graphics pass to bring the game closer to AAA realism while keeping performance stable.
🔦 Lighting & Shadows
Rebalanced directional sun & ambient light → stronger highlights with softer fill for better depth.
Adjusted shadow cascades & bias → sharper, more grounded shadows.
Tuned SSAO radius → objects sit naturally in the world (no more floating look).
🎨 Post-Processing & Grading
Switched to ACES tonemapping → film-like highlight rolloff.
Reduced contrast crunch and lifted midtones → clearer visuals.
Toned down oversaturated reds/blues for a more realistic palette.
Refined bloom → subtle glow on emissives, no more “overblown haze.”
Added light film grain & vignette for cinematic polish.
🛠 Materials & Surfaces
Weapons updated with detail normals + roughness variation for more realistic metal/plastic finish.
Ground & walls now use roughness maps and decals → less flat, more believable.
Balanced emissive intensity → glowing lights without overpowering the scene.
⚡ Performance Pass
SSAO now runs at medium quality with downsampling → grounded shadows at less cost.
Bloom intensity reduced → saves frames without sacrificing quality.
Optimized reflection probe usage in indoor and outdoor areas.
Jump in and let us know how the new visuals feel on your rig!