UE5-Modular-Game-Framework/docs/developer/platform-render-profiles.md

Platform Render Profiles — Developer Guide

Version: 1.0 | Target UE: 5.5–5.7 | Systems: BPC_RenderPipelineManager (149) + DA_RenderPipelineProfile

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Purpose

This guide covers setting up per-platform render pipeline configurations in a UE5 project using the Modular Game Framework's render profile system. It explains how to configure Lumen vs baked lighting, Nanite vs traditional LODs, shadow systems, upscalers, and platform-specific constraints — all driven by DA_RenderPipelineProfile Data Assets.

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Core Concept

UE5's rendering pipeline features (Lumen GI, Nanite, Virtual Shadow Maps) are not runtime-switchable — they must be set before the engine initializes or before a level loads. The framework's solution:

1. Data Asset (DA_RenderPipelineProfile) — Defines render configs per quality tier per platform
2. Manager (BPC_RenderPipelineManager) — Reads profiles, applies CVars, handles reload requirements
3. Settings (SS_SettingsSystem) — Persists player's quality choice
4. UI (WBP_SettingsMenu) — Exposes quality controls with warnings for destructive changes

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1. Creating DA_RenderPipelineProfile Instances

File Structure

Content/Game/DataAssets/RenderProfiles/
├── DA_RPP_PS5.uasset              ← PlayStation 5 profile
├── DA_RPP_PS5_Pro.uasset          ← PS5 Pro (PSSR support)
├── DA_RPP_PS4.uasset              ← PS4 / PS4 Pro
├── DA_RPP_Xbox_Series.uasset      ← Xbox Series X|S
├── DA_RPP_Xbox_One.uasset         ← Xbox One / One X
├── DA_RPP_PC_High.uasset          ← PC: RTX 2000+ / RX 6000+
├── DA_RPP_PC_Low.uasset           ← PC: GTX 900-1600 / iGPU
├── DA_RPP_SteamDeck.uasset        ← Steam Deck
├── DA_RPP_Switch.uasset           ← Nintendo Switch
└── DA_RPP_Switch_2.uasset          ← Switch 2 (future)

Profile Creation Walkthrough (PS5 Example)

1. Content Browser → Content/Game/DataAssets/RenderProfiles/
2. Right-click → Miscellaneous → Data Asset
3. Select class: DA_RenderPipelineProfile
4. Name: DA_RPP_PS5
5. Open the asset, configure:

Platform Defaults:

Field	Value
Platform	PS5
DefaultQualityPreset	Medium
SupportedPipelines	[Lumen_GI, Baked_Lightmass, SSGI]
SupportedUpscalers	[TSR, PSSR, FSR]
MaxResolutionScale	1.0
MaxFPS	120
VRAMBudget_MB	14336
bSupportsNanite	true
bSupportsLumen	true
bSupportsHWRT	true

Quality Presets: Add 5 entries to the QualityPresets map:

Key (FName)	Config
Low	GIMethod=Baked, Shadow=CSM, Reflection=Captures, Upscaler=TSR(Perf), Mesh=LOD, Resolution=0.70, FPS=60
Medium	GIMethod=Lumen_Low, Shadow=VSM_Low, Reflection=Lumen_Low, Upscaler=TSR(Balanced), Mesh=Nanite, Resolution=0.85, FPS=60
High	GIMethod=Lumen_High, Shadow=VSM_High, Reflection=Lumen_High, Upscaler=TSR(Quality), Mesh=Nanite, Resolution=1.0, FPS=60
Ultra	GIMethod=Lumen_Ultra, Shadow=VSM_Ultra, Reflection=Lumen_Ultra, Upscaler=PSSR, Mesh=Nanite, Resolution=1.0, FPS=60
Cinematic	GIMethod=Lumen+HWRT, Shadow=VSM+RT, Reflection=Lumen+RT, Upscaler=PSSR, Mesh=Nanite, Resolution=1.0, FPS=30

Key detail: The "Low" preset uses bRequiresLevelReload = true because it switches from Lumen→Baked and Nanite→LOD. Medium→High does NOT require reload (both use Lumen+Nanite, only quality differs).

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2. Render Pipeline Method Decision Tree

START: Which platform is the player on?
│
├─ PS5 / Xbox Series / PC_High
│   ├─ Player chooses "Low" → Baked Lightmass + CSM + LOD meshes
│   │   └─ Goal: 60 FPS on base console, 120 FPS on Pro/PC
│   ├─ Player chooses "Medium/High" → Lumen + VSM + Nanite
│   │   └─ Goal: 60 FPS at 85-100% resolution
│   └─ Player chooses "Ultra/Cinematic" → Lumen + HWRT + Nanite + PSSR/DLSS
│       └─ Goal: Max quality, 30-60 FPS
│
├─ PS4 / Xbox_One
│   └─ ALL presets → Baked Lightmass + CSM + LOD meshes
│       └─ These platforms do NOT support Lumen/Nanite
│       └─ Upscaler: TAAU (built-in, lightweight)
│       └─ Goal: 30 FPS at 60-90% resolution
│
├─ Switch
│   └─ ALL presets → Baked Lightmass + CSM + ProxyGeometry/LOD
│       └─ Upscaler: NIS (lightweight) or FSR
│       └─ Goal: 30 FPS at 40-70% resolution (docked) / 30 FPS at 30-55% (handheld)
│
└─ SteamDeck
    └─ Low/Medium → Baked/SSGI + CSM + LOD
    └─ High → SSGI + CSM + LOD
    └─ Upscaler: FSR
    └─ Goal: 40-60 FPS at 70-85% resolution

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3. Upscaler Integration Guide

3.1 Available Upscalers and Requirements

Upscaler	Plugin Required	Platforms	Quality	Notes
TSR (Temporal Super Resolution)	Built-in UE5	ALL	Good	Default choice. No plugin needed. Works everywhere.
DLSS 3	NVIDIA DLSS Plugin	PC (RTX 2000+)	Excellent	Best upscaling quality. Frame Gen available on RTX 4000+.
FSR 2/3	AMD FSR Plugin	ALL (cross-vendor)	Good	Works on all GPUs including consoles and Switch.
PSSR	PS5 SDK Plugin	PS5 Pro only	Excellent	Hardware-accelerated ML upscaling. PS5 Pro exclusive.
XeSS	Intel XeSS Plugin	PC (Arc, RTX, RX 6000+)	Very Good	Intel's ML upscaler. Works on Intel Arc + NVIDIA + AMD.
NIS	NVIDIA Plugin (or built-in)	ALL (cross-vendor)	Acceptable	Lightweight spatial upscaler. Good for Switch/low-end.
TAAU	Built-in UE5	ALL	Legacy	Gen-4/Gen-5 TAA upsampling. Fallback for all platforms.

3.2 Setting Up DLSS (PC High Profile)

1. Install the NVIDIA DLSS plugin from the UE Marketplace or NVIDIA Developer site
2. Enable in Edit → Plugins → NVIDIA DLSS
3. In DA_RPP_PC_High:
   • Add DLSS to SupportedUpscalers
   • Set default upscaler to DLSS
4. Console commands the manager sets when DLSS is active:

   r.NGX.DLSS.Enable 1
   r.NGX.DLSS.Quality {0=UltraPerf, 1=Perf, 2=Balanced, 3=Quality, 4=UltraQuality}
   r.NGX.DLSS.DilateMotionVectors 1
   r.NGX.DLSS.Reflections 1
   r.NGX.DLSS.WaterReflections 1
   

3.3 Setting Up FSR 2 (Cross-Platform Profile)

1. Install AMD FidelityFX FSR 2 plugin
2. Enable in plugins
3. Console commands:

   r.FidelityFX.FSR2.Enabled 1
   r.FidelityFX.FSR2.QualityMode {0=Quality, 1=Balanced, 2=Performance, 3=UltraPerformance}
   r.FidelityFX.FI.Enabled 1              ← Frame Interpolation (FSR 3)
   

3.4 Upscaler Fallback Chain

BPC_RenderPipelineManager.GetAvailableUpscalers() implements a priority-ordered fallback:

Primary:    DLSS (if RTX GPU detected)
Fallback 1: TSR (always available)
Fallback 2: FSR (if plugin installed)
Fallback 3: NIS (cross-vendor lightweight)
Fallback 4: TAAU (always available, legacy)

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4. Baked Lighting Fallback Configuration

When a platform/profile selects Baked_Lightmass as the GI method:

4.1 Level Preparation for Baked Lighting

1. Set all primary lights to Static (not Stationary, not Movable)
2. Build lighting: Build → Build Lighting Only
3. Ensure lightmap UVs exist on all static meshes
4. Configure World Settings → Lightmass Settings:
   • Static Lighting Level Scale: 1.0
   • Num Indirect Lighting Bounces: 3–10
   • Indirect Lighting Quality: 1.0–4.0
5. Place Lightmass Importance Volumes around playable areas

4.2 Reflection Setup for Baked Mode

When Lumen Reflections are off:

1. Place Sphere Reflection Captures throughout the level
2. Place Box Reflection Captures in interior rooms
3. Set capture resolution: 128–256 (performance) or 512 (quality)
4. Build reflections: Build → Build Reflection Captures

4.3 Console Variables for Baked Mode

r.DynamicGlobalIlluminationMethod 0     ← Disable Lumen
r.Lumen.Reflections.Allow 0             ← Disable Lumen reflections
r.Shadow.Virtual.Enable 0               ← Disable VSM, use CSM
r.SSR.Quality 2                         ← Enable screen-space reflections (fallback)
r.ReflectionMethod 2                    ← Use reflection captures

4.4 Mesh LOD Fallback

When Nanite is disabled:

r.Nanite 0                              ← Disable Nanite
r.StaticMeshLODDistanceScale 1.0        ← Maintain normal LOD distances
r.SkeletalMeshLODBias 0                 ← No LOD bias for skeletal meshes

Ensure all static meshes have:

• LODs generated (LOD0 = full detail, LOD1 = 50%, LOD2 = 25%, LOD3 = 10%)
• LODForCollision set appropriately
• MinLOD not locked to 0

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5. Planar Capture System Compatibility

How Pipeline Changes Affect Captures

Pipeline Change	Impact on Planar Captures	Mitigation
Lumen → Baked	Capture renders baked lighting (looks correct). No Lumen overhead → faster captures.	SS_PlanarCaptureManager increases GlobalQualityCap by 1 tier
Baked → Lumen	Capture now includes Lumen GI (if capture profile allows). Higher cost.	SS_PlanarCaptureManager caps GlobalQualityCap to Medium or lower
Nanite → LOD	Faster capture render. No Nanite rasterization cost.	SS_PlanarCaptureManager increases budget
LOD → Nanite	Slower capture. Nanite in SceneCapture2D adds cost.	SS_PlanarCaptureManager reduces MaxRegisteredSurfaces
CSM → VSM	Higher quality shadows in captures. Minor cost increase.	No budget change needed
Upscaler change	No impact — captures render at native quality tier resolution	—

Capture Budget Adjustment Logic (in SS_PlanarCaptureManager)

void SS_PlanarCaptureManager::AdjustBudgetForPipeline(const SRenderPipelineConfig& Config)
{
    if (Config.GIMethod == ERenderPipelineMethod::Baked_Lightmass)
    {
        // Lumen is off — captures are cheaper, allow higher quality
        GlobalQualityCap = EPlanarCaptureQualityTier::High;
        MaxRegisteredSurfaces = DefaultMaxSurfaces * 1.5;
    }
    else if (Config.GIMethod == ERenderPipelineMethod::Lumen_GI)
    {
        // Lumen is on — captures are expensive
        GlobalQualityCap = EPlanarCaptureQualityTier::Medium;
        MaxRegisteredSurfaces = DefaultMaxSurfaces;
    }
    
    if (Config.MeshStrategy == EMeshStrategy::Nanite)
    {
        // Nanite in captures adds cost — reduce quality slightly
        if (GlobalQualityCap > EPlanarCaptureQualityTier::Medium)
            GlobalQualityCap = EPlanarCaptureQualityTier::Medium;
    }
}

Per-Capture Lumen Toggle

In BPC_PlanarCapture.ApplyQualityTier():

// If global pipeline has Lumen OFF, force capture Lumen OFF
if (!RenderPipelineManager->IsLumenEnabled())
{
    QualityProfile.bEnableLumen = false;
}

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6. Settings Menu Integration

Video/Graphics Tab Layout (WBP_SettingsMenu enhancement)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  VIDEO / GRAPHICS                          │
│                                            │
│  QUALITY PRESET    [Low ▼]                 │
│  ⚠ Changing to Low requires level reload   │
│                                            │
│  ──────── ADVANCED ────────                │
│  Resolution Scale  [========|===] 85%      │
│  Window Mode       [Fullscreen ▼]          │
│  VSync             [✓]                     │
│  Frame Rate Limit  [====|======] 60 FPS    │
│                                            │
│  Global Illumination  [Lumen ▼]  ⚠ reload  │
│  Shadow Method        [VSM ▼]     ⚠ reload │
│  Reflections          [Lumen ▼]   ⚠ reload │
│  Mesh Quality         [Nanite ▼]   ⚠ reload │
│                                            │
│  Upscaler            [DLSS ▼]              │
│  Upscaler Quality    [Quality ▼]           │
│                                            │
│  Texture Quality     [====|======] High    │
│  Post Process        [====|======] High    │
│  Shadows             [====|======] High    │
│  View Distance       [====|======] High    │
│  Foliage             [====|======] High    │
│  Anti-Aliasing       [====|======] High    │
│                                            │
│  Motion Blur         [✓]                   │
│  Depth of Field      [✓]                   │
│                                            │
│  Brightness          [======|====] 1.0     │
│  HDR                 [✓]  (if supported)    │
│                                            │
│  [Apply]   [Reset to Defaults]             │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Features labeled ⚠ reload require a level transition to take effect. The UI shows a warning banner when any of these are changed.

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7. Platform Certification Notes

Sony PlayStation TRC Requirements

• Minimum FPS: PS5 must maintain 60 FPS in performance mode, 30 FPS in quality mode
• Resolution Floor: PS5 must render at ≥ 1080p internal before upscaling
• PS4: Must maintain 30 FPS, ≥ 720p internal
• PSSR: Must be listed as available upscaler on PS5 Pro
• HDR: Must support HDR10 output if display supports it

Microsoft Xbox Requirements

• Xbox Series X: Must support 60 FPS performance mode + 30 FPS quality mode
• Xbox Series S: May target 30 FPS in quality mode
• VRR: Should support Variable Refresh Rate on HDMI 2.1 displays
• Quick Resume: Must save render pipeline state for Quick Resume compatibility

Nintendo Switch Requirements

• Handheld: Must maintain ≥ 30 FPS at native 720p panel
• Docked: Must maintain ≥ 30 FPS at ≥ 720p internal (upscaled to 1080p)
• Dynamic Resolution: Strongly recommended for maintaining frame rate
• Memory: VRAM budget must be ≤ ~3.25 GB (4 GB total, 0.75 GB reserved)

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8. Testing Matrix

Platform	Low Preset	Medium	High	Ultra	Validate
PS5	Baked+CSM+LOD	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Check 60 FPS at all tiers
PS4	Baked+CSM+LOD	Baked+CSM+LOD	Baked+CSM+LOD	N/A	Check 30 FPS floor
Xbox Series X	Baked+CSM+LOD	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Check VRR support
Xbox One	Baked+CSM+Proxy	Baked+CSM+LOD	Baked+CSM+LOD	N/A	Check 30 FPS floor
Switch (docked)	Baked+CSM+Proxy	Baked+CSM+LOD	Baked+CSM+LOD	N/A	Dynamic res active
Switch (handheld)	Baked+CSM+Proxy	Baked+CSM+LOD	N/A	N/A	30 FPS at 720p
PC High (RTX 3080)	SSGI+CSM+LOD	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+VSM+Nanite	Lumen+HWRT+Nanite	DLSS working
PC Low (GTX 1060)	Baked+CSM+Proxy	Baked+CSM+LOD	SSGI+CSM+LOD	N/A	FSR working
SteamDeck	Baked+CSM+LOD	SSGI+CSM+LOD	SSGI+CSM+LOD	N/A	FSR working, 40 FPS

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9. Quick Reference: Console Variables

Setting	CVar	Values
GI Method	r.DynamicGlobalIlluminationMethod	0=Off, 1=Lumen, 2=SSGI
Lumen Reflections	r.Lumen.Reflections.Allow	0/1
Lumen Diffuse	r.Lumen.DiffuseIndirect.Allow	0/1
Shadow Method	r.Shadow.Virtual.Enable	0=CSM, 1=VSM
Shadow Quality	sg.ShadowQuality	0=NONE, 1=LOW, 2=MED, 3=HIGH, 4=EPIC
Reflections	r.ReflectionMethod	0=None, 1=Lumen, 2=SSR
SSR Quality	r.SSR.Quality	0-4
Nanite	r.Nanite	0/1
TSR	r.TemporalAA.Upsampling	0/1
Screen %	r.ScreenPercentage	25–200
Texture Quality	sg.TextureQuality	0–3
Post Process	sg.PostProcessQuality	0–3
View Distance	sg.ViewDistanceQuality	0–3
Foliage	sg.FoliageQuality	0–3
AA Quality	sg.AntiAliasingQuality	0–3
Motion Blur	r.MotionBlurQuality	0=NONE, 2=MED, 4=EPIC
DoF	r.DepthOfFieldQuality	0=NONE, 2=MED, 4=EPIC
Volumetric Clouds	r.VolumetricCloud	0/1
Virtual Textures	r.VT.Enable	0/1
Ray Tracing	r.RayTracing	0/1
Texture Pool	r.Streaming.PoolSize	MB value
LOD Scale	r.StaticMeshLODDistanceScale	0.5–3.0
Foliage LOD	foliage.LODDistanceScale	0.5–3.0

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Platform Render Profiles Guide v1.0 — Part of the UE5 Modular Game Framework developer docs. Systems: BPC_RenderPipelineManager (149), DA_RenderPipelineProfile.