[article] Obscure R_Speed Tweaks

This is a discussion topic for the article "Obscure R_Speed Tweaks" by Jinx which can be found here

Article description:

MaxNodeSize, NULL, etc.

Couple notes:

The @ texture is also the equvilant of "Translucent". You also need to warn that playing with the maxnodesize command will influence your clipping and max leaf count. For the most part, you don't have to worry about those, but someone making a big map will most likely use maxnodesize to reduce their leaf count rather than r_speeds. A lower maxnodesize count usually results in more leaves, where higher ones -- to a certain limit -- result in less. I have also encountered the opposite of what you're saying: the higher my maxnodesize, the lower the r_speeds (usually).

Apart from that, good tutorial, nice and simple.

X-Tender called them that, too. But "translucent" means "semi-transparent"- ie light can get through but it's hard to see much detail. Kind of like stained glass or amber. Even the name trans-lucent suggests what it means, that light can pass through it. These @ brushes, on the other hand, are opaque.

I'll edit it with your suggestions in mind once I get back from X-mas with the family! ;D

@-textures were a completely new thing for me. I didn't find any in the WADs I have so I assume this is something added after HL went to Steam. Heh. I guess old dog can learn something new after all.

Taken from the ZHLT documentation.

"-maxnodesize #
Sets the maximum portal node size

This option tweaks the maximum size of a portal node. Setting it smaller will bsp the world into smaller chunks at the cost of higher r_speeds, but it can pay itself back in many cases with making vis either faster, or more accurate, or both."