Skyline Pulse Dev Log #1: Hitting 120 FPS

Building a racing roguelike that runs at 120 FPS is no small feat. Here’s how we approached performance optimization in Skyline Pulse.

The Challenge

Skyline Pulse features procedurally generated neon-lit tracks with dynamic lighting, particle effects, and multiple vehicles on screen at once. Hitting a consistent 120 FPS required careful attention to every system.

Our Approach

Level Streaming

We use Unreal’s level streaming to load track segments dynamically, keeping memory usage predictable and load times minimal.

LOD & Culling

Aggressive LOD settings and distance-based culling ensure we’re only rendering what the player can see.

Shader Optimization

Our custom neon shaders were rewritten to minimize draw calls while maintaining the vibrant aesthetic that defines the game.

Results

After three months of optimization work, Skyline Pulse consistently holds 120 FPS across our target devices. The game feels buttery smooth, which is exactly what a racing game demands.

More dev logs coming soon as we approach launch on Google Play and Steam.