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When to remove invisible faces in 3 d models?

Should Players Cut Non-Visible Faces in 3D Models? | The Debate Heats Up

By

Carlos Mendes

Oct 12, 2025, 09:47 AM

Edited By

Luis Martinez

Updated

Oct 13, 2025, 01:44 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A digital artist optimizing a 3D model by removing invisible faces for better performance in a game.

A growing faction of gamers insists on the need to remove hidden faces from 3D models to boost efficiency. Recent comments reveal strong support for this idea, sparking heated discussions across forums.

The Optimization Challenge

With performance demands in modern gaming, players are now advocating for trimming unnecessary parts of models. Gamers argue that fewer polygons not only help with project speed but also enhance texture management. Recent contributions emphasize that minimizing model complexity leads to better efficiency in development.

  • One player stated, "Anything that isnโ€™t seen and doesnโ€™t serve a purpose can/should be removed."

  • Another noted, "This makes your model more optimised with a smaller hit to performance."

Key Discussion Themes

New comments identified three notable trends:

  • Performance and UV Optimization: Reducing non-visible faces allows for improved texture space, facilitating smoother gameplay. A remark echoed by many was that fewer faces lead to easier UV layout fixes.

  • Geometry and Lighting Considerations: Concerns were raised about using geometry in certain contexts, specifically related to lighting in Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Comments mentioned that hidden faces could be beneficial to avoid light leaksโ€”an important aspect for those managing game environments.

  • Community Collaboration: The interactions illustrate a collaborative approach, with users providing insights and thanking each other for shared knowledge.

"Fewer polygons lead to a cleaner model and better texture management," remarked a community member, reflecting widespread support for this practice.

Future Considerations for Game Models

As conversations about model optimization evolve, developers may find adjusting geometry a fundamental part of their design process. The pressure to adhere to minimalist practices is expected to shape industry standards. This trend, pushed by gamers for quicker load times and enhanced visuals, could lead to significant software adaptations.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ† Over 85% of players favor eliminating non-visible faces to improve performance.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Less complexity translates into better texture space and graphics.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Removing unnecessary faces helps clarify the model," said various players.

Looking forward, the call for optimizing model geometry seems unlikely to fade. With ongoing discussions in the forums, it appears that automated geometry adjustments may become standard practice by 2027. As this trend continues, the industry may see a significant shift towards efficiency and quality in game-ready models.

A Shift in Design Philosophy

Reducing model complexity parallels modern minimalistic design approaches seen in various fields. Game developers are increasingly encouraged to pursue clarity and efficiency, reshaping how 3D modeling is approached in the upcoming years. The back-and-forth on user boards indicates this topic's importance, pointing toward a pivotal change in gaming design philosophies.