Preferences: expose the network draw distance (neighbouring regions) as a user setting #971

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opened 2026-10-23 09:25:07 +00:00 by sky_line · 1 comment

sky_line commented

2026-10-23 09:25:07 +00:00

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Users ask how to stop loading / rendering neighbouring regions. The control exists only as a debug setting: SLNetDrawDistanceMax (default 512 m) caps the network draw distance the viewer asks the simulator for (AgentUpdate Far), independent of the render draw distance. The simulator only gives the agent a presence in, and sends objects from, neighbour regions within that distance -- so a small value means neighbours load only near a region edge (they can't be cut entirely: the adjacent region still connects near a border so crossing works).

Wanted

A visible control in Preferences > Graphics (next to Draw distance) or Advanced: e.g. "Load neighbouring regions within ___ m" (slider; 0 / max = no cap, i.e. follow the draw distance), with a tooltip explaining: it saves network, simulator and memory load; neighbours still connect near region edges; rendering distance is the separate Draw distance.
Optionally a simple preset alongside: "Neighbouring regions: All / Nearby only / Edges only" mapping to sensible values.
Show the effective value (it can be lowered temporarily during fast movement by SLNetDrawDistanceFastLimit) somewhere visible, e.g. in the tooltip or the Frame timings / statistics page.
Live (already is); no default change.

Test

Set it to 64 m in the middle of a region: neighbouring regions unload after a few seconds (gradual ramp-down) and nothing beyond the region shows; walk to an edge: the adjacent region connects.
Back to the default: neighbours return.

Users ask how to stop loading / rendering neighbouring regions. The control exists only as a debug setting: `SLNetDrawDistanceMax` (default 512 m) caps the network draw distance the viewer asks the simulator for (AgentUpdate Far), independent of the render draw distance. The simulator only gives the agent a presence in, and sends objects from, neighbour regions within that distance -- so a small value means neighbours load only near a region edge (they can't be cut entirely: the adjacent region still connects near a border so crossing works). ## Wanted - A visible control in Preferences > Graphics (next to Draw distance) or Advanced: e.g. **"Load neighbouring regions within ___ m"** (slider; 0 / max = no cap, i.e. follow the draw distance), with a tooltip explaining: it saves network, simulator and memory load; neighbours still connect near region edges; rendering distance is the separate Draw distance. - Optionally a simple preset alongside: "Neighbouring regions: All / Nearby only / Edges only" mapping to sensible values. - Show the effective value (it can be lowered temporarily during fast movement by `SLNetDrawDistanceFastLimit`) somewhere visible, e.g. in the tooltip or the Frame timings / statistics page. - Live (already is); no default change. ## Test - Set it to 64 m in the middle of a region: neighbouring regions unload after a few seconds (gradual ramp-down) and nothing beyond the region shows; walk to an edge: the adjacent region connects. - Back to the default: neighbours return.

sky_line added the

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2026-10-23 09:25:07 +00:00

sky_line added this to the Slipstream project

2026-10-23 09:25:07 +00:00

sky_line referenced this issue

2026-10-23 09:26:43 +00:00

Limit how many regions the viewer connects to; stretch: disconnect from / block specific regions #972

sky_line referenced this issue from a commit

2026-10-23 15:49:37 +00:00

#971 Advanced graphics: Load neighbouring regions within (SLNetDrawDistanceMax) slider + effective-value readout