How many MAXIMUM poly's allowed for modeling.

[pataran]

Hey Darkmod Team, I've been learning 3ds max and practicing hard to build cool objects. I actually have a surprise model that I'll show in a week or two that I think you will be pleased with. However one question, the wiki says that you should try and shoot for the 5,000 poly mark if you are able to. My questions are, if the poly's go much over 5,000 what can you consider to be a good enough to run well? Take in mind this model I'm creating has lots of curves and gears. This model is also intended to be used as a sparse enemy npc, so its not spammed all over the place. Just so I can get a reference, how many poly's are you averaging on a guard model?

[Springheel]

AI probably average around 3000 polys, but they also use a simplified shadowmesh of closer to 1000 polys. The number of shadowcasting polys is really what matters in terms of performance.

[pataran]

AI probably average around 3000 polys, but they also use a simplified shadowmesh of closer to 1000 polys. The number of shadowcasting polys is really what matters in terms of performance.

 

Are you sure? When I opened the gaurds head model the head was over 900 poly? Is the rest of his body really that low poly? I'm very new to modeling so I'm trying to figure out how to fake the detail properly.

[Springheel]

Here's a few numbers:

 

Citywatch (minus head) 2900 polys plus 540 poly shadowmesh

 

Thug (with head) 3000 polys (no shadowmesh currently)

 

Beggar (minus head) 2720 polys plus 550 poly shadowmesh

 

Zombie (with head) 1275 polys

 

 

The average head is about 850 polys with a 200 poly shadowmesh.