This article explains how mesh-based low poly terrain differs from heightmap-driven Unity Terrain for mobile and standalone VR projects. Instead of dense grid-aligned surfaces, mesh-based systems generate explicit geometry with controlled vertex density, standard LODGroup handling, and simpler materials. The result is more predictable performance and easier optimization on constrained hardware, with Polaris as a practical Unity implementation example.

I started a low poly game assuming Unity Terrain would be the obvious choice. It wasn’t until I tried to make the faceted look work on mobile that the cracks started to show. This post walks through the reasoning that led me to switch to a mesh-based approach instead.

Use the 5 tips to make your low poly terrain in Unity looks better.