Unity 6 Preview has been launched with better rendering, AI tools & multiplayer features

Unity has launched Unity 6 Preview, the latest edition of its game engine, with the final public version expected to be released later this year. The new version introduces numerous features including accelerated rendering, improved multiplayer workflows, advanced lighting options, expanded web and XR features, and new AI tools.

Performance enhancements have been made to the Universal Render Pipeline (URP) and the High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP), with the introduction of the GPU Resident Drawer feature, which can efficiently render larger worlds, reducing CPU workload by up to 50% for GameObjects on various platforms. Other rendering improvements include GPU Occlusion Culling, Spatial-Temporal Post-Processing, and Render Graph for URP, all of which contribute to better rendering efficiency. Additionally, Unity 6 Preview includes Adaptive Probe Volumes (APV) for lighting, enabling streamlined global illumination lighting creation.

The latest version also improves multiplayer game creation capabilities with the introduction of tools such as Multiplayer Center, Multiplayer Play Mode, upgraded Multiplayer Tools, and improved Netcode. Unity Sentis, a neural engine, is included in the release, allowing the integration of AI models into runtime, enabling functionalities like object recognition and smart NPCs. Unity 6 Preview also introduces new tools for building XR experiences, improved sky rendering in HDRP, support for Underwater Volumetric Fog, and improved tooling for VFX Artists.

Interested users can consult all the information in detail in the release notes here.