Lux Water

About Lux Water – Unity VFX & Shader Pack

Unity Water Shader and Aquatic Rendering System

Lux Water delivers a physically based shading solution designed to simulate lakes, rivers, oceans, and submerged environments in the Built-in Render Pipeline. Focused on realistic optical accuracy, the package calculates high precision refraction, dual-depth color absorption, and environmental reflections to produce natural aquatic surfaces without relying on heavy render passes.

Optical Shading and Aquatic Features

The core material framework models water surfaces using physically based shading paired with subsurface scattering. Below the surface, the shader calculates dual depth based color absorption alongside dual depth based underwater fog to accurately depict light loss in deep water rendering. Above the surface, reflections can be sourced from either standard cube maps or real-time planar reflections.

Motion and detailing rely on simple Gerstner waves accompanied by dynamic foam caps and dynamic shoreline foam. To depict seabed light patterns, the shader renders real-time lit screen space caustics without projectors, functioning with optimal results under deferred rendering paths. Geometry can be further displaced through tessellation and projected displacement. The system also supports orthographic cameras and provides dedicated water projectors to layer local foam, normals, and displacement directly onto dynamic waves.

Submerged Transitions and Integrations

For underwater traversal, the package provides water volumes designed to handle smooth transitions as the camera moves between above and below water surface rendering. Atmospheric fog integrates directly with external environment assets, featuring verified support for fog rendered by Azure, Enviro, and Aura 2. Tested graphic APIs include DirectX 11, OpenGLCore, and Metal.

Use Cases

• Suitable for maritime and island titles requiring realistic water surfaces with Gerstner waves and dynamic shoreline foam.
• Can support diving, swimming, and naval gameplay utilizing water volumes for smooth transitions between above and below water views.
• Useful for desktop titles using deferred rendering to display real-time lit screen space caustics and planar reflections.

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