/godot-performance-optimization

Migration notes: godot-performance-optimization

Incremental upgrade for topics this skill covers. Apply one hop, stabilize/test, then next. Never skip hops.

If the project is < 4.0, follow godot-version-migration era bridges (legacy → 3→4) until 4.0, then these hops. Official 3→4: Upgrading from Godot 3 to Godot 4.

3.x → 4.0

Official: Upgrading from Godot 3 to Godot 4

• 4.x baseline memory/binary size higher — re-measure budgets.
• 2D HDR off by default — overbright modulate; enable HDR 2D if needed (later 4.2+ setting).
• Servers renamed (VisualServer→RenderingServer, physics 2D/3D servers).
• Multithreading API changes — rewrite workers before claiming perf wins.

4.0 → 4.1

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.1

• Object.get_meta_list return type is Array[StringName] (was PackedStringArray).
• WorkerThreadPool.wait_for_task_completion now returns Error.
• RenderingServer.global_shader_parameter_get_list / RD shader version lists return Array[StringName].
• RenderingDevice.draw_list_begin storage_textures typed as Array[RID].

4.1 → 4.2

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.2

• NOTIFICATION_NODE_RECACHE_REQUESTED removed from Node.
• Mesh format upgrade — use Project → Tools → Upgrade Mesh Surfaces; Restart & Upgrade prevents downgrade.
• ImporterMesh/MeshDataTool/SurfaceTool compression flag widths → uint64.
• RenderingDevice BarrierMask enum values changed.

4.2 → 4.3

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.3

• Binary serialization of scripted Objects/typed Arrays changed — re-test save/load of custom Resources.
• PackedByteArray may use compact base64 storage; older editors may not open 4.3 resources with large byte arrays.
• Reverse Z depth — update custom shaders (depth compare, POSITION.z assumptions).
• Decal modulate converted sRGB→linear — visuals change.
• RenderingDevice barrier/draw_list API simplified (post_barrier params removed).

4.3 → 4.4

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.4

• @export_file stores uid:// paths from the Inspector (breaking vs res:// expectations).
• FileAccess.store_* methods return bool success.
• Curve enforces min_value/max_value — adjust curves that used points outside [0, 1].
• RenderingDevice.draw_list_begin signature overhauled (params removed + breadcrumb).
• Shader default texture parameter types use Texture / TextureLayered.
• VisualShaderNodeVec4Constant input type → Vector4 — recreate constants.

4.4 → 4.5

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.5

• Resource.duplicate(true) deep-duplicates only internal resources; use duplicate_deep(DEEP_DUPLICATE_ALL) for old behavior.
• Node.get_rpc_config renamed to get_node_rpc_config.
• ProjectSettings.add_property_info warns on invalid/usage keys.
• RenderingServer.instance_reset_physics_interpolation / instance_set_interpolated removed.

4.5 → 4.6

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.6

• TSCN gains unique node IDs (large VCS diffs on first 4.6 save — expected).
• Performance.add_custom_monitor gains optional type.
• Glow default blend Screen (brighter) — retune Environment glow; Mobile glow rewrite looks different.
• Volumetric fog blending brighter — reduce density/energy.
• New project defaults: D3D12 on Windows; Jolt for 3D physics — document for templates/benchmark baselines.
• MeshInstance3D.skeleton default is empty NodePath — enable compatibility setting if old parent-skeleton behavior needed.

4.6 → 4.7

Official: Upgrading to Godot 4.7

• New projects default stretch canvas_items + aspect expand (was disabled/keep) — note vs legacy viewport stretch in UI perf sections.
• Object.is_class takes StringName.
• Setting an element of a packed array property no longer calls the property setter for the whole array.
• Overrides of methods with typed returns must actually return (add return null if needed).
• Texture2D.get_format() unified on base class — use when teaching format-specific import/shader pipelines.
• Prefer AreaLight3D for rectangular soft lights; HDR output available on major platforms.