Thungsten Clouds - Documentation

Version: 2025.04.30a

Docs Updated: May 24th, 2025

Pipeline: Universal (URP) | High Definition (HDRP)

Overview
Requirements
Getting Started
Configuration
Usages Notes
Troubleshooting

Overview

Thungsten Clouds is a lightweight, HLSL based system for dynamic clouds and projected shadows for URP and HDRP. Fully modular, performant, environment-aware, and runtime configurable, perfect for realistic skies with minimal setup.

Requirements

URP

Unity 2021.3 LTS or newer
Decal Projector support enabled in URP Asset
URP Asset Renderer -> Add Renderer Feature -> Decal
(Optional) Technique: Screen Space preferred

HDRP

Unity 2021.3 LTS or newer
Decal Projector support enabled in HDRP Asset
HDRP Asset -> Rendering -> Decals -> Enable

Getting Started

Import Package
Import Thungsten Clouds via the Unity Package Manager or Asset Store.
Configure pipeline support
Depending on your rendering pipeline, see requirements above and enable decals.
Use
Open the DemoScene and hit Play or add the Prefab to your scene.
Tweak settings to your needs in the CloudSystem and materials.

Configuration

All configuration parameters can be found either directly on, or through the CloudSystem script.

Shape Material: Parameters affecting the shape, used by both clouds and shadows.
Clouds Material: Parameters affecting the visible clouds, such as height, light and camera distance based fade.
Shadow Material: Parameters affecting the cloud shadows, such as distance and softness.

Usage Notes

For ground-level or third-person games, adjust softness, coverage scale, and shadow strength for more believable horizon blending.
For top-down strategy views, prioritize coverage settings.
Ensure a Directional Light exists for proper shadow and lighting behavior.
Shadows rely on the sun's light direction - make sure your Directional Light is configured correctly.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Clouds looks blurry or aliased	Increase Texture Resolution, or enable TAA or other anti-aliasing.
Clouds are not moving	Increase the Shape Material > Speed Scale value.
Clouds are too flat	The clouds are rendered on a height-modified quad. Modify the Clouds Material > Height Scale value.
Shadows appears in Scene view but not Game view	Ensure the projector's layer is included in the camera's Culling Mask.
Shadows not visible	Ensure there is a Directional Light in the scene.
Shadows not visible in HDRP	Make sure HDRP Decals are enabled in the HDRP Asset (Rendering tab).
Shadows not visible in URP	Make sure the URP Renderer has a Decal Renderer Feature enabled.
Shadows too sharp or too soft	Tune Softness and Coverage parameters of the Shape Material.