Geometry Nodes

Reusable procedural systems. Parametric assets. Performance-aware instancing.

When to Use

• Scatter systems (rocks, vegetation, debris)
• Parametric buildings, roads, pipes, cables
• Procedural variation without unique modeling
• Kit assembly with randomization
• Non-destructive iteration on large scenes

Workflow

Define Parameters → Build Node Tree → Create Node Group (GN_)
    → Test Variations → Bake/Instance Decision → Export Integration

Node Group Standards

• Prefix: GN_[System]_[Descriptor]
• Expose only necessary inputs (seed, density, scale range)
• Document input ranges in group name or custom properties
• Version node groups: GN_Scatter_Rocks_v02

Core Patterns

Scatter System

Mesh Surface → Distribute Points on Faces → Instance on Points
    → Randomize Rotation (Z) → Randomize Scale → Realize (optional)

Building Generator

Floor Count (input) → Repeat Mesh → Stack Instances
    → Window Cut Pattern → Material Variation → Output

Cable/Pipe Routing

Curve Input → Curve to Mesh (profile) → Subdivide → Set Material
    → Multiple curves from single path node

Rock Formation

Ico Sphere → Displace (noise) → Decimate → Instance Scatter

Randomization

Parameter	Typical Range
Scale	0.8–1.2 (uniform or per-axis)
Rotation Z	0–360°
Density	0.1–2.0 per m²
Seed	Integer for reproducibility

Always expose seed as group input for art direction iteration.

Performance Rules

Scenario	Approach
Game export	Realize instances → decimate → export mesh
Background scatter	Keep instanced; limit count
Hero procedural	Bake to static mesh for engine
Viewport preview	Limit instance count attribute

Reusable Systems Library

Group	Purpose
GN_Scatter_Objects	Generic surface scatter
GN_Array_Modular	Linear modular repetition
GN_Curve_Pipe	Pipe/cable along curve
GN_Wall_Variant	Parametric wall sections
GN_Vegetation_Cluster	Tree/bush clustering

MCP Integration

1. Create geometry nodes modifier via MCP
2. Configure group inputs via MCP
3. Query instance count and final polycount
4. Realize geometry for export via MCP
5. Organize GN objects in dedicated collection

Integration with Export

Before export:

1. Apply geometry nodes modifier OR
2. Realize instances and merge OR
3. Export as instances if engine supports (Unreal HISM)

Document which approach per target engine.

Constraints

MUST DO

• Create reusable node groups, not one-off trees
• Expose seed and density as inputs
• Test at min/max parameter extremes
• Realize/bake before game export unless engine supports instances
• Name groups with GN_ prefix

MUST NOT DO

• Million-instance scatter without LOD/culling plan
• Nested realize operations (performance killer)
• Hardcode values that should be inputs
• Export procedural without polycount validation
• Skip variation testing at boundary values

Reference Guide

Topic	Reference	Load When
Scatter recipes	references/scatter-systems.md	Environment scatter
Building generators	references/building-generators.md	Architectural procedural