This build has known issues. Only use it for helping with testing. Use v1.1.1 for stable.
Getting Started
If this is your first time installing Daggerfall Unity, please visit Installing Daggerfall Unity and Other Information for help getting started.
Summary
This is a test build for a potential 1.2 feature. The build otherwise functions as a normal 1.1.1 build: mod compatibility should not be affected, your saves should be fine, etc. More information on the feature below. If you experience new issues with this version, please report to #dfu-tech-help on the Lysandus' Tomb Discord server or as a comment on this thread: #2528.
Proactive Asset Cleaning
Proactive Asset Cleaning is the name used for a new approach to cleaning the many Unity assets used in DFU code. When DFU stops using an asset, normally the Unity Engine should reclaim the memory after some time. But due to how DFU is configured, the engine does not have much opportunities to run its "garbage collection". As a result, DFU has to be "proactive" in cleaning these assets the moment they're not used.
Test
The goal of this test is first to make sure the change does not break anything, and second that it actually improves the performance of the game.
Be sure to test with all your mods and your existing saves. We need to know if anything breaks, and adjust accordingly.
Now, for the performance benefits, the easier way to check memory usage would be to use the Task Manager and check the memory usage of the DaggerfallUnity.exe process. On Windows, this can be opened with CTRL+Shift+Esc.
To measure any improvements, we need two data points.
- Play the regular v1.1.1 for some time, then check memory usage
- Player the PAC v1.1.1 for a similar amount of time, then check memory usage
Mod configuration should be the same between the two.
Try to keep the flow similar too. If you venture dungeons and town buildings in one test, do the same in the other. You probably don't need to play the exact same sequence.
Normally, PAC memory usage should be noticeably lower. Memory usage can be chaotic, so it might take a few attempts to be certain of the general tendency. If you notice more frame drops / hitches, or generally lower FPS, do let us know.