Troubleshooting

intermediate troubleshooting

Global Snow (URP) · Troubleshooting & FAQ

Troubleshooting

This page covers the most common issues users encounter with Global Snow URP and how to resolve them.

No snow visible

SymptomYou added the GlobalSnow component but no snow appears.
CauseMissing Render Feature, wrong rendering path, or altitude misconfiguration.
Solution
  1. Verify the Global Snow Renderer Feature is added to your URP Renderer Data asset.
  2. Confirm the Renderer Data is set to Deferred rendering path. Global Snow URP does not work with Forward or Forward+.
  3. Check that the Renderer Feature is added to every URP Renderer Data asset if you have multiple quality levels.
  4. Verify Minimum Altitude in the Coverage section is below your terrain's height.
  5. Check that the Layer Mask includes the layers of your terrain and objects.

Render Feature not appearing in the list

SymptomWhen clicking Add Renderer Feature, GlobalSnow does not appear in the dropdown.
CauseThe URP package was not imported correctly, or the Built-in RP package was imported instead.
Solution
  1. Make sure you imported the URP sub-package, not the Built-in RP one.
  2. Check the Console for compilation errors - any script error can prevent Renderer Features from appearing.
  3. Reimport the Global Snow package if needed.

Render Graph errors (Unity 6+)

SymptomConsole shows Render Graph-related errors or snow does not render in Unity 6.
CauseOutdated Global Snow version or conflicting Render Graph settings.
Solution
  1. Update Global Snow to the latest version from the Asset Store.
  2. If using Unity 6 with Render Graph, ensure no other Renderer Features conflict with the Global Snow pass.
  3. Check Project Settings > Graphics > Render Graph settings for any overrides.

Snow only works in Game View, not Scene View

SymptomSnow appears in Play mode but not in the Scene View.
CauseScene View preview is disabled.
SolutionEnable Show Snow In Scene View in the Global Snow inspector.

Snow shifts or distorts on moving characters

SymptomSnow on a character or vehicle changes shape as it animates or moves.
CauseGlobal Snow applies snow based on GBuffers - it does not differentiate static from dynamic objects.
Solution
  1. Exclude the object from snow coverage (layer mask or GlobalSnowIgnoreCoverage script).
  2. See Moving Objects for a full walkthrough.

Exclusion borders show artifacts

SymptomExcluded objects have visible snow fringing or border artifacts.
CauseExclusion depth bias is too low, or the object has complex geometry.
Solution
  1. Increase the Exclusion Bias value slightly (default 0.99).
  2. For double-sided objects, enable Exclusion Double Sided.
  3. For vertex-animated objects, disable Use Fast Mask Shader on the GlobalSnowIgnoreCoverage component.

Snow Surface not deforming

SymptomThe SnowSurface mesh is visible but does not deform when objects walk on it.
CausePressure settings are too low, or colliders are not configured correctly.
Solution
  1. Increase Max Sink Depth and Sink Speed on the SnowSurface component.
  2. Ensure the interacting object has a collider that overlaps the snow surface.
  3. Check that Default Radius is large enough for the interacting object.

Coverage flickering or popping

SymptomSnow coverage visibly pops or flickers as the camera moves.
CauseCoverage Extension is too small for the scene, or Coverage Update is set to Discrete with a large threshold.
Solution
  1. Increase Coverage Extension to cover a larger area around the camera.
  2. Switch Coverage Update Method to Every Frame to eliminate discrete update jumps.
  3. Increase Coverage Resolution for smoother transitions.

Performance is lower than expected

SymptomFrame rate drops when Global Snow is active.
CauseHigh coverage resolution, every-frame updates, or too many Snow Surface components.
SolutionSee the Performance Tips page for a comprehensive optimization checklist.

Next Steps

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