NPC Object Pooling Explained
Why preloaded character templates reduce stutter when citizens materialize.
What the confirmed data means
Release benchmarks should focus on district entry and crowded-area arrival, where materialization pressure is most relevant. Record one-percent-low frame rate and memory alongside average FPS to show whether transitions are smooth.
Official evidence
The official optimization report identifies a hitch when a background ghost suddenly needs models, animations and scripts. Object pooling avoids repeatedly creating and destroying that structure by keeping reusable character templates ready backstage.
How to use this information
A pooled character is assigned when a ghost materializes and returned when it is no longer required. This shifts part of the cost away from the exact arrival moment, trading somewhat higher memory use for a smoother frame rate.
Publication boundary
The size of the pool, preload timing and memory budget are not public. The technique improves a known bottleneck but does not prove that every transition will be stutter-free.
Related guides
Sources and verification
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026 · Independent, unofficial player guide.