Unity 6 Performance Optimization Checklist (2026) — Boost FPS on Mobile & PC

Unity 6 Performance Optimization Checklist (2026) — Boost FPS on Mobile & PC

Unity 6 performance optimization checklist showing profiler, FPS graph, CPU and GPU usage

Unity 6 brings powerful new features, but performance issues like low FPS, stuttering, overheating, and high memory usage are still the #1 problem developers face — especially on mobile and low-end devices.

This Unity 6 Performance Optimization Checklist (2026) is a practical, step-by-step guide you can follow before every release to ensure your game runs smoothly on Android, iOS, PC, and WebGL.

📑 Table of Contents

🔍 1. Use Unity Profiler Correctly

Never optimize blindly. Unity 6 includes an improved Profiler that shows exactly where your performance is leaking.

  • Use CPU Usage → find heavy scripts
  • Use Rendering → check draw calls & batches
  • Use Memory → track allocations & leaks
  • Profile on real devices, not Editor

Rule: If you can’t measure it, don’t optimize it.

⚙️ 2. Fix CPU Bottlenecks

CPU spikes are the most common cause of frame drops.

✔ Do This

  • Avoid heavy logic in Update()
  • Use FixedUpdate() only for physics
  • Cache references (avoid GetComponent() in loops)
  • Use Object Pooling instead of Instantiate/Destroy

❌ Avoid This

  • LINQ in Update loops
  • Allocating Lists every frame
  • Too many coroutines

🎮 3. Optimize GPU & Rendering

GPU bottlenecks cause overheating and battery drain — especially on mobile.

  • Enable SRP Batcher
  • Reduce real-time lights
  • Use baked lighting where possible
  • Enable GPU Instancing
  • Reduce overdraw (UI & particles)

Use Frame Debugger to inspect draw calls step-by-step.

🧠 4. Reduce Memory & GC Spikes

Garbage Collection (GC) spikes are silent FPS killers.

  • Reuse objects and arrays
  • Avoid string concatenation in Update
  • Use StringBuilder for UI text
  • Preload assets using Addressables

Target: 0 B allocation per frame during gameplay.

🖼️ 5. Optimize Assets

Textures

  • Use ASTC (Android) / ETC2
  • Lower resolution for UI & backgrounds
  • Disable Read/Write when not needed

Audio

  • Use OGG for music
  • Stream long audio clips
  • Lower bitrate to 96–128 kbps

Models

  • Reduce polygon count
  • Use LOD Groups
  • Remove unused animations

💻 6. Script Optimization Best Practices

  • Prefer structs over classes where possible
  • Use DOTS / Jobs for heavy logic
  • Avoid reflection
  • Use events instead of polling

For large simulations, consider Unity DOTS & ECS for massive performance gains.

📦 7. Build & Player Settings

  • Use IL2CPP
  • Enable Managed Code Stripping (Medium/High)
  • Disable Development Build
  • Remove unused packages

Always compare build size & FPS before and after changes.

📱 8. Mobile-Specific Optimization Tips

  • Target 30–60 FPS (not 120)
  • Limit real-time shadows
  • Reduce physics iterations
  • Use adaptive quality settings

Remember: stable FPS & low heat matter more than visuals.

✅ 9. Final Pre-Release Checklist

  • ✔ No GC spikes
  • ✔ Stable FPS on low-end devices
  • ✔ Optimized textures & audio
  • ✔ Object pooling implemented
  • ✔ Profiler-tested build

🚀 Following this checklist before every release will dramatically improve your game's performance, reviews, and retention.

💬 Which optimization helped you the most? Share in the comments!

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