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VR Ocean

A high-performance FFT-based ocean simulation system for Unity, optimized for Virtual Reality on Quest 3 and PC VR platforms.

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What is VR Ocean?​

VR Ocean is a complete ocean rendering and simulation solution built on Unity's Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS). It uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms running in Burst-compiled jobs to generate realistic, tileable ocean waves in real-time. The system includes a quadtree-based LOD renderer for efficient draw calls, multiple buoyancy components for floating objects, and VR-specific optimizations that maintain visual quality while hitting performance targets on standalone headsets.

Key Features​

Simulation

  • Phillips spectrum wave generation with configurable wind parameters
  • Real-time FFT displacement and normal map generation
  • Adjustable resolution from 16x16 to 512x512
  • Seamless looping animation with configurable duration

Rendering

  • Quadtree LOD system with frustum culling
  • GPU instanced rendering for minimal draw calls
  • Subsurface scattering and foam generation
  • Detail normal layers for close-up ripples
  • Horizon skirting for infinite ocean appearance

VR Optimization

  • Single-pass stereo instanced rendering
  • Mobile shader variant for Quest 3
  • Configurable quality presets (Low/Medium/High/Ultra)
  • Burst-compiled physics queries

Buoyancy System

  • Three buoyancy components for different use cases
  • CPU-accessible displacement data for water queries
  • Threaded sampling with configurable grid resolution

Supported Platforms​

PlatformRender PipelineStatus
Meta Quest 3URPFully supported
Meta Quest 2URPSupported (reduced settings)
PC VR (SteamVR, Oculus)URPFully supported
Desktop (non-VR)URPFully supported

Requirements

  • Unity 6000.0.58f2 LTS or newer
  • Universal Render Pipeline (URP)
  • Burst 1.8+ and Collections 2.1+ packages

Quick Look: Core API​

The central access point for VROcean is the SceneSystem singleton. Here are the most commonly used methods:

Query Ocean Height​

using PlatypusIdeas.VROcean.Runtime.Scripts.Scene;
using Unity.Mathematics;

// Get water height at a world position
float3 position = new float3(10f, 0f, 25f);
float waterHeight = SceneSystem.Instance.GetOceanHeight(position);

// For choppy waves, use iterative sampling for accuracy
float accurateHeight = SceneSystem.Instance.GetOceanHeightIterative(position, iterations: 4);

Check If Underwater​

bool isUnderwater = transform.position.y < SceneSystem.Instance.GetOceanHeight(transform.position);

Switch Environment Profile​

using PlatypusIdeas.VROcean.Runtime.Scripts.Scene;

public AquaticBiomeProfile stormyProfile;

void TriggerStorm()
{
    SceneSystem.Instance.SetProfile(stormyProfile);
}

Access Wind Data​

// Wind direction in degrees (0 = North, 90 = East)
float windYaw = SceneSystem.Instance.WindYaw;

// Wind as a Vector3 (includes speed from profile)
Vector3 windVector = SceneSystem.Instance.WindVector;

System Architecture​

VROcean consists of four main subsystems that work together:

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ComponentResponsibility
SceneSystemSingleton orchestrator managing all subsystems
OceanSimulatorFFT simulation pipeline producing displacement and normal textures
SurfaceLodRendererQuadtree traversal and instanced mesh rendering
AquaticBiomeProfileScriptableObject storing wave, lighting, and material configuration

Next Steps​