Who says you need ultra-realistic graphics to make a game look amazing? Low-poly 3D art proves that sometimes, less is more. This style uses a minimal number of polygons to create bold, simple shapes, giving games a clean, geometric look that’s both charming and nostalgic.
What started as a technical limitation in the early days of gaming has now become a beloved artistic choice. From retro classics to modern indie gems, low-poly art continues to capture hearts with its unique vibe and timeless appeal. Let’s explore some of the best examples and discover why this minimalist style remains a staple in gaming today!
1. What makes a game “low-poly”?
A game is considered “low-poly” when its visuals are simple and use fewer polygons (the shapes that make up 3D models). Instead of focusing on super-realistic details, low-poly games keep things clean, bold, and creative. Here’s what makes a game feel low-poly:
- Simple shapes: Low-poly art is built using basic shapes like triangles, cubes, and cones. These give characters, objects, and worlds a fun, angular look that’s easy to recognize.
- Minimal textures: Instead of super-detailed patterns, low-poly games usually stick to flat colors or simple gradients. This keeps things clean and lets the shapes do the talking.
- Bold edges: Low-poly models don’t have to look smooth—they’re all about sharp edges and clear lines. This gives them a unique, striking style.
- Lightweight and fast: Because low-poly models use fewer polygons, they’re easier for computers to handle. That’s why you’ll often see low-poly art in indie games, mobile games, or VR—it keeps things running smoothly.
- Bright colors and stylized lighting: Low-poly games love bold colors and stylish lighting to bring their worlds to life. These simple choices make the visuals pop without needing loads of detail.
2. A brief history of low-poly art in games
1980s: The precursors of low-poly 3D
The foundation for low-poly art in gaming was laid in the 1980s, a decade of experimentation and innovation in 3D graphics. Early arcade and home computer games began to explore 3D rendering with rudimentary wireframes and flat-shaded polygons. Titles like Elite (1984) on the BBC Micro used simple geometric shapes to create vast, explorable galaxies.
1990s: The birth of low-poly in gaming
The 1990s were a revolutionary time for gaming, as the industry transitioned from 2D sprites to 3D graphics. Hardware limitations of consoles like the PlayStation 1, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64 forced developers to create 3D models with a low polygon count.
Iconic games like Super Mario 64 (1996) and Final Fantasy VII (1997), showcased this new era of gaming, where blocky, low-poly designs represented cutting-edge visuals.
2000s: Moving beyond limitations
By the 2000s, hardware had evolved, and games could handle more polygons, leading to smoother and more detailed 3D models. However, the low-poly aesthetic didn’t disappear. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (2002) embraced stylized visuals.
While most developers aimed for realism, low-poly remained a nostalgic reminder of gaming’s early 3D experiments.
2010s: The indie renaissance
In the 2010s, indie developers brought low-poly art back into the spotlight! Games like Minecraft (2011) turned minimalism into a global phenomenon, with its blocky, low-poly world sparking creativity in players. Meanwhile, titles like Firewatch (2016), Monument Valley (2014), Land’s End (2015), For the King (2018) and Superhot (2016) used the simplicity of low-poly art to craft sleek, modern aesthetics.
This era proved that low-poly wasn’t just about nostalgia, it could also be contemporary, artistic and deeply engaging.
2020s: Low-poly’s modern legacy
Today, low-poly art continues to thrive as both a creative and practical design choice. With the rise of mobile gaming, VR, and indie development, the lightweight nature of low-poly models makes them ideal for delivering visually appealing games without compromising performance.
Titles like Untitled Goose Game (2019) and Lake (2021) show how developers still find fresh, innovative ways to use this timeless art style.
3. The Top 10 best examples of low-poly art in video games
Low-poly art has given us some of the most unforgettable games ever made, proving that simple shapes and bold design can create iconic experiences. From nostalgic classics to modern indie hits, here are just some of the best examples of low-poly brilliance in order of release date, that continue to captivate players.
1. Star Fox (1993)
Star Fox (known as Lylat Wars in some regions) was a trailblazer for low-poly art, showing just how much could be done with simple polygons. The flat-shaded spaceships and angular enemies on the SNES were powered by the revolutionary Super FX chip, giving players a taste of 3D space battles long before 3D was mainstream. Its bold, minimalist style was a technical marvel at the time and remains iconic for its retro sci-fi aesthetic.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 defined an era with its sprawling low-poly landscapes and characters. Sure, Link’s pointy nose could probably cut glass, but back then, this game felt like stepping into a whole new world! The blocky graphics paired with an epic story gave this low-poly masterpiece a timeless appeal. Even today, it’s considered one of the greatest games ever made.
3. Tomb Raider (1996)
The original Tomb Raider made waves not just for its adventurous gameplay but also for Lara’s iconic low-poly design. With her triangular features and angular curves, she became a symbol of 1990s gaming. The low-poly ruins, caves, and temples she explored were just as memorable, proving that simplicity can still create an atmosphere of wonder.
4. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII was a game-changer for the RPG genre and one of the first to use low-poly 3D models for its characters and environments. Cloud and his spiky hair, Tifa with her angular charm, and Sephiroth with his imposing figure, these blocky designs became iconic representations of the late 1990s! Paired with beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds, the game showcased how low-poly art could deliver epic storytelling while still being visually striking.
5. Minecraft (2011)
You can’t talk about low-poly without mentioning Minecraft. This blocky sandbox game turned minimalism into a cultural phenomenon. Every tree, mountain, and creeper is crafted from cubes, and yet, it feels limitless. The simplicity of its design invites creativity, letting players turn a low-poly world into whatever they imagine. Plus, the pixelated textures give it a retro charm that’s impossible to resist.
6. Journey (2012)
Journey takes low-poly art to breath taking heights, combining simplicity with stunning emotional impact. The game’s sweeping deserts, angular mountains, and soft lighting create a meditative experience that feels both vast and intimate. Despite its minimalistic approach, every frame of Journey feels like a piece of art, making it a shining example of how low-poly can be deeply moving and beautiful.
7. Monument Valley (2014)
Sometimes, less is more, and Monument Valley proves it. This gorgeous puzzle game uses clean, low-poly designs to create surreal, Escher-like environments. Every level feels like a piece of minimalist art, blending vibrant colors with impossibly clever architecture. It’s proof that low-poly can be elegant, dreamy, and utterly captivating.
8. Superhot (2016)
In Superhot, time only moves when you do, and the minimalist low-poly art style makes every action look like a modern art piece. With faceless, angular enemies and a stark, white environment, the game feels sleek, stylish, and futuristic. The stripped-down visuals also make it easier to focus on gameplay, creating a uniquely immersive experience.
9. Tunic (2022)
Tunic is a love letter to classic adventure games, but its low-poly art style gives it a fresh, modern twist. With angular trees, charming blocky architecture, and a lush, pastel color palette, the world of Tunic feels like a living diorama. The adorable fox protagonist and the minimalist, Zelda-inspired environments make it a feast for the eyes and a delight to explore.
10. Hyper Light Breaker (2025)
Set to release in early access in January 2025, Hyper Light Breaker builds on the stunning aesthetic of Hyper Light Drifter, but this time in a fully 3D, low-poly world. From the glimpses we’ve seen so far, the vibrant, angular environments and sleek, minimalist character designs are breath taking. Even before release, it’s clear this game will push the boundaries of what low-poly can achieve, combining fast-paced action with gorgeous, colorful landscapes.
4. What makes low-poly art special?
Low-poly art is proof that simplicity can be stunning. It takes minimal shapes and colors and turns them into something bold, charming, and uniquely memorable. But what makes it so special? Let’s break down why low-poly art has a special place in our hearts:
- It sparks imagination: With low-poly, you get just enough detail to spark your creativity without overloading your brain. A few triangles here, a blocky tree there, and suddenly you’re in a magical world that feels alive.
- It’s bold, clean, and just plain cool: Low-poly art doesn’t try to be realistic, and that’s what makes it so eye-catching. Its sharp lines, crisp edges, and geometric vibes grab your attention in a way hyper-detailed art can’t.
- It’s easy on computers and creators: low-poly art doesn’t need a supercomputer to run or weeks of modelling to create. Fewer polygons mean it’s lightweight, fast, and perfect for indie games, mobile apps, and even VR. For beginner creators, it’s a friendly way to dive into 3D without worrying about the tiny details.
- The nostalgia factor: Remember the blocky charm of games like Final Fantasy VII or Tomb Raider? Low-poly taps right into that retro goodness, bringing back all the feels from the early days of 3D gaming.
- It’s incredibly versatile: Low-poly is the chameleon of the art world. It can be peaceful and dreamy (Journey), or sleek and futuristic (Superhot). Whether you’re building a cozy forest or a dystopian battlefield, low-poly can handle it!
5. Tips to get started with low-poly design
Want to dive into low-poly design? Getting started with low-poly design is easier than you might think and it’s a fantastic way to dive into the world of 3D art and game design without feeling overwhelmed. Now that you’re inspired, here’s a few quick tips to help you get rolling:
Choose your tools wisely
To create low-poly art, you’ll need the right software. Luckily, there are plenty of beginner-friendly (and often free!) tools to get you started:
- Blender: A powerful, free 3D modelling program that’s perfect for creating low-poly models. It has a bit of a learning curve, but tons of tutorials are available to guide you.
- Tinkercad: Great for absolute beginners. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it a fun and easy way to experiment with basic shapes.
- Project Neo: A cutting-edge tool from Adobe that’s generating buzz for its beginner friendly interface and streamlined features for low-poly modelling. It’s great for experimenting with bold shapes and rapid prototyping.
- Unity or Unreal Engine: If your goal is to see your creations come to life in a game, these engines are perfect for testing and implementing low-poly assets.
Start simple: Focus on basic shapes
The beauty of low-poly art lies in its simplicity. Begin with basic shapes (cubes, spheres, and cones etc.) and learn how to manipulate them into recognizable forms. For example:
- Create a tree using a cone for the foliage and a cylinder for the trunk.
- Design a house using cubes for the walls and a pyramid for the roof.
Keeping your designs simple will help you build confidence as you learn the tools.
Use tutorials and communities
There’s no need to figure everything out on your own. The internet is packed with fantastic tutorials and vibrant communities of 3D artists eager to share their knowledge. Here are some great places to start:
- Envato Tuts+ tutorials: Our very own Envato Tuts+ offers an incredible library of beginner-friendly tutorials to help you get started with low-poly design. Whether you’re learning the basics of Blender, experimenting with Unity, or creating your first low-poly character, we’ve got step-by-step guides to make the process fun and easy.
- YouTube channels: Check out creators like Blender Guru or Grant Abbitt, who provide excellent tutorials for creating stunning low-poly art.
- Discord and Reddit: Join communities like r/lowpoly or Discord servers focused on 3D modeling. You’ll find advice, feedback, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your creativity.
6. Conclusion: The timeless charm of low-poly art
Low-poly art is proof that you don’t need fancy details or millions of polygons to create something truly special. Whether you’re playing games like Minecraft and Tunic or creating your very own low-poly masterpiece, there’s something magical about turning simplicity into art.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite 3D tool, fire up a tutorial, and start experimenting. Whether you’re crafting a tiny tree, designing a quirky character, or building an entire world, low-poly design is all about having fun and letting your creativity shine. Who knows? Your next project might just become someone else’s favourite low-poly game!