Chaos has released Vantage 3, its real-time ray tracing software for architectural visualization and visual effects. The new version introduces support for Universal Scene Description and MaterialX, Gaussian splats, volumetric rendering, AI-driven material creation, and more than 5,000 new Cosmos assets.
New USD and MaterialX integration allow data to move between tools such as 3ds Max, Maya, and Houdini while maintaining compatibility with or without V-Ray. Gaussian splat rendering enables artists to incorporate real-world captured environments directly into Vantage scenes. Volume rendering adds support for fog, smoke, and atmospheric lighting effects.
The update includes new camera tracking and offset animation tools, making it possible to capture real-world camera motion or duplicate animated scenes with spatial variations. A new AI Material Generator converts photographs into physically based materials within seconds, while the built-in Material Editor provides direct editing capabilities without switching applications.
Other technical improvements include extended texture mapping options, a new mode for rendering night skies, and a render mode that previews final output without interrupting workflow. Artists can now create selection masks for compositing and apply scatter clustering techniques for detailed landscapes.
The Cosmos library now features more than 5,000 assets, including models of people, vegetation, furniture, and accessories. A Hydra Render Delegate integration is planned for future releases, enabling Vantage to render directly within supported digital content creation tools.
For more information, visit Chaos’s official website.
