Existing LDMs

Built-In

Although a built-in Low Detail Mode (LDM) for a list demon may significantly decrease its difficulty, completing a level in an LDM that is built into the rated version on the servers will always be eligible for a record on the list.

There are no exceptions to this guideline, and as a result, the placement of the level will represent the easiest method of completing the current version on the servers. This guideline also appliess to separate LDMs that creators publish for any list demon that they hosted.

Although they should aim to reduce the difficulty as little as possible, LDMs published by the level’s creator will always remain acceptable for records, provided that they continues to match the gameplay of the rated level on the servers (along with allowed bug fixes).

Pointercrate Account

In addition to built-in LDMs, the list team has uploaded LDMs of several list demons on the Geometry Dash account named "Pointercrate". Records on any level published on the Pointercrate account will always be eligible for addition to the list, given that the other eligibility requirements are satisfied.

As part of our ongoing LDM project, we have archived older LDMs on a GD account named "OldPointercrate". Records using an OldPointercrate LDM will remain eligible for the list as long as an updated version does not yet exist on the Pointercrate account!

Custom LDMs

Some list demons may not have a built-in LDM or an LDM on the Pointercrate account. In these cases, players may choose to create their own LDMs in a copy of the level while targeting specific parts that do not run well for them.

Players are strongly advised to clear any custom LDMs with the team before using them for achieving records, especially if an LDM of the corresponding level already exists. Players should note that strong level LDMs may be considered nerfs, which violates our guidelines for gameplay changes.

Players that need to clear an LDM with the team should share a NoClip run of the level with us so we can respond to your request quickly. Simply sharing an ID with the team is not recommended!

Players may also choose to play on a custom LDM created by someone outside of the list team, but doing so carries the risk of a rejected record for a heavy LDM! Even if an LDM has been approved in the past, it is always recommended to ask the list team whether it is still acceptable under current guidelines. Players should refer to our LDM spreadsheet for a list of approved LDMs.

Custom LDM Guidelines

This subsection describes general points players should note when creating LDMs of list demons.

For instance, a custom LDM may not delete or otherwise alter any object that obstructs the player’s vision. Such objects include but are not limited to fading transitions, screen flashes, and foreground decoration.

Although no fixed limit for the amount of required detail exists, one must be careful to not allow a custom LDM to resemble a "layout" of the level. In general, some details should be left in the block design to avoid over-reducing the level’s decoration.

Background deletions are allowed only if their removal does not impact the visibility of the gameplay.

If a player decides to remove the end screen for a level, they should be aware of the new length of the LDM. The length of the original level can never be adjusted, for any changes would artificially alter the value of any progress obtained.

Color Changes

Occasionally, players may encounter color combinations or flashes in a list demon that cause problems to their eyesight. Although significant changes to a level’s color scheme are not allowed (they are considered nerfs), minor color changes are permitted as long as the difficulty of the level remains the same.

These situations are evaluated on a case by case basis, so be sure to take any color change requests to a list team member!

Using the Smooth Fix

One common method that players use to alleviate in-game lag is to turn on the "Smooth Fix" option in the graphics settings for Geometry Dash.

Although this option allows players to run an otherwise unstable level smoothly, this process often involves slowing the level down in compensation. A completion of a level significantly slowed by the Smooth Fix option is considered equivalent to a speedhacked completion and therefore would not be eligible for a record on the list.

However, as long as the player does not somehow hide their use of Smooth Fix, a record rejected in this manner will not result in the player getting banned.

Texture Packs and Shaders

Texture Packs

Any texture packs that make the gameplay of the level easier by altering decoration are prohibited for records on the list.

Texture packs that visibly alter hitboxes (e.g. spikes, but not player icons) to make them perceptively easier to avoid are also disallowed.

In addition, players are not permitted to use texture packs that make the text within the in-game endscreen impossible to read.

Shaders

A shader is generally defined as any external software that alters the visual appearance of the game, such as ReShade. A shader may function similarly to a texture pack if it changes the display of in-game textures, but shaders could also change certain properties (e.g. brightness, blur) of in-game colors.

Changing the appearance of textures and colors could adversely affect the difficulty of a list demon (e.g. by making parts brighter or darker than normal), so the use of any shader is also prohibited for records on the list.