Godot 4.7 Released with HDR Output Support
The open-source game engine Godot 4.7 has been released, featuring HDR output support, the addition of the AreaLight3D node, a transition to the Asset Store, and numerous other new features.
The latest version of the open-source, cross-platform game engine, Godot 4.7, was released on June 18, 2026. The highlight of this release is the official introduction of HDR (High Dynamic Range) output support for high-performance displays. This news was reported by Phoronix.
HDR Output Officially Supported
With Godot 4.7, HDR output is now available for both 2D and 3D scenes. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, visionOS, and Linux. On Linux desktop environments, HDR output is only functional via Wayland, as it is not available for X11 sessions. This means Linux users must transition to Wayland to take advantage of HDR capabilities.
By supporting HDR, developers can now create game visuals that fully leverage the capabilities of modern high-brightness and wide-color-gamut displays. This allows for more realistic adjustments to scene lighting and post-effects, enhancing the competitiveness of high-quality titles, especially for console and PC platforms.
New Node and Features Added
This update introduces a new node called AreaLight3D, which is designed to represent rectangular light sources. It is particularly well-suited for simulating light from real-world panel lights or windows, providing more natural lighting effects.
Additionally, a new Asset Store has been implemented, replacing the previous Asset Library. This transition offers a refreshed user experience for searching and installing assets, making it easier to access community-created scripts, 3D models, texture packs, and more.
Support for creating 2D platformer games has also been enhanced. While specific details of the changes have not been disclosed, it is speculated that collision detection and movement logic—key elements for platformer games—have been improved to streamline development.
Controller and XR Support
For mobile game development, a built-in virtual joystick has been newly added. This enables intuitive touch-based input without the need for a physical gamepad. Furthermore, support for gyro aiming and accelerometers in controllers has been introduced, allowing for tilt-based controls on smartphones and tablets, as well as precise aiming using gyro-enabled controllers like those in the Nintendo Switch.
In the XR (Extended Reality and Mixed Reality) domain, support for the latest XR platforms has been added. Godot’s XR functionality is designed to be modular and extensible, paving the way for future compatibility with new headsets and frameworks.
Editor Improvements
On the editor side, a new feature for inline preview of text-based shaders has been introduced. This allows developers to immediately see the rendering results of their shaders within the code editor, significantly improving iteration efficiency during shader development.
Additionally, with the introduction of the Godot Android Build Environment, it is now possible to complete the entire game development process on Android devices alone. This includes coding, exporting, and publishing, providing a gateway for developers who may not have access to a PC.
Editorial Opinion
Godot 4.7 marks another significant step in the evolution of this open-source game engine. In the short term, the introduction of HDR output is expected to lower the barriers for developing high-quality games for PC and consoles, making Godot a viable choice for indie developers aiming for near-AAA visual quality. The revamped Asset Store and enhanced support for 2D platformers are also likely to encourage new developers and small teams to adopt the engine.
From a long-term perspective, Godot is beginning to pose a legitimate challenge to industry giants like Unreal Engine and Unity. Features like the ability to complete game development entirely on Android devices and the built-in virtual joystick make the engine particularly appealing for developers in emerging markets. As of 2026, the game engine market is becoming increasingly competitive among the three major players, and Godot’s growing market share is expected to further stimulate innovation.
However, the limitation of HDR output to Wayland on Linux poses a challenge, as many development environments still rely heavily on X11. Developers operating in such environments will need to consider transitioning to Wayland.
References
- Phoronix — Published on 2026-06-18
- Godot Engine Official Site — Download and additional details
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is HDR output available on Linux with Godot 4.7?
- Yes, it is available, but only on Linux desktop environments using Wayland. HDR output is not supported on X11 sessions, so users will need to migrate to Wayland. It is available without additional configuration on Windows, macOS, iOS, and visionOS.
- Are there any breaking changes when upgrading from Godot 4.6 to 4.7?
- While no major breaking changes have been reported, the transition from the Asset Library to the Asset Store may affect the way assets are managed. It is recommended to back up your project and review the migration guide.
- Is it possible to develop fully-fledged games using only an Android device?
- With the Godot 4.7 Android Build Environment, it is possible to handle the entire game development process—from coding to exporting and publishing—on an Android device. However, for complex 3D scene editing or resource-intensive shader development, using a PC may be more practical, depending on your specific needs.
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