A few questions (lighting, graphics, opinions, etc)

First question is actually about where to post questions that are not problem/issue related?



Second question is not problem/issue related… more of a best practices/how to question:



I’m currently focusing more on game play, ui & networking more than graphics, buuut I have a couple nagging questions. The one that I am really unclear about is handling lighting properly. Currently, I am only using a global directional light and a single point light that moves with the client (each player has their own, but only on their client). I have seen a few threads discussing using minimal lighting, due to the number of render passes. Makes sense to me! Soooo, what are some other options for handling torch light, camp fires, etc without adding an obscene amount of render passes?



Third question is weather related. Options for rendering rain, snow, etc?



Thanks in advance!