So, the question is: Can bumpmapping and specular be extensively used without worries? Or can they build up a big strain in the game if used too much?

GAB wrote:So, the question is: Can bumpmapping and specular be extensively used without worries?

Yes. All of the weapon models in my mod (there's a lot) use normal maps with rendertype 28 (gloss+bump) and all of the unit models use specular maps. Also, nearly every single weapon model and every single unit model uses a high-res (1024x1024) diffuse map (the normal maps share the diffuse's resolution). So to answer your question: not very expensive at all.

The effects of bump + gloss and bump only show up when lighting is set on high. That being said, if you have too much of them going on, especially when used with map objects, you may experience a drop in frame rate. But that all depends on your computer's specifications, of course. Specular, on the other hand, can be used freely without any problems in my experience so far.

Great! Thanks for the replies.

Very few things are nearly as expensive as shadows are. Beyond them, you don't need to worry too much.