Blueprint Node: "Delay"

Delay nodes in Unreal Engine blueprints can be detrimental in several ways:

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1. Performance Issues:

   • CPU overhead: Delay nodes introduce unnecessary calculations and updates, which can strain your CPU, especially in complex or resource-intensive projects.

   • Frame rate drops: Excessive delay nodes can lead to stuttering or frame rate drops, negatively impacting the overall user experience.
      

2. Unpredictable Behavior:

   • Timing inconsistencies: The exact duration of delays can vary slightly due to factors like system load and other engine processes, making it difficult to precisely control timing-critical elements.

   • Race conditions: Delays can introduce race conditions, where events or actions might occur in unexpected or unintended orders, leading to bugs and inconsistencies.
      

3. Difficult Debugging:

   • Complex logic: Projects with many delay nodes can become harder to understand and debug, as the flow of execution can be less straightforward.

   • Hidden dependencies: Delays can create hidden dependencies between seemingly unrelated parts of your blueprint, making it more challenging to isolate and fix issues.
      

4. Alternative Solutions:

   • Timers: Timers offer more precise and efficient control over timing. They can be used to trigger events at specific intervals or after a set duration.

   • Event dispatchers: Event dispatchers can be used to decouple different parts of your blueprint, making it easier to manage and understand the flow of execution.

   • Custom event handlers: You can create custom event handlers to encapsulate complex logic and improve code organization.