Fallbacks: Difference between revisions

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{{Noticebox/Official}}'''Fallbacks''', or fallback [[Special:MyLanguage/avatars|avatars]], are optimized avatars that serve as a placeholder for when the user can't see another user's original avatar, such as when users are on different [[Special:MyLanguage/platforms|platforms]]. Fallback avatars work in tandem with the Avatar Fallback System.
{{Noticebox/Official}}
{{Noticebox/Unsupported|Fallbacks are being deprecated slowly over time in favor of impostors.}}
{{Infobox/Feature
|name=Fallbacks
|image=
|platforms= PC, Android, iOS
|branch_live_date = March 23, 2021
|branch_live_version = 2021.1.5 Build 1067
|branch_live_releasenote = [https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-202115 2021.1.5]
|branch_openbeta_date = March 18, 2021
|branch_openbeta_version = 2021.1.5 Build 1065
|branch_openbeta_releasenote = [https://discord.com/channels/189511567539306508/503009489486872583/822245880333467659 2021.1.5]
}}
 
'''Fallbacks''', or fallback [[Special:MyLanguage/Avatars|avatars]], are optimized avatars that serve as a placeholder<ref>[https://medium.com/vrchat/vrchat-on-quest-avatar-performance-woes-1a3cc228a442 "VRChat on Quest: Avatar Performance Woes"] on ''[https://medium.com/vrchat Medium]''. Dated March 18, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.</ref> for when the user can't see another user's original avatar, such as when users are on different [[Special:MyLanguage/Platforms|platforms]]. Fallbacks were introduced to VRChat, with the 2021.1.5<ref>[https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-202115 "VRChat 2021.1.5"] on ''[[docs.vrchat.com]]''. Dated March 23, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2025.</ref> update, on March 23, 2021.


==Avatar Fallback System==
==Avatar Fallback System==
The Avatar Fallback System (not to be confused with the [https://creators.vrchat.com/avatars/shader-fallback-system Shader Blocking and Fallback System]) is the way for users to select which fallback avatar is shown to others when they aren't able to see your original avatar. It also serves as an icon on your nameplate, letting users know that they're viewing a fallback and why.
[[File:Fallback system.webp|thumb|A VRChat graphic from 2021, describing the ability to select a Fallback avatar, to show users on Quest.]]
The Avatar Fallback System ''(not to be confused with the [https://creators.vrchat.com/avatars/shader-fallback-system Shader Blocking and Fallback System])'' is a way for users to select which fallback avatar is shown to others when they aren't able to see a user's original avatar. It is also indicated as an icon on the nameplate, letting users know that they're viewing a fallback and why.


===Identifying fallbacks===
===Identifying fallbacks===
You can identify if you're viewing another user's fallback by viewing their nameplate. If you see a blue feather icon, that user is in a fallback avatar.
Fallbacks can be identified when viewing another user's fallback by viewing their nameplate. Fallbacks are indicated with a blue feather icon.


==== Fallback types ====
==== Fallback types ====
In the bottom right corner of the blue feather icon, shows another icon explaining why the fallback avatar is showing. Here's what these icons mean:
In the bottom right corner of the blue feather icon, along with another icon explaining why the fallback avatar is being displayed instead. Here's what these icons mean:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Type
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|[[File:Perf fallback verypoor.png|frameless|32x32px]]
|[[File:Perf fallback verypoor.png|frameless|32x32px]]
[[File:Perf fallback poorAndBelow.png|frameless|32x32px]]
[[File:Perf fallback poorAndBelow.png|frameless|32x32px]]
|Appears when the user's avatar exceeds the [[Special:MyLanguage/Settings#Avatar Optimization|Minimum Avatar Performance Rank]] you've set.
|Appears when the user's avatar exceeds a user's [[Special:MyLanguage/Settings#Avatar Optimization|Minimum Avatar Performance Rank]] set.
|-
|-
|File Size Blocked
|File Size Blocked
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|-
|-
|Impostor
|Impostor
|
|[[File:Perf fallback imposter.png|frameless|32x32px]]
|Appears when viewing the user's [[Special:MyLanguage/Impostors|impostor]].
|Appears when viewing the user's [[Special:MyLanguage/Impostors|impostor]].
|-
|-
|Filtered
|Filtered
|
|[[File:Perf fallback filtered.png|frameless|32x32px]]
|Appears when the user's avatar gets filtered by [[Special:MyLanguage/Content Gating|Content Gating]].
|Appears when the user's avatar gets filtered by [[Special:MyLanguage/Content Gating|Content Gating]].
|-
|-
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|Appears when the user's avatar hasn't loaded due to an error.
|Appears when the user's avatar hasn't loaded due to an error.
|}
|}
There is another icon that can appear, this icon ([[File:Perf SafetyBlocked.png|frameless|22x22px]]) appears when looking at the placeholder default [[Special:MyLanguage/Robot|Robot]] avatar, when using viewing a fallback avatar is not possible. Here are the reasons why the icon would appear:
There is another icon that can appear, the grey shield icon ([[File:Perf SafetyBlocked.png|frameless|30x30px]]). This icon appears when viewing a user's preferred fallback avatar is not possible, the default [[Special:MyLanguage/Robot|Robot]] avatar, will be shown instead. Here are the reasons why the icon would appear:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Type
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|-
|-
|Blocked via Safety
|Blocked via Safety
|The user's avatar has been blocked by the [[Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety|Trust and Safety System]].
|The user's avatar has been blocked by the [[Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety#Managing avatars|Trust and Safety System]].
|-
|-
|Manually Hidden
|Manually Hidden
|The user's avatar has been manually hidden by you using the "Hide Avatar" button in the [[Special:MyLanguage/Quick Menu|Quick Menu]].
|The user's avatar has been manually hidden by using the "Hide Avatar" button in the [[Special:MyLanguage/Quick Menu|Quick Menu]].
|-
|-
|Loading
|Loading
Line 55: Line 70:


===Choosing a fallback===
===Choosing a fallback===
You can choose your fallback avatar by opening your Quick Menu, then select the Avatars quick link. On the left side of the Avatars page, scroll down and select the "Fallbacks" category. Once here, select on an avatar of your liking, and select "Set as Fallback" on the right side of the page.
To choose a fallback avatar, open the avatar page on the VRChat website, then select "Use as Fallback" under the Manage Avatar section.


You only have 2 options for choosing a fallback:
There are 2 options for choosing a fallback:


*Uploading a custom avatar as a fallback.
*Uploading a custom avatar as a fallback.
*Using avatars from the Public fallbacks.
*Using avatars from the [[Special:MyLanguage/Public Avatars|Public avatar]] row as a fallback.


====Custom fallbacks====
====Custom fallbacks====
If you aren't happy with the selection of avatars available, you can upload your own custom fallback avatar. There are a few conditions you have to follow in order to upload and use a custom fallback:
Users can upload their own custom fallback avatar. There are some requirements in order to upload and use a custom fallback:


*Be built for all available platforms.
*Be built for all available platforms.
*Performance rank must be Good{{performance|good|22}} or better on the respective platform.
*Performance rank must be Good{{performance|good|22}} or better on the respective platform.
*Have the Fallback flag set from the Android upload.
*Have the Fallback flag set from the Android upload.
[[Category:Needs Images]]
 
==Deprecation==
With the release of [https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-202522 2025.2.2], VRChat mentioned in the release notes that Fallbacks are being deprecated, cited with the following reason:
<blockquote>
''Fallbacks are being deprecated slowly over time in favor of impostors....''</blockquote>
 
Fallbacks can still be used and are functional, but are not selectable within the client. Changing fallbacks can only be done from the website.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Special:MyLanguage/Impostors|Impostors]]
* [[Special:MyLanguage/Avatars|Avatars]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
[[Category:Features{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Avatars]]
[[Category:Needs images]]

Latest revision as of 06:20, 15 April 2026

V · EThis is an official VRChat information page!
It is reviewed and approved by the VRCWiki Team. Learn how to contribute to this page by reading the Contribution Guide.
V · EUnsupported content!
This content is deprecated and may no longer work as expected or be compatible with the latest release.
[Reason: Fallbacks are being deprecated slowly over time in favor of impostors.]

Fallbacks, or fallback avatars, are optimized avatars that serve as a placeholder[1] for when the user can't see another user's original avatar, such as when users are on different platforms. Fallbacks were introduced to VRChat, with the 2021.1.5[2] update, on March 23, 2021.

Avatar Fallback System

A VRChat graphic from 2021, describing the ability to select a Fallback avatar, to show users on Quest.

The Avatar Fallback System (not to be confused with the Shader Blocking and Fallback System) is a way for users to select which fallback avatar is shown to others when they aren't able to see a user's original avatar. It is also indicated as an icon on the nameplate, letting users know that they're viewing a fallback and why.

Identifying fallbacks

Fallbacks can be identified when viewing another user's fallback by viewing their nameplate. Fallbacks are indicated with a blue feather icon.

Fallback types

In the bottom right corner of the blue feather icon, along with another icon explaining why the fallback avatar is being displayed instead. Here's what these icons mean:

Type Icon Explanation
Performance Blocked

Appears when the user's avatar exceeds a user's Minimum Avatar Performance Rank set.
File Size Blocked Appears when the user's avatar exceeds the Maximum Allowed Avatar Download Size or Uncompressed Size you've set.
Impostor Appears when viewing the user's impostor.
Filtered Appears when the user's avatar gets filtered by Content Gating.
Missing Asset Appears when the user's avatar isn't available on your platform.
Error Appears when the user's avatar hasn't loaded due to an error.

There is another icon that can appear, the grey shield icon (). This icon appears when viewing a user's preferred fallback avatar is not possible, the default Robot avatar, will be shown instead. Here are the reasons why the icon would appear:

Type Explanation
Blocked via Safety The user's avatar has been blocked by the Trust and Safety System.
Manually Hidden The user's avatar has been manually hidden by using the "Hide Avatar" button in the Quick Menu.
Loading The user's avatar is loading. Either if the avatar is still downloading or initializing.

Choosing a fallback

To choose a fallback avatar, open the avatar page on the VRChat website, then select "Use as Fallback" under the Manage Avatar section.

There are 2 options for choosing a fallback:

  • Uploading a custom avatar as a fallback.
  • Using avatars from the Public avatar row as a fallback.

Custom fallbacks

Users can upload their own custom fallback avatar. There are some requirements in order to upload and use a custom fallback:

  • Be built for all available platforms.
  • Performance rank must be Good or better on the respective platform.
  • Have the Fallback flag set from the Android upload.

Deprecation

With the release of 2025.2.2, VRChat mentioned in the release notes that Fallbacks are being deprecated, cited with the following reason:

Fallbacks are being deprecated slowly over time in favor of impostors....

Fallbacks can still be used and are functional, but are not selectable within the client. Changing fallbacks can only be done from the website.

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "VRChat on Quest: Avatar Performance Woes" on Medium. Dated March 18, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  2. ↑ "VRChat 2021.1.5" on docs.vrchat.com. Dated March 23, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.vrchat.com/index.php?title=Fallbacks&oldid=69249"