Houdini GPU liquid solver Paradigm 1.0 is now available
Originally posted on 21 January 2026 for the open beta, and updated for the 1.0 release.
Theory Accelerated – aka former ILM and Naughty Dog TD Matt Puchala – has released Paradigm, a promising new GPU-accelerated sparse liquid solver for Houdini.
Like Axiom, Theory Accelerated’s well-regarded volumetric solver, it is intended to provide a faster alternative to Houdini’s native simulation tools, but for liquids rather than smoke and fire.
The software is intended for sims of all sizes, and can “simulate million of particles in a fraction of the time a CPU would take”.
A faster alternative to Houdini’s Fluid FX tools for liquid simulation
Houdini already has a powerful set of tools for liquid simulation, but they’re primarily CPU-based: while the FLIP solver can use the GPU for specific tasks, for example, it’s CPU-bound.
Paradigm, which is also a FLIP solver, but which is fully GPU-based, is intended to provide a faster alternative, making it possible to iterate on effects much more quickly.
According to Theory Accelerated, “simulations that used to take hours can now be created in minutes”.
The software makes use of OpenCL for GPU acceleration, so it’s hardware-agnostic: it should be compatible with current GPUs from AMD, Intel and NVIDIA, and Apple Silicon processors.
Based on the underlying tech from the well-regarded Axiom solver
Paradigm is built on the same technology as Axiom, Theory Accelerated’s popular GPU-accelerated sparse volumetric solver, which is used in production for VFX and game cinematics.
Development of one tool feeds into the other: according to Puchala, early work on Paradigm led to the improvements in collision detection in Axiom 4.0.
However, they are completely separate products, and don’t integrate directly: according to the online FAQs, there is no two-way coupling between the two solvers.
Simulate small-scale pours and splashes, with surface tension and viscosity
Paradigm 1.0 provides a fairly complete toolset for small-scale simulations, like liquid pours and splashes, supporting surface tension, viscosity and adhesion.
It is also now possible to use particle outputs like color or temperature to drive simulations, the latter making it possible to create melting or freezing effects.
When outputting a simulation, Paradigm can now mesh the particles to a SDF surface, which can then be converted to a mesh with Houdini’s native Convert VFB node.
Development continuing with a new open beta planned for Paradigm 1.1
For larger-scale simulations, Paradigm 1.0 includes a Paradigm Tank node for creating open water, shown in the video at the top of the story.
However, it lacks some features that would be important in production, like its own dedicated whitewater solver, and full support for Houdini’s ocean spectra.
Narrow band support is also still in development.
Theory Accelerated now plans to repeat its open beta program with Paradigm 1.1, currently due out in early May 2026, during which period new builds will once again be free to use.
Price, system requirements and release date
Paradigm 1.0 is compatible with Houdini 20.0+ on Windows, Linux and macOS. It requires an OpenCL 3.0-compatible GPU. Theory Accelerated recommends Apple or NVIDIA processors.
Full perpetual node-locked Paradigm Commercial licenses cost $199. Paradigm Indie licenses, which can only be used with Houdini Indie, cost $99. Floating licenses are priced on enquiry.
Read more about Paradigm in the online documentation
Read a full list of new features in Paradigm in the online release notes
Read the online FAQs about Paradigm 1.0 and the 1.1 open beta
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