Creating Real-Time Lightning Effects Over A Skeletal Mesh Using Unreal Engine | Level-Up: Episode 9

Spark The Idea 

It’s here! The latest episode of Level-Up has arrived and it’s an exciting one. This is Beyond-FX’s ongoing tutorial series where one of our talented artists talks you through an incredible piece of VFX that you can apply to your own work. This week, you’ll be using Unreal Engine 5 to craft Lightning Effects over a Skeletal Mesh. 

You’ll be sitting under the learning tree of our Principal Artist, Nathan Huang. You’ll need access to Unreal Engine 5 and an understanding of its principles, alongside a foundation in Niagara systems.  

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The Step-By-Step 

Every episode of Level-Up is organized into a digestible structure so that you can work through the tutorial with a clear plan. The key sections for Episode 9 include: 

• Set Up Sample Skeletal Mesh 
• Spawn Burst
• Set Particles Position
• Scale Color
• Ribbon Renderer

The video is time-stamped and easy to navigate via YouTube, making it that much more accessible. There’s no right or wrong way to consume this information, so go at your own speed and use this episode in whichever way suits your style.  

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Reach Out For More

We know it can be really hard to find the right guidance and advice. Luckily, we have a team of experts at your disposal who can give you a helping hand when it comes to applying the techniques used in this episode, or any of our previous Level-Ups. Reach out if you have a question that you’d like to see covered in a future episode and don’t forget to aid the community around you too. 

Hit us up on socials with examples of how you’ve used this series to level-up your game. We love seeing your progress and learning how our community has adapted the lessons from this episode to suit their own creations. 

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If you loved this installment of the series and want to watch more, then get ready! Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, and Episode 8 are available on our YouTube channel and blog right now. Stay up to date with our platforms for our next tutorial. 

Want to stay in touch with our studio as we craft world-class real-time VFX? Follow Beyond-FX on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, & TikTok!

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