A couple of questions regarding Instance Static Meshes

Development Asset Creation
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1

Hello,

I have a couple of questions regarding instance static meshes.

Let’s say for example you have a blueprint actor with an Instance static mesh component in it.

The instance static mesh is assigned with a static mesh with no instances yet.

*First question here, Say I use the “Spawn Actor from class” node to spawn the blueprint actor mentioned above at the current level say via game mode.

So, with zero instances for the instance static mesh but with static mesh assigned. Does a draw call occur?*

Second Question

Say I use the “Spwan Actor From Class” node multiple times for the actor above with instance static mesh containing 5 instances. Does with each Spawn, a new Mesh Draw Call is done?

Example - I do it 3 times, So does 1 mesh spawn with 15 instances or 3 mesh with 5 instances?

Thank you for the info.

2
  1. Draw call probably not occur, but static mesh and it’s resources should be loaded.

  2. 3 mesh with 5 instances. Every Instanced Static Mesh Component means new mesh with all it’s parameters, and instancing only its instances, not instances of another ISM.

Also I recommend to use Hierarchical ISM, because it works with LODs and distance culling.

3

Really appreciate the quick response and the recommendation. Right now just experimenting with the engine to learn it better.

Again thank you for the time to leave an answer!