BetterGames.dev - Dynamic Niagara for Animation

Control Niagara System parameters directly in the Animation Editor

Stop creating dozens of Niagara variants. Start controlling everything from the Animation Editor.

Spawn and control Niagara particle systems directly from Animation Montages or Animation Sequences with dynamic parameter overrides, curve-based animations, and gameplay-responsive effects. No more static particle effects - create VFX that adapts to your game state in real-time.

🎥Showcase

🔗Documentation

📀Tutorial Playlist

🎮Demo Project

👾Discord

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Why Dynamic Niagara for Animation (DNA)?

🔴 Before DNA:
  • Multiple Niagara systems for simple color/size variations

  • Complex blueprint setups just to change a few parameters

  • No direct integration with animation timelines

  • Constant back-and-forth between animators and VFX artists

🟢 With DNA:
  • One Niagara system, infinite variations

  • Control parameters directly in Animation Montages

  • Create contextual effects that respond to gameplay tags

  • Perfect animation-VFX synchronization out of the box

  • Artists work independently with real-time preview

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💫 Key Features

1. Intelligent Parameter Control

  • Real-Time Preview: See parameter changes instantly in the Animation Editor

  • Auto-Discovery System: Automatically detects and lists all compatible user parameters from your Niagara systems

  • Type-Safe Interface: Shows only the relevant input field for each parameter type (Float, Vector, Color, Bool, Int)

2. Dual Notify System

  • Anim Notify: Perfect for instant effects (impacts, explosions, one-shots)

  • Anim Notify State: Duration-based effects with curve-driven parameter animation over time

3. Contextual and Game State-dependent parameter overrides

  • Spawn control: Configure if the effect should spawn or not depending on Gameplay Tags

  • Contextual Overrides: Apply different parameters for different Gameplay Tags (within the same Animation, same Niagara System, same Notify)

4. Professional Workflow Features

  • Preview System: Test contextual effects in the editor without entering play mode

  • Debug Tools: Built-in monitoring and troubleshooting systems using ShowDebug DNA

  • Attachment Controls: Flexible attachment options including socket support and transform offsets

  • Lifecycle Management: Advanced cleanup options for duration-based effects

  • Priority System: Predictable parameter resolution with source-level and numeric priorities

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📦 What's Included

  • Core Plugin: Full DNA system with all features

  • Demo Project: Example implementations and sample effects

Resources:

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🧩 System Requirements

  • Unreal Engine 5.6 or later

  • Windows OS

  • Niagara Plugin enabled (default in UE5)

  • GameplayTagsEditor enabled

Can i use DNA plugin with Gameplay Cue?