How to add a marker graphic to a clicked location?

Development Programming & Scripting
1

In RTS, CRPGs, and some other types of games, clicking on some movable space will spawn a graphic, like a spinning circle or an arrow collapsing in, where the character is about to move. What is the term for that? Waypoint? What is a best practice way to achieve this? I’ve looked for videos, but I can’t find any using any of the key words I’ve mentioned. On the UE Marketplace, I see a single VFX asset pack called “Good FX” that uses Niagara FX to achieve this. Is FX the way to go to make these markers? I saw in one of the demo projects that a decal was used instead. How would you go about this?

2

Decals would work fine. The top down template is using one - have a look. Decals use material which can be animated easily.

Particles would also work for extra snazzy fx. Combining both would work, too.

3

The top-down template works in what I would consider an odd way. The Blueprint drags a persistent decal under the cursor, which is not the typical behavior in most other games. This results in a lot of tearing on the decal as it is moved and there is no reactivity to clicking. Also, it’s on Event Tick, what is up with that? :rofl: I was thinking about spawning to the point of click and not attaching it to the cursor itself. How have you done this in your projects?

4

I’ve used decals before, yes.

I merely suggested looking at the template so you understand how decals need to be setup. Not sure what your level expertise is.

It’s on tick there because it must be be on tick for what it does there/ Nothing stops you from dropping a decal on click and leaving it there, or letting it fade away…

5

Thanks Everynone, I’ll find a good decal to use. I really appreciate your feedback and help. You are a legend!

1 Like
6

I’ve used decals before, yes. It’s a very common choice for what you need.

I merely suggested looking at the template so you understand how decals need to be setup. Not sure what your level of expertise is. Meant no offence, :slight_smile:

It’s on tick there because it must be be on tick for what it does there. Nothing should stop you from dropping a decal on click and leaving it there, or letting it fade away…