Keyframing Actors with Simulate Physics Enabled

Development Character & Animation
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1

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a project in Unreal Engine and need some help. I want to keyframe some actors while also starting the level. Some of these actors have “Simulate Physics” enabled, and I want the physics simulation to begin simultaneously with my animation. How can I achieve this?

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Disable “Simulate Physics” Temporarily:

  • In the actor’s properties, uncheck the “Simulate Physics” option so that the keyframe animation can drive the actor’s movement at the start.

Create the Animation:

  • Use the Sequencer to create the keyframe animation for your actors. Make sure the keyframes cover the initial part of the sequence where you want to control the movement before switching to physics simulation.*

Trigger Physics Simulation:

  • Add a custom event to the timeline within the Sequencer. This event will toggle the “Simulate Physics” on at the point when you want the physics simulation to take over.
  • To do this, go into the Blueprint or Level Blueprint, and call the

Set Simulate Physics node for each actor you need to start simulating physics.

Blend Animation to Physics:

  • When you toggle “Simulate Physics,” Unreal will transition from animation-driven movement to physics-driven movement. To ensure a smooth transition, consider using a physics blend option (if available) or tweak the event timing so the switch feels natural.

Ensure Physics is Enabled After Animation:

  • Once your keyframed animation reaches the desired point, the event will enable physics simulation, and the actors will then behave according to the simulation properties.
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Hi, Just trying this out as i couldn’t get this to work in sequencer alone. I’ve created a new actor with my skeletal mesh inside. I have created a set simulate physics node in the actor’s event graph. In my sequencer i have the actor and his animation (metahuman control rig). I added a new event track to my actor and triggered my set simulate physics sequencer event at the end of the animation. But nothing works. The character seems to go back to his a-pose, the animation does not work and neither does the simulation. Have i set this up wrong?

Thanks in advance!

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I have tried this with the ue5 manny (ie Mannequin control rig) and the same thing happens. As soon as you simulate he locks into A pose and nothing in the sequencer works.