Modular Architecture Base Material

[BradHB3D]

Request

Expose an instance of the 4 layer modular architecture material as an inheritable material.

Use Case

Creators can efficiently create modular content which UEFN users are comfortable with. This is the modular architecture equivalent to the FN Base Material (which is a far simpler, single texture material).

• This material can be instanced into the project tree and referenced by custom modular architecture

Value

• More efficient runtime cost (compared to multiple material elements on a single simple mesh like a floor / ceiling combo).
• Native TextureData support increases flexibility and visual consistency.
• Native TextureData support also makes custom content more accessible by leveraging a workflow with which they are already comfortable
• Ensures multi-platform scalability as the underlying Epic material is relied upon

References

See these threads for use cases:

Floor / Ceiling Texture Strategy

I’m starting to think that’s the root of the issue. Is the 4 layer material not exposed publicly to be used in project materials instances?

Interior / Exterior Texture Set Strategies

Looking at the water tight interior / exterior wall assets, it’s clear they use a UDIM like or atlasing strategy which allows them to display different texture sets while maintaining a single drawcall. The FortniteBase material seems to assume only 1 texture set… is it possible to leverage this workflow as a UEFN creator without creating a completely custom master material? I’d like to just create a material instance and replace sampler parameters with my own interior / exterior texture sets. T…

[Alien-lady]

Thank you for your feedback. While I cannot guarantee a response, I can confirm that this has been forwarded to the appropriate team.

[BradHB3D]

Thank you! I understand FN probably doesn’t want to be too prescriptive in general. But I’d encourage exploring the thought that exposing more of FN’s own content creation workflows would go a long way in ensuring content is generally of higher quality. Additionally, other map creators wouldn’t have to learn many unique asset workflows when subscribing to marketplace content (at least for content that strives to visually and technically align with the core Fortnite experience).

Additionally, the validation and Epic review process could see potential efficiencies if underlying implementations are inherited. It’s a win win for everyone really