[short break] how do create fast level rock block out

[Ulrich.Thummler]

Hi guys,

today i create for my project a new workflow to create a fast and simple level rock block out.

As software u need 3dsmax, Zbrush, Xnormals.

In 3ds max draw with the Spline tool a simple shape. For good layout use the Bezier mode and set the Interpolation Steps of 3.

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Add the Shell Modi and set the Outer Amount to what u want. In my sample 330 units.

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Add the Edit Poly Modi and add a few edges with the Connect tool. When u create a lot of rocks use multiselection.

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Now we need 2 Noise Modi, the first have a normal Scale and Strength (100). The second a huge 270 and 150 strength.

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Ok for the first we are ready in 3ds max and export the mesh to Zbrush(GoZ)

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In ZB under Tools–>Geometry–> can u finde the qRemesher use (wait short). After qRemehser your mesh should be so:

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Add 2 SDiv and use the TrimDynamic and Smooth Brush (is quick and dirty). Now u can use the ClayPolish 3 times (tools–>geometry–>ClayPolish).

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Ok your HighPoly is ready, copy Mesh and use the Decimation under Zplugins to create a low poly mesh.

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Use the UV- to create a UV-Map(check seams(helpfull is the flatten mode)). The LP is ready, export the 2 meshes to 3ds max.

In 3ds max convert the LP Mesh to Edit Mesh and create a copy(name cage). Use the Push Modi to create a shell for HP Mesh. Import the Cage Mesh into LP Mesh in the Projection Modi.
Export the LP and HP Mesh as *.SBM. In Xnormals bake the NormalMap. Activate the cage by LP Mesh.

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Ok export the LP Mesh from 3ds max as fbx to UE4. Flip the Green Channel from NormalMap. Here the result:

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U can blend with detail normals, detail rocktextures or what ever.

Hope ths was helpful.

greetings,
Ulrich

[n00854180t]

Great tutorial! will be really helpful for making fast but nice looking cave systems.

[anonymous_user_0df12f74]

Looks good! Thanks Ulrich for the tutorial, and also a huge thank you for sharing your grass shader work over in the other thread as well!

Just to add another example to thread, there is a Rock Generator script available for 3dsMax that allows you to create a rock with various parameters very quickly, you can then use the generated result, or take it over to mudbox/zbrush and add more detail to it. would mainly be useful for creating slightly smaller rocks than the one shown above, but could work for larger as well, I haven’t really tried to use it in that way yet.

There is a video on the page that shows how it works, and is a another great way to create rocks!
http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/rock-generator