From Blender to Unreal Engine 5: Tips and Tricks for 3D Character Conversion

Creating 3D characters is super fun, but getting them into Unreal Engine 5 can be a bit tricky. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got some tips and tricks to help you out! Let’s make this conversion process a piece of 3d modeled cake!

Retopology

Before you start baking textures, simplify your high-resolution model with retopology. While there are add-ons available to automate the process, it’s best to have a basic understanding of retopology to ensure greater control and troubleshoot any issues.

Textures

Procedural textures can enhance your models, but they’re not always supported. Bake them into bitmap textures to ensure compatibility with a wider range of applications. Although it can be time-consuming, baking your textures is worth the effort to ensure your model looks as intended.

Rigging

Rigging your character is essential for creating lifelike movements and expressions. Ensure your rig conforms to Unreal Engine’s skeleton hierarchy and is optimized for real-time rendering. Proper rigging gives you greater control over the look and feel of your game.

Check Weight Paint

Check the weight paint on all bones to create a natural-looking character. Without proper weight painting, movements may look stiff and unnatural. Checking each bone will save you from future issues and ensure your character moves smoothly and realistically.

Export as glTF or FBX?

Both glTF and FBX are supported in Unreal Engine 5, but glTF may be a better option when exporting from Blender due to better compatibility and as an open standard format.

Use Unreal Engine 5’s animation tools

Take advantage of Unreal Engine 5’s powerful animation tools to bring your characters to life. You can also import animations from Blender using the FBX format.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating successful games with lifelike 3D characters. Happy game development!