Intro
Incorporating a new tank into your project involves a detailed setup of meshes, each serving a critical role within the Chaos vehicle simulation framework. Below is an overview of the mesh components along with guidance for their use and customization.
1.1 Skeletal Mesh (Rigged Vehicle)
The skeletal mesh forms the core of the tank's model, rigged for interaction within the Chaos physics engine. It's imperative to match the skeletal structure in your 3D editor with the in-game skeleton to ensure seamless animation and physics interactions.
- Alignment: Verify that the skeleton in the 3D editor aligns precisely with the in-game skeleton structure.
- Center of Mass: Position the tank's pivot at the chassis midpoint along the X-axis, which is critical for accurate simulation of the tank's movements and behavior.
1.2 Track Configuration
Our tanks come preconfigured with the option to utilize either spline-based or UV-based track systems, easily switchable within the blueprint class settings to accommodate different design preferences and performance considerations.
- Spline Tracks: Follow a spline path for a more dynamic and realistic track movement.
- UV Tracks: Use UV animation for a more resource-efficient approach, ideal for projects with performance constraints.
1.3 Destroyed Static Mesh
A separate mesh is used to represent the tank post-destruction. It replaces the main mesh when the tank is destroyed, adding to the realism of the battlefield.
1.4 Static Meshes for Tracks
These are essential for the animation of the tank's tracks, moving along a predetermined path for realistic motion.
- Proper Placement: It's crucial to correctly position the center of each track mesh to ensure the animation aligns with the tank's movements.
There is no need to create geometric tracks if you opt to use the UV track system exclusively, streamlining the asset creation process.