Intermediate 3D Modelling and Game Asset Creation

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

13 hours 47 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Blender to Unreal Engine - Become a Dungeon Prop Artist

Overview

This course is designed to help you take your 3D modelling skills to the next level, focusing on the creation of game assets using Blender’s powerful toolset. Beginning with time-saving techniques, such as rapid geometry selection and modifier stacking, you’ll refine your workflow to build more intricate models. You’ll create essential game assets like furniture, stocks, banners, and torture devices while learning how to bring these props to life with realistic textures, including blood decals and emission materials for torches. As you progress, the course dives into advanced topics such as Blender’s sculpting tools, cloth creation, and using the geometry node system to automate complex tasks. You’ll also explore how to use topology creatively to optimize props like weapons and shields while keeping polygon counts low. This practical knowledge is further enhanced with detailed lessons on working with Blender’s Cycles X and Eevee render engines, helping you render your game assets with professional-level quality. The final part of the course focuses on real-time rendering techniques and game engine integration, specifically preparing your assets for Unreal Engine 5. By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive portfolio of game-ready props and a solid understanding of intermediate 3D modelling techniques, ready for use in any game environment. This course is perfect for intermediate 3D artists, game developers, and hobbyists looking to improve their skills in Blender. A basic understanding of 3D modelling and Blender tools is recommended.

Syllabus

Speeding Up Our Workflow

In this module, we will explore ways to speed up your modeling workflow using perimeter selection, an advanced method to simplify geometry selection. We’ll then focus on completing and texturing a hanging cage model, ensuring it is ready for integration into your scene.

Creating Furniture Like Ikea

In this module, we will create a set of bookcases, varying the design to include unique details such as books and scrolls. You will also learn how to add these bookcases to Blender’s asset manager for future use, improving workflow efficiency.

Working with Cloth

In this module, we will focus on creating cloth-based assets such as wall banners. You’ll learn basic sculpting techniques, apply realistic cloth materials, and add decals to bring authenticity to the props.

Customizing Decal Materials

In this module, we will model and texture stocks, adding blood decals for a gritty effect. You’ll also learn to manipulate decals on difficult geometry using Blender’s knife tool and shrink-wrap modifier.

A Crash Course in Geometry Nodes

In this module, you will dive into the basics of geometry nodes, an essential feature for altering and controlling a model’s geometry. You’ll learn to add variables, allowing for faster adjustments and customization of props.

Game of Thrones Style Stocks

In this module, we will create Game of Thrones-style X stocks, learning advanced modeling techniques with the loop tools addon. You’ll also texture the stocks with realistic details, including blood decals, for a dramatic effect.

Working with Emission Materials

In this module, we will create torch props and apply emission materials to simulate the effect of glowing embers. You’ll also learn how to create ornate elements with curves, adding visual complexity to your models.

Creating Realism in Our Prop

In this module, we will focus on creating a prison bed prop with realistic features like straw. You’ll learn to refine the bed’s structure and apply decals to make the scene more immersive.

What Is Modifier Stacking?

In this module, we will explore the concept of modifier stacking by using remesh and decimate tools to create clean candle props. You’ll also learn to add textures and glowing effects to make the candles look realistic in your scene.

How to Create Low-Poly Weapons

In this module, we will create low-poly weapons, including swords and a wooden shield. You’ll also model a weapons rack to organize the assets, completing the armory set for your dungeon scene.

Creative Ways of Using Topology

In this module, we will focus on creating a helm to add to your weapon collection. You’ll learn how to refine its details by manipulating topology and troubleshoot any decal issues to ensure the final model is polished and ready for use.

Creating More Complex Geometry Nodes

In this module, we will use geometry nodes to create complex rope structures and apply the decimate modifier to maintain a low-poly count. This will ensure the assets remain efficient for real-time rendering while still looking realistic.

Modelling the Final More Complex Props

In this module, we will model the final complex prop—a medieval torture rack. You’ll use advanced techniques such as Booleans and geometry nodes to ensure the model is both detailed and optimized.

Bringing All Our Modelling Techniques Together

In this module, we will bring together all the techniques learned so far to model a guillotine. You’ll focus on adding ornate details, ensuring structural accuracy, and completing the final dungeon prop.

Working with Blender Cycles X

In this module, we will set up cameras and adjust clipping to ensure your models are ready for rendering in Blender’s Cycles X engine.

Compositing Renders

In this module, we will focus on using Blender’s compositor nodes to improve the visual quality of your renders. You’ll learn how to add effects like bloom and adjust saturation for professional-looking portfolio pieces.

Welcome to Realtime Rendering

In this module, we will introduce you to the Eevee render engine. You’ll learn how to set up and render models quickly, making your portfolio stand out with high-quality real-time rendering.

Learning about Animation Paths

In this module, we will teach you how to present your work using a turntable animation, allowing you to display your models from all angles for your portfolio or showreel.

Unreal Engine 5 Blender Setup

In this module, we will wrap up the Blender section of the course by preparing your models for export into Unreal Engine 5. You’ll learn best practices for optimization and organization, ensuring a smooth transition into game development.