# General Discussion **URL:** https://realtimevfx.com/c/general/9.md [Latest](https://realtimevfx.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://realtimevfx.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://realtimevfx.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the General Discussion category](https://realtimevfx.com/t/about-the-general-discussion-category/25)
**Author:** [@Keith](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Keith)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2016, 7:00am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/about-the-general-discussion-category/25 "2016-04-16T07:00:00Z")
The home of all the great conversations and inspirations we share. If in doubt about where to put your topic, it probably belongs here. --- ## [Welcome to the Real Time VFX Community](https://realtimevfx.com/t/welcome-to-the-real-time-vfx-community/8)
**Author:** [@Keith](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Keith)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2016, 7:00am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/welcome-to-the-real-time-vfx-community/8 "2016-09-01T07:00:00Z")
Thanks for joining Real Time VFX, and welcome! We work in a world where technology and techniques change daily, yet our art continues to push boundaries, advance stories, and inspire… --- ## [UV issue in unreal](https://realtimevfx.com/t/uv-issue-in-unreal/32048)
**Author:** [@MelX](https://realtimevfx.com/u/MelX)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2026, 12:39pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/uv-issue-in-unreal/32048 "2026-11-11T12:39:51Z")
Hi everyone, I’m running into an issue with a mesh I’m importing from Blender to Unreal Engine. I’ve tried to solve it a few different ways without success. I set up the UVs in Blender specifically for a plaster effect… --- ## [AAA GTAV Style Car Sim in HTML: Wheel-arch tire smoke (GTA V style) in a browser driving game, how do I get the pooling-then-ejecting look?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/aaa-gtav-style-car-sim-in-html-wheel-arch-tire-smoke-gta-v-style-in-a-browser-driving-game-how-do-i-get-the-pooling-then-ejecting-look/31931)
**Author:** [@VXZYSRR](https://realtimevfx.com/u/VXZYSRR)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 9:43am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/aaa-gtav-style-car-sim-in-html-wheel-arch-tire-smoke-gta-v-style-in-a-browser-driving-game-how-do-i-get-the-pooling-then-ejecting-look/31931 "2026-10-27T09:43:13Z")
I’ve been working on a car simulator in HTML (three.js, no build step), and the part I’m stuck on is tire smoke. In GTA V and The Crew, the smoke pools in the wheel arch and gets shot backward along the car. I can’t … --- ## [I'm having trouble using the colors I'm setting in Unreal Engine 5](https://realtimevfx.com/t/im-having-trouble-using-the-colors-im-setting-in-unreal-engine-5/31975)
**Author:** [@EmanuelVfx](https://realtimevfx.com/u/EmanuelVfx)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/im-having-trouble-using-the-colors-im-setting-in-unreal-engine-5/31975 "2026-11-06T16:26:20Z")
I’m working on this stylized smoke effect, and my goal is to incorporate three different color tones. However, when I input the parameters for these three distinct colors, it doesn’t seem to work as intended. I want it t… --- ## [How are shadows made in anime style vfx?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-are-shadows-made-in-anime-style-vfx/31985)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2026, 12:06pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-are-shadows-made-in-anime-style-vfx/31985 "2026-11-05T12:06:38Z")
Hello, I have been practicing VFX for a bit now and saw a VFX that had shadows and was wondering how people in the anime VFX industry add shadows to VFX textures and why? I use Unity. Any help is thanked. --- ## [How would I achieve an FXs like this?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-would-i-achieve-an-fxs-like-this/31749)
**Author:** [@OzDani](https://realtimevfx.com/u/OzDani)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2026, 6:36am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-would-i-achieve-an-fxs-like-this/31749 "2026-11-06T06:36:04Z")
Hello! I am in the middle of a project, and I want to recreate something like the dash FX in this game (the smoke on the ground). I have not done any effects like that before how would u guys approach it? Especially h… --- ## [Can I join the RTVFX Discord server?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/can-i-join-the-rtvfx-discord-server/31776)
**Author:** [@Toehtet\_Win](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Toehtet_Win)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2026, 11:55am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/can-i-join-the-rtvfx-discord-server/31776 "2026-10-28T11:55:38Z")
Invite link pls!!! --- ## [Do you step your noise in shader graph](https://realtimevfx.com/t/do-you-step-your-noise-in-shader-graph/31927)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 8:55am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/do-you-step-your-noise-in-shader-graph/31927 "2026-10-27T08:55:06Z")
I’m trying to make a stylized flame and was wondering when you make a shader for a stylized effect, do you step/posterize it? Please tell me because when I see an effect, it seems not to be. Please and thank you --- ## [AI is able to create super complex effects now](https://realtimevfx.com/t/ai-is-able-to-create-super-complex-effects-now/31737)
**Author:** [@Hovl](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Hovl)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2026, 6:06am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/ai-is-able-to-create-super-complex-effects-now/31737 "2026-11-05T06:06:55Z")
I created 50+ different effects using AI in Unity and they are good in motion. What do you think about this? --- ## [Can you give me some advice on how to improve](https://realtimevfx.com/t/can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-how-to-improve/31894)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 10:18pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-how-to-improve/31894 "2026-10-21T22:18:09Z")
Uploading: \_MConverter.eu\_Screen Recording 2026-10-21 161623.gif… Can someone give me some general advise on how to improve this styalized vfx --- ## [Best Tools for Creating Seamless Textures for VFX (Including Chromatic Aberration)?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/best-tools-for-creating-seamless-textures-for-vfx-including-chromatic-aberration/31876)
**Author:** [@ganta](https://realtimevfx.com/u/ganta)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 12:43pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/best-tools-for-creating-seamless-textures-for-vfx-including-chromatic-aberration/31876 "2026-10-21T12:43:14Z")
Hi everyone! I’m wondering what tools or workflows you consider the best for creating seamless, tileable textures for real-time VFX. There are quite a few options out there, such as Photoshop, Substance 3D Designer, an… --- ## [Decals using depth buffer (soft particles)](https://realtimevfx.com/t/decals-using-depth-buffer-soft-particles/28580)
**Author:** [@Hovl](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Hovl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/decals-using-depth-buffer-soft-particles/28580 "2026-10-20T21:27:50Z")
Hi guys, has anyone ever thought of making decals using a depth buffer? I had the idea to invert the transparency and make the decals visible only near the surface. In this case, if the decal is on the edge of the model,… --- ## [We released IlluGen 2.0!](https://realtimevfx.com/t/we-released-illugen-2-0/31857)
**Author:** [@JangaFX](https://realtimevfx.com/u/JangaFX)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2026, 1:42pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/we-released-illugen-2-0/31857 "2026-10-16T13:42:33Z")
We’ve been working so hard to make the VFX tool of our dreams and we’re suddenly at version 2.0! I figured I’d make it’s own thread as this is such a massive upgrade. We’re working hard to de-fragment the VFX workflow fo… --- ## [Niagara Magical Slashes ](https://realtimevfx.com/t/niagara-magical-slashes/31846)
**Author:** [@TheCryer](https://realtimevfx.com/u/TheCryer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 12:19am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/niagara-magical-slashes/31846 "2026-10-15T00:19:23Z")
--- ## [Unity Custom Stream and Shadergraph/distotion,mask,flannel,shader](https://realtimevfx.com/t/unity-custom-stream-and-shadergraph-distotion-mask-flannel-shader/12155)
**Author:** [@Ugokashiya](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Ugokashiya)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 4:39pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/unity-custom-stream-and-shadergraph-distotion-mask-flannel-shader/12155 "2026-10-14T16:39:42Z")
https://vimeo.com/389471973 I made Unity ShaderGraphDistotion, Mask, Rim Shader. The shader value is received from Unity’s shuriken with custom vertex strem. Receiving Shuriken’s custom vertex strem CustomData1: X: … --- ## [Generating flip-books in substance designer](https://realtimevfx.com/t/generating-flip-books-in-substance-designer/31819)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 10:17pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/generating-flip-books-in-substance-designer/31819 "2026-10-13T22:17:41Z")
I want to actually generate the animated frames directly inside Substance Designer from scratch, and then pack them into a flipbook grid. Does anyone have a good workflow or custom node setup for driving time/animation … --- ## [An Idea for Avoiding Sort Issues in a Common Explosion FX Setup](https://realtimevfx.com/t/an-idea-for-avoiding-sort-issues-in-a-common-explosion-fx-setup/31785)
**Author:** [@gaonpapa](https://realtimevfx.com/u/gaonpapa)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/an-idea-for-avoiding-sort-issues-in-a-common-explosion-fx-setup/31785 "2026-10-07T18:44:35Z")
An Idea for Avoiding Sort Issues in a Common Explosion FX Setup Let’s assume the shockwave is red and the explosion is blue. If the red shockwave has a Sort value of 1 and the blue explosion has a Sort value of 0, or vi… --- ## [Did you know: Blender's Geometry Nodes can be used to generate textures](https://realtimevfx.com/t/did-you-know-blenders-geometry-nodes-can-be-used-to-generate-textures/31808)
**Author:** [@ncthbrt](https://realtimevfx.com/u/ncthbrt)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 9:26am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/did-you-know-blenders-geometry-nodes-can-be-used-to-generate-textures/31808 "2026-10-07T09:26:56Z")
Lurker here (until now). Just wanted to share a random tip that might be useful for other people: Geometry Nodes is something I find really useful for preparing art or assets for both vfx and environment art. But it doe… --- ## [What do SDF do?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/what-do-sdf-do/31801)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 8:39am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/what-do-sdf-do/31801 "2026-10-06T08:39:44Z")
Hey I’ve been trying to figure out what a 2D SDF are used for and how they work for unity shader graph?? And any information is helpful please and thanks.I’m practicing styalized Vfx so preferably info for that of it ma… --- ## [How to make Color ramps](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-to-make-color-ramps/31800)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-to-make-color-ramps/31800 "2026-10-05T15:31:20Z")
Hey I was trying to figure out how color ramps worked all I know it that is if you have a valve you can use that value to pick a color off the color ramp that about it and how to make them in substance designer to use in… --- ## [Looking for help on how special effects materials are made](https://realtimevfx.com/t/looking-for-help-on-how-special-effects-materials-are-made/31708)
**Author:** [@CSY](https://realtimevfx.com/u/CSY)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/looking-for-help-on-how-special-effects-materials-are-made/31708 "2026-09-24T15:39:45Z")
Hi everyone, I’m a junior VFX artist. A lot of times when I make effects, I end up using materials made by others. I want to know if there are any tutorials that show how to create the kinds of materials below.（Because E… --- ## [Sword slash texture](https://realtimevfx.com/t/sword-slash-texture/31720)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 5:07am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/sword-slash-texture/31720 "2026-09-22T05:07:31Z")
Hey, I am trying to make an anime sword slash VFX, but I don’t know where to start on the texture. If possible, I’d like some help, please. And thank you. Ps my dog says hi :grin: --- ## [Animating core effects in Unreal with ZBrush and Maya](https://realtimevfx.com/t/animating-core-effects-in-unreal-with-zbrush-and-maya/31724)
**Author:** [@little-me](https://realtimevfx.com/u/little-me)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/animating-core-effects-in-unreal-with-zbrush-and-maya/31724 "2026-09-18T05:32:52Z")
Hello, I am new here, and my background is character art, however I would like to expand my skillets and also try create animated materials, animated textures and some character VFX as well. If there is somewhere a ded… --- ## [Help with shader please😅](https://realtimevfx.com/t/help-with-shader-please/31714)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/help-with-shader-please/31714 "2026-09-17T15:53:34Z")
Hey I was making a styalized fire shader in unity but I got this and I can’t find out what is going on I like some help any is appreciated!!! --- ## [How to make alpha mask](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-to-make-alpha-mask/31709)
**Author:** [@Lane](https://realtimevfx.com/u/Lane)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 10:22pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/how-to-make-alpha-mask/31709 "2026-09-15T22:22:20Z")
Hey I was wondering how you make a proper anime styalized alpha mask, erosion mask and warp mask I use substance designer if that help any advice is helpful please and thank you😁 --- ## [What is a good way to create a dirt kickup texture?](https://realtimevfx.com/t/what-is-a-good-way-to-create-a-dirt-kickup-texture/31623)
**Author:** [@frenchsasha](https://realtimevfx.com/u/frenchsasha)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:25am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/what-is-a-good-way-to-create-a-dirt-kickup-texture/31623 "2026-09-09T09:25:25Z")
should i just paint it in PS? whats a good workflow for something like this? I am comfortable in houdini, i could also make an animated texture, though i dont think its the most optimal way to do it. --- ## [Start beginner](https://realtimevfx.com/t/start-beginner/31667)
**Author:** [@EmanuelVfx](https://realtimevfx.com/u/EmanuelVfx)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 11:50am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/start-beginner/31667 "2026-09-08T11:50:24Z")
Hello everyone in the community! I’ve recently started studying VFX and Unreal Engine. It all began when I watched a YouTube video about game effects; I fell in love with it instantly it was like love at first sight and … --- ## [Fire arrow at Rest](https://realtimevfx.com/t/fire-arrow-at-rest/31640)
**Author:** [@LucidFrame](https://realtimevfx.com/u/LucidFrame)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 10:09pm UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/fire-arrow-at-rest/31640 "2026-09-02T22:09:59Z")
Made Fire Arrow :smiley: --- ## [Final Fantasy 16/ DMC 5 Inspired Fire Slash](https://realtimevfx.com/t/final-fantasy-16-dmc-5-inspired-fire-slash/31517)
**Author:** [@LucidFrame](https://realtimevfx.com/u/LucidFrame)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 7:26am UTC](https://realtimevfx.com/t/final-fantasy-16-dmc-5-inspired-fire-slash/31517 "2026-08-31T07:26:15Z")
Hi everyone! I wanted to start sharing some of my work here, so I thought I’d start with this Fire Slash(WIP) inspired by FFXVI and DMC5. Let me know what would you do to make this look shipped AAA? [Next page](https://realtimevfx.com/c/general/9.md?page=1)