Magic Arch

It's been a while since I wanted to focus on a project where lighting and atmosphere take center stage. When I came across Hanna KhalupaI's amazing concept, I knew it was the one I could delve into. My goal was to replicate it in real time in UE5. Throughout the process, I learned a lot, from mastering lighting techniques to becoming more adept with Local Fogs, Fog Cards, and Volumetric fog materials. These elements were crucial in creating the atmospheric depth the scene demanded.

Another significant aspect of the concept involved various VFX, which gave me the perfect opportunity to explore Niagara, something I had been meaning to learn more about on my list for a while. From meteors falling from the sky to the pink magic effect and flying leaves, the latter two used Niagara particles along splines, allowing for more control over their placement in the scene.

I also aimed to handle all the animation through shaders. I created a Material Parameter Collection (MPC) for bouncing effects, which I used in a Material Function for both the lamps and a variation for animating the crystal. Another MPC powered the wind system, helping simulate a windy environment and bend the trees accordingly. For the hanging clothes and lamp flames, I used shader-based animation to bring more life and movement into the scene.

This project was both a joy and a challenge; it pushed me to sharpen my skills in lighting and atmosphere. I hope you all enjoy the final result.
A huge thanks to Hanna KhalupaI for allowing me to recreate her inspiring concept https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1xgenZ

The soundtrack of the video includes a sample of the awesome Ruins of a Noted Seer - chuck e. myers "sea" from Hogwarts Legacy game.