Learn how to create dungeon props using a number of different modeling techniques in Houdini. In each of the following lessons, you learn how to create a kit of parts that can be combined to create unique props. Each of the kits will involve the generation of different base shapes that are detailed and baked against low res geometry to generate normal maps. These maps can then be used in painting applications such as Substance Painter to complete the look.


These dungeon props are used in the WFC Dungeon Generator tutorial to create a procedural game level. 


NOTE: These lessons use the SideFX Labs tools. Make sure the latest release (non production build) is installed before doing this lesson. 


1. MODEL THE PILLARS

Learn how to create pieces that can be combined into dungeon pillars. You will generate these pieces using polygon modeling tools. Learn how to add variation to the bevels to create more organic shapes and how to convert to a volume for baking against low res geometry. 

Length: 27:14

2. MODEL THE WOOD CRATES

To model the wood crates you will again focus on a kit of parts that can be combined to create a variety of props. This workflow includes the use of noise to add wood grain to the panels. Again these details will be converted into a volume and baked. You can then combine the parts in Houdini or later in your game engine. 

Length: 33:18

CREATED BY

SIMON VERSTRAETE

Simon is a tech Artist that loves building procedural tools and assets. By adding more and more procedural approaches to his workflow, he is able to build 3D models with speed and flexibility. During his studies at Digital Arts and Entertainment, he taught himself how to work with Houdini. After his studies, he started working on Ary and the Secret of Seasons at eXiin. Currently he is a Houdini freelancer and focuses on creating procedural content.

More from Simon Verstraete

COMMENTS

  • AdventAmaury 4 years, 5 months ago  | 

    While studying at Arts and Entertainment I built my own album, I felt it was very good.

  • plabill23 4 years, 5 months ago  | 

    I don't have axis align in my newbie version. non commercial apprentice?? what else can I use?

  • Enrique Vila 3 years, 10 months ago  | 

    Hi Simon, the link to the dungeon props doesn't seem to be working. After clicking on the PROJECT FILES button above and waiting a few seconds I am getting

    504 ERROR
    The request could not be satisfied.

    How can I fix this?
    Your tutorials are fantastic, thank you for the great content.
    e

    • Simon_V 3 years, 10 months ago  | 

      The project files should be working. What version of Houdini are you using?

  • myxsys 3 years, 9 months ago  | 

    Fantastic tutorial. Didn't know Houdini could be this amazing and fast.

    If I was given the task to build these game assets in Blender, it would have taken me at least 3 days!

  • michalziulek 3 years, 8 months ago  | 

    Thanks for the tutorials!
    I had trouble getting nice Normal Map when exported to UE4. Finally I have figured it out.
    When baking normal map in Houdini and using in UE4, below option has to be enabled:
    Labs Maps Baker -> Advanced -> Tangent Normal Flip Y

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