Energy Blast Effect in Embergen

VFXEmbergenBeginnerVFX
Content

1. Create a New Project.

  • Start a new project.
  • Pause the animation to avoid the simulation running automatically.

2. Import Your Character

  • Add an Import Node.
  • Copy & paste it (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V).
  • Import your character files (e.g., block, attack, etc.).
  • Adjust:
  • Attack animation to Tech 001 Mixamo.
  • Set animation length to 250 frames.
  • Rotate 90° for correct orientation.
  • Move the character into position.

3. Add Second Animation (Optional)

  • Import the second animation.
  • Set animation length to 250 frames.
  • Rotate –90° for correct orientation.
  • Position it appropriately.

4. Set up the Simulation Node

Force Settings

  • Set Force = 0 (zero out existing forces).

Domain Settings (Simulation Container)

  • Set domain size:
  • X = 250
  • Y = 150
  • Z = 100
  • Adjust the domain center so the characters have space to perform the effect.

5. Create the Fire Emitter

  • Go to Emitter Volume.
  • Enable Show Emitter.
  • Choose Shape → Sphere.
  • Scale the sphere down to 5 units.
  • Position it according to the animation (e.g., character’s hand or attack point).

6. Activate the Shape & Emitter

  • Enable:
  • Shape Activity
  • Emitter Activity

7. Configure Particle Emission

  • Turn Particles ON for the emitter.
  • Go to Image → Continuous Image.
  • Set keyframes:
  • Turn the emission OFF at the beginning.
  • Turn the emission ON at the correct timing.
  • Turn the emission OFF again when needed.

8. Add a Collider

  • Add a Collider node.
  • Choose Shape → Primitive.
  • Adjust shape to match the character’s shield or blocking pose.
  • Adjust thickness (e.g., 3.5 units).

9. Run a Test Simulation

  • Play the simulation to verify timing.
  • Fire may appear, but without direction or speed.

10. Add Initial Fire Direction

  • Go to Particles → Initial Force.
  • Set:
  • Velocity Cone = 0
  • Velocity G = 0
  • Adjust:
  • Cone Spread = 5 (defines emission angle)
  • Speed Scale = 3 (controls fire velocity)

11. Adjust Fire & Smoke

  • Go to Injection:
  • Increase smoke if needed (optional).
  • Focus mainly on fire intensity.

12. Duplicate the Fire Source

  • Copy the fire emitter.
  • Paste it and connect to the main emitter node.
  • Go to Visuals → Show Emitter.
  • Increase shape size slightly (e.g., from 3.6 → 3.7) to add variation.

13. Add Force & Noise

  • Add Force and Noise nodes for more realistic movement.
  • Go to Image and add:
  • Noise Image
  • Additional Noise Layer to break uniformity.

14. Prepare for Final Simulation

  • In Visuals, disable unnecessary display nodes.
  • Turn off extra elements to view the final effect clearly.

15. Add Directional Force for Impact

  • Add Force Line.
  • Rotate it so the force direction is opposite to the character.
  • This creates the impact/shield / blocking effect.
  • Preview the effect to verify that the fire reacts correctly to the shield.