Unity VFX Graph - Electricity Tutorial (Procedural Shader)

Summary

In this tutorial, Gabrielle Gabriel guides viewers through creating stunning electricity effects in Unity using Shader Graph and VFX Graph. The session covers shader creation, animation techniques, and particle system manipulation, culminating in the production of dynamic electric orbs and sparks. With step-by-step instructions and visual demonstrations, the tutorial is suitable for developers looking to enhance their game aesthetics. Available on Patreon, the project includes additional assets, allowing users to dive deeper into the creative process and elevate their Unity projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can create electricity effects in Unity using Shader Graph and VFX Graph.
• ⚙️ Ensure you're using Unity 2020.3.16 with the Universal Render Pipeline and the necessary packages installed.
• 📜 Start by creating a blank Shader Graph for the electricity shader and set its target to visual effects.
• 🔄 Utilize procedural noise in the Shader Graph to generate dynamic electricity textures.
• ⚡ Create properties for electricity scale and thickness to control the visual characteristics of the effect.
• 🎨 Incorporate color properties in the shader to customize the appearance of the electricity.
• 🔍 In the VFX Graph, connect the shader and adjust particle settings for randomness and lifetime.
• ✨ Use the 'Set Size' and 'Set Color' blocks in VFX Graph to enhance the visual quality of particles.
• 🔥 For sparks, create a separate particle system and adjust parameters for motion and size to simulate realistic effects.
• 💻 The complete project files are available on Patreon, along with additional assets for developers.

Q & A

What software versions are used in this tutorial?

The tutorial uses Unity 2020.3.16 with the Universal Render Pipeline.

What is the first step to create the electricity shader?

The first step is to create a blank Shader Graph by right-clicking in the folder, selecting 'Create,' then 'Shader,' and naming it 'Electricity Shader.'

How can you animate the electricity effect?

To animate the electricity effect, you need to use a Tiling and Offset node to scroll the UVs, connecting it to a Time node multiplied by a Vector2 for speed.

What properties are recommended for controlling the appearance of the electricity?

Recommended properties include 'Electricity Scale' and 'Electricity Width,' both of which can be adjusted to control the thickness and scale of the electricity effect.

How do you achieve a faded-out effect for the electricity shader?

A faded-out effect can be achieved by creating a circular mask with the Polar Coordinate node, then multiplying it with a rectangle node.

What settings should be adjusted for the particle system in VFX Graph?

You should randomize the 'Electricity Scale' and 'Electricity Width,' adjust the lifetime, and ensure that the color is controlled directly from the shader.

What is the purpose of the 'Set Size Over Life' node?

The 'Set Size Over Life' node controls the growth of particles over their lifetime, allowing for a more dynamic and visually appealing effect.

How can sparks be added to the electricity effect?

Sparks can be added by creating a new particle system, adjusting its properties for size and motion, and ensuring it blends well with the electricity effect.

What is the final step to integrate the electricity shader into a character?

To integrate the shader into a character, switch the shader to Universal, add a texture node, and retain the electricity options for visual effects.

How can viewers access the project files discussed in the tutorial?

The project files are available on the creator's Patreon page, where subscribers can access additional assets and support the creator.