Let’s talk about one of the sequences in our VFX Showreel, the Dogfight. We created this animated sequence to explore the boundaries of creating realistic effects for cinematic action cutscenes in Unreal Engine 5. Let's go over the process.
Setting up the Dogfight
To bring our dogfight sequence to life, we used the latest version of Unreal Engine—its powerful features and seamless functionality made it the ideal choice for creating dynamic, visually stunning scenes. Inspired by The Mandalorian, we chose two Star Wars-style spacecraft on Sketchfab that perfectly matched our vision.
For the setting, we selected the Electric Dream Environment map, to serve as our cinematic backdrop.
We then mapped out precise flight paths with splines using Unreal Engine 5’s Level Sequencer, designing a compact and dynamic aerial choreography to help showcase the VFX in the most realistic and impactful way possible.
Creating the Smoke and Explosions
The explosions were one of the most exciting elements to create. For the star of the show, our approach to making a realistic simulation was to look at it from a scientific point of view by basing our simulations on real-life explosion mechanics: fuel spawning in a small volume, sudden pressure and temperature increases, and then mixing noise and forces afterward to produce realistic and organic-looking results that we can randomize for faster iterations.
To achieve, this we used Embergen by JangaFX. The tool can simulate realistic smoke and explosion effects with incredible accuracy. After a few tweaks and tinkering, we were able to achieve the ideal explosive effect.
Once we had the explosion ready, we exported them into Unreal Engine and paired them with a custom-made energy projectile effect. This combination added an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the scene.
Finally, we made some finishing touches:
- Adjusted the shape to the right amount –not too noisy and not too erratic
- Tinkered with the color and values of the explosion ranging from a gradient starting from bright yellow → orange → dark red → black.
These tweaks brought everything together, creating a dogfight scene that was not only cinematic but also incredibly satisfying to watch unfold.
That’s a Wrap—Check the Gate!
Why not give it a try? Fire up Unreal Engine and experiment with your own take on this scene. Play around, tinker, and see where your creativity takes you—you might just come up with something unique and spectacular.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting with VFX for video games in Unreal Engine 5, here are some recommendations to help guide you:
- Master the Essentials
Familiarize yourself with Unreal Engine 5's core tools, including the Niagara VFX system, Material Editor, and Blueprint scripting. These will help you build interactive, dynamic effects. Utilize Epic Games’ tutorials and documentation to get started. - Experiment and Use Free Resources
Practice creating simple effects like sparks or smoke, and experiment with shaders to add depth. Take advantage of free resources on Unreal Engine’s Marketplace for hands-on practice. - Engage and Grow with the Community
Join forums and social groups to share your work, get feedback, and learn from others. Collaborating with the community will accelerate your growth and inspire new ideas.
By the way, if you’re looking for gameplay-ready VFX, check out our Projectile FX pack on the Fab Marketplace! It has nine optimized, high-quality projectiles with customizable materials designed for performance and visual impact.
We hope this breakdown gave you some inspiration. Follow us on social media, and stay tuned for more tips and deep dives!
