VFX

Using Shader Graph

Shader graph is a visual scripting tool, allowing users to develop custom shaders while seeing their real time appearance. These shaders are then used in conjunction with a Visual Effect Graph (VFX Graph), which uses node based logic to control particle systems and shader meshes.

Shader Graph:

The above shows the Shader Graph used for the Lightning Bolt. To summarize what it does, it used a standard noise and scrolls through it using the systems time and a scale. This noise is then distorted using a Lerp and then confined within a thin rectangle. The distortion of the scrolling noise creates this lightning bolt effect where the line seems to shift back and forth.

VFX Graph:

Above shows the VFX graph for the Lighting Bolt effect, which uses the previously created shader to generate the effect. To create the growing bolt, its center is set to the top and the scale is increased over time so it extends down.

Several other groups are made within the same graph to create additional effects, such as the flash at the start and the flash on collision. The sparks are also made here by spawning several small particles out from the center randomly.

By combining the two systems, it allows the user a lot of flexibility and control to edit the effect outside of the shader. The shader can use various properties to control its effects and the VFX graph can access the properties and have its own, granting the ability to directly manipulate the shaders within the game, such as the colour or size.