Behind the scene: 3D Modelling of Ancient Knight Chess Piece

We are done the modeling of a knight figure for the Ancient faction; it will be in the form of a drone. Our goal was to create a model that, in its essence, hards-surface but with a combination of sci-fi and fantasy elements. Below are the stages of creation with photos.

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Sculpting

We used Zbrush, as you can see, the form has a shell design, with the eye located in the center. On the sides, we sculpt such plates, which create the impression of armor protecting, which defends the central core.

Through the side spiral elements, we gave the form a form of streamlining and dynamism, with the organic touches. After sculpting, we transferred the model to Blender and started creating hi-poly model.

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Retopology

Since the model will be animated, 99% percent of the mesh are squares of the same size. This is done to avoid stretching and artifacts during texturing and subdivision.

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UV Stage & Baking

For those who never heard about UV, in general, UV is similar to origami. Only with the difference that in origami you make a 3D-object from a flat sheet of paper, and in the UV vice versa – you make a flat one from a volumetric one.

Since the model is hard-surface, we used injective mapping when one material has only one texture. Therefore, our task in mapping is to use the minimum amount of resources.

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At Baking stage, we give the model the detail that it had at the sculpting and high-poly stage by giving it a Normal map, as well as a map of Ambient Occlusion and Color Masks.

For examles, Ambient Occlusion shows the deepest shadows in the object – mostly in recesses and at intersections. It is used by game engines, in our case Unreal Engine 5, to create correct lighting.

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Texturing

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We used Substance Painter, the color of the model, as you can see, will be warm, metallic-gold, but not solid, to make the surface more interesting. The central eye in bluish-blue color contrasts noticeably with the warm golden shape and adds a futuristic look to the model.

Conclusion

‍The model is done; now we will work on the animations and show you the finished renders soon, so stay tuned and join to our Discord:)