Unreal Engine 5 RPG Tutorial Series - #2: Locomotion - Blendspace, Crouching and Procedural Leaning!

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the fundamentals of character locomotion in Unreal Engine 5, specifically focusing on crouching, procedural leaning, and utilizing Blendspace for smooth movement transitions. This guide is part of the RPG Tutorial Series by Gorka Games, designed for those looking to enhance their RPG game mechanics using UE5.

Step 1: Setting Up Blendspace

• Create a Blendspace Asset:

  • In the Content Browser, right-click and select Animation > Blendspace 1D or Blendspace.
  • Name your Blendspace asset appropriately (e.g., CharacterLocomotionBlendspace).

• Configure the Blendspace:

  • Open the Blendspace asset and set the horizontal axis to represent speed (e.g., 0 to 600 for walking).
  • Drag and drop your idle, walk, and run animations into the corresponding sections of the Blendspace grid.

• Adjust Samples:

  • Ensure the animations are correctly blended by adjusting the sample points in the Blendspace.
  • Test the transitions by simulating the Blendspace within the editor.

Step 2: Implementing Crouching Mechanics

• Add Crouch Functionality:

  • Open your character blueprint and navigate to the Event Graph.
  • Create an input action for crouching (e.g., C key).

• Create Crouch Logic:

  • Use the Crouch node connected to the input action.
  • Follow it with a Play Animation node to trigger a crouching animation.
  • Add an UnCrouch node to revert back to standing when the input is released.

• Adjust Character Capsule:

  • Modify the character's capsule component height during crouching for a more realistic effect.
  • Use nodes to set the capsule height to a shorter value (e.g., from 88 to 44 units) when crouching and back when standing.

Step 3: Adding Procedural Leaning

• Create Leaning Variables:

  • In your character blueprint, define variables for lean amount and direction (e.g., LeanAmount, LeanDirection).

• Implement Leaning Logic:

  • Use the Add Local Rotation node to adjust the character's rotation based on the lean amount.
  • Connect the lean variables to the nodes to create a smooth leaning effect when moving sideways.

• Adjust Leaning Based on Movement:

  • Add conditions to trigger leaning when the character is moving left or right.
  • Ensure the lean resets when the character stops moving to maintain realism.

Step 4: Testing and Fine-Tuning

• Test Locomotion Features:

  • Playtest your character's movements in the editor to ensure that crouching, leaning, and Blendspace transitions work smoothly.

• Fine-tune Parameters:

  • Adjust animation speeds, blend weights, and capsule dimensions as necessary depending on feedback from your playtests.

• Check Animation Transitions:

  • Ensure that transitions between idle, crouching, and running animations are fluid and responsive.

Conclusion

You have now set up the core locomotion features of your RPG character in Unreal Engine 5, including Blendspace for animations, crouching mechanics, and procedural leaning. These elements will significantly enhance your game's character movement system. As you continue developing your RPG, consider exploring additional features like jumping or climbing for a more immersive experience. Happy developing!