Into the Forest

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This course MUST be taken using UE5.6.1. Do NOT use the 5.7, this version changes many things and breaks shaders!

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During this course, we will create a complete birch forest environment from scratch.

From building a full tree set and several ground cover models in SpeedTree 10 to the final composition using next-generation tools in Unreal Engine 5.6, every step is covered. We will also create textures using Quixel Mixer, generate background terrain with Gaea (optional), and build all the necessary shaders to achieve a high-quality result. The course concludes with final 4K renders using the Movie Render Queue.

What you will learn:

In SpeedTree 10:

• Create several next-generation trees using a hybrid workflow (Nanite for structure and LODs/Impostors for foliage)
• Create high-poly 3D branches and bake them into textures
• Understand how to build efficient atlases combining multiple elements into a single texture
• Use the provided atlas to create optimized ground cover models for real-time rendering
• Set up advanced wind fully customizable in Unreal Engine
• Create LODs for foliage and ground cover models

In Unreal Engine 5.6:

• Create advanced shaders for foliage, terrain, distant mountains, Megascans assets, decals and VFX
• Create textures using the Texture Graph plugin
• Build a complete scene (layout, lighting, decals, details, VFX)
• Use HDR lighting and Virtual Shadow Maps for more natural results
• Work with Post Process Volume and Volumetric Fog
• Use PCG tools for vegetation, decals and debris scattering
• Create an advanced path using Nanite tessellation and vertex painting
• Render high-quality 4K images using the Movie Render Queue

In Quixel Mixer:

• Create advanced textures for landscape and paths
• Export properly packed textures for Unreal Engine

In Gaea:

• Create terrain used to dress the background of the scene
• Export masks to use for texturing in Unreal Engine

In Photoshop:

• Adjust and refine textures
• Create and use actions to speed up repetitive tasks
• Improve overall texture quality

Which chapters are available

1. Aspen Trees (Complete Creation - SpeedTree 10) - (10h11)
2. Bark & Foliage Advanced Shader (UE5.6) - (4h26)
3. Ground Foliage (Complete Creation - SpeedTree 10) - (3h32)
4. Procedural Landscape Shader & Quixel Mixer Textures (UE5.6 & Quixel Mixer) - (7h45)
5. Advanced Tessellated Path (Quixel Mixer & UE5.6) - (2h26)
6. PCG Trees (UE5.6) - (2h04)
7. Scene Creation Part 1 - Main Scene Layout (UE5) - (3h38)
8. Scene Creation Part 2 - Custom Water Shader (UE5 & Quixel Mixer) - (2h28)
9. Scene Creation Part 3 - Distant Mountains (Gaea 2 & UE5) - (3h21)
10. Scene Creation Part 4 - Custom Megascans Shader (UE5) - (2h09)
11. Scene Creation Part 5 - PCG for Details (UE5) - (3h41)
12. Scene Creation Part 6 - Wind (SpeedTree & UE5) - (3h17)
13. Scene Creation Part 7 - Trees & Ground Foliage Variations (SpeedTree & UE5) - (2h12)
14. Scene Creation Part 8 - VFX with Niagara & Local Volumetric Fog (UE5) - (3h25)
15. Scene Creation Part 9 - Final Rework & Renderings with Movie Render Queue (UE5) - (2h39)

What you will get:

• 57 hours of step-by-step video content
• 15 downloadable chapters (.zip)
• 1080p / 30 FPS
• English Subtitles

Software used:

• SpeedTree 10.0.1 (compatible with 10.1.0)
• Unreal Engine 5.6.X
• Photo/image editing software (Photoshop, Gimp, etc.)
• Quixel Mixer 2022

Level

• This course is intended for artists who want to learn, improve or refine their environment creation workflow.

Prerequisites

• A computer running Windows 10/11
• WinRAR or 7zip to extract files
• Basic knowledge of Unreal Engine
• Following my free SpeedTree overview is recommended to understand the fundamentals

Important note before starting

This course was created in Unreal Engine 5.6.1 and requires the same version. Using a different version may result in issues not covered in the course.

Recommended Next Step

• Continue with the modern Nanite-based workflow through the Into the Forest – Beech Forest (Nanite Workflow) extension.
• New users can also start directly with the Into the Forest – Modern Workflow Bundle, which includes both the base course and the Nanite workflow foundation.

Refund conditions:

• Due to the nature of downloadable content, refunds are not available once files have been accessed.
• Price changes after purchase are not a valid reason for a refund.

V1.1 IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Addition:

• English Subtitles - Added English subtitles to all course videos
  • Please note that these subtitles were generated using AI and may contain occasional inaccuracies, particularly regarding technical terminology.

The subtitles are provided as a separate ZIP file. Extract the archive and place the .srt files alongside the corresponding videos. Most media players will automatically detect and load them.