How to Import a Custom Character into Unreal Engine Using Blender and the Mannequin Skeleton

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of importing a custom character into Unreal Engine by utilizing the Unreal Engine 4 Mannequin skeleton. We will be working with Blender 2.79, but the principles apply to Blender 2.8 as well. By understanding the workflow outlined in this tutorial, you will be able to seamlessly integrate custom characters into your Unreal Engine projects.

Setting Up Your Unreal Engine Project

Begin by creating a new Unreal Engine project, ensuring you are using Unreal Engine 4.8 or later.
Choose the blueprint third-person template for your project.
Export the Mannequin skeletal mesh from Unreal Engine by right-clicking on it, selecting "Export," and saving it in a memorable folder.

Importing the Mannequin into Blender

Import the Mannequin and skeleton into Blender by using the FBX import feature.
Upon importing, delete any unnecessary elements like an empty object that may affect the export process.
Scale the Mannequin and skeleton back to their original size if they become oversized due to the export process.
Ensure to maintain the default unit settings in Blender to avoid scale discrepancies.

Exporting the Custom Character from Blender to Unreal Engine

Append a custom character to the Blender project and ensure it aligns with the Mannequin skeleton.
Assign vertex groups and weights to the custom character to establish the bone structure and skeletal movement.
Export the custom character as an FBX file, making sure to adjust settings such as smoothing groups and normals import.
Import the custom character back into Unreal Engine, ensuring it works seamlessly with the Mannequin animations.

Weight Painting and Troubleshooting

Explore weight painting techniques to fine-tune the assignment of vertex groups and bone weights for optimal character movement.
If automatic weighting does not yield desired results, consider manually assigning weights to specific vertices for better control over character animations.

By following this tutorial, you can successfully integrate custom characters into Unreal Engine projects without the need for extensive skeleton editing or complex animation retargeting processes. Don't hesitate to experiment with different characters and refine your weight painting skills to enhance the character's performance in Unreal Engine.

Meta description: Discover a comprehensive guide on importing custom characters into Unreal Engine using Blender and the Mannequin skeleton. Learn how to navigate the workflow seamlessly for optimal results.

Keywords: custom character, Unreal Engine, Blender, Mannequin skeleton, import process, weight painting, vertex groups, FBX export.

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