UE5 DeepDive : Render Tricks 01

SQUARE ENIX's OCTOPATH TRAVELER combines pixel art characters with 3D backgrounds, lighting, and depth of field to create a sense of space that feels like looking at a small diorama.

This work was developed using Unreal Engine. In this course, based on the focus and depth effects for each distance observed on the screen, we will directly implement depth of field that can also run on mobile devices.

This course does not stop at simply referencing the depth effects of games.

We will separately implement fake reflections for translucent flipbook characters and apply depth-based fading and occlusion to create natural reflections on puddles and wet floors.

Implement the depth effect seen in the game yourself, and expand it one step further to include reflection effects in the course.

Depth effects and fake reflections, all in a single mobile scene

Utilize Unreal Engine 5's Materials and Blueprints
to implement dynamic puddles, fake reflections, and selective/distance-based depth of field without C++.

Create eye-catching mobile screens yourself using principles that are less tied to specific UE4·UE5 versions.

Beyond a simple tutorial, you will learn how to build water puddle height variations and realistic reflection effects yourself,
gaining rendering know-how optimized for the Android mobile environment.

✔️ Those who want to extend the depth effects of games to mobile

• Those who want to implement depth effects that combine pixel art characters with 3D backgrounds

• Those who want to apply depth of field seen in games, along with fake reflections, to their mobile projects.

  
  

  
  

✔️ Those who want to deeply understand the principles of mobile game rendering optimization

• Those who want to learn depth-based rendering, dynamic environment changes, and the principles of implementing depth of field

• Those who want to master blur algorithms and two methods of implementing depth of field

  
  

  
  

✔️ Programmers who want to prototype for mobile using Blueprints without C++

• Those who want to learn everything from Unreal Engine Material Editor shortcuts to node utilization in depth

• Those who want to learn the differences between UE Blueprint classes and Level Blueprints, and how to utilize them

• Those who want to master the Android build and packaging process using a practical guide

✔️ Beginner/Entry-level developers who know the basics of Unreal Engine

• Those who want to implement the same brilliant rendering effects from PC on mobile

• Those who want to learn rendering principles and practical tricks optimized for mobile environments

• Those who want to implement dynamic environmental changes and realistic water effects using only Blueprints

  
  

Notes Before Taking the Course

Practice Environment

• Unreal Engine 5 installation is required.

• Android SDK and related tools are required.

• A PC with certain specifications or higher is recommended for smooth practical exercises.

Prerequisites and Important Notes

• Experience with basic Unreal Engine operations is required.

• An understanding of the Blueprint and Material Editor is helpful.

• Proceeds without C++ coding.

Learning Materials

• You can download the project assets used for the practice session.

• The tutorial videos help you understand the core principles.