Creating Weapon Effects in Maya Pt. 1

 

After looking around the internet for some information on creating this effect, I realized how many ways this can be done. There are a few scripts floating around that automate this process, but as of 2019 it may not be the most up to date. Others have a system with bones that isn't too complicated, but then I have to bake the animation, which may have to be done a few times. I finally have a simple way to create this effect quickly. Also, it can be applied to almost any object.

The steps are as follows:



1. Create a full size slash shape.


 
2. Duplicate and create a “folded” version for when it’s “ not there”. It’ll hide in the blade mesh.



3. Duplicate again and create a more curved version.
    - This can be used to modify the original shape depending on the swing of the weapon.

4. Duplicate again and this can be modified to correct the shape or add any additional ones.

5. Select the folded shape, then select the original shape. Click Shape Deformers > Blend Shape
    - it’s best to name the blend shape to keep things organized



6. Repeat this process for each additional shape you created.

7. When you’re finished, be sure to delete your history and freeze transformations.



8. Create 2 attributes on the control curve for your object.
    - one will be to extend and retract the slash effect
    - the other will be to modify the curve of that shape.



9. Using set driven keys, the 2 attributes will drive the value of the blend shape inputs.
    - the attributes are connected to the blend shapes and simplify changing the shape

That's it for now. Once I play around with a few more thing and use this in a few animations, there might be some updates. I also want to try the same thing with gun blasts. :P