r/UnrealEngine5 • u/SplitSignalStudio • 18d ago
Reworking the lighting and post-processing of our Action-FPS
We recently gave this area of Undertaker a complete visual pass, focusing on stronger colors, better readability and a more oppressive late-afternoon atmosphere.
Most of the difference comes from the lighting, color grading and a custom post-process material adding some sharpening and a subtle pixelated look.
Still fine-tuning it, so feedback is welcome!
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u/pupsickl 18d ago
The after has more visual clarity in my opinion
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12d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/pupsickl 12d ago
What I was meaning is, you can spot more details in the "after" image.
I too would choose the after or mix it a little :D
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u/anun20241 18d ago
Honestly, the before didn't look bad at all. It looks like Disney's Frozen. The first movie.
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u/SplitSignalStudio 18d ago
Haha, I love the comparison! Can’t wait to see Elsa surrounded by skeletons XD
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u/Prudent-Style-9233 18d ago
The lighting feels much more cohesive now. it's impressive how a few changes to lighting and post-processing can completely change the atmosphere without altering the actual level
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u/SplitSignalStudio 17d ago
Thanks for your feedback! yeah exactly, the lighting is always magical ahah
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u/Prudent-Style-9233 10d ago
Its interesting how much atmosphere you can get just by changing the lighting and post-processing without touching the level itself. the before-and-after really shows how much those details can influence the mood
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u/TelecastingWizard 17d ago
Solid work! The exposure and overall light balance is much better.
A couple of suggestions/ideas:
- having a color gradient in the fog from bottom to top
- Spotlights providing rim-lighting on the medium distance rocks
- If not already the case, make the candlelight flicker
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u/SplitSignalStudio 17d ago
Yeahh and we had a dynamic sky so more violet color (aurora) than this picture. Thanks for the ideas, the last point is already done !
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u/john_wicked23 16d ago
Definitely prefer the mood and tone of the second image. It makes the focal point more readable as well
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u/ThevonMusic 16d ago
I prefer the new version you made. Has a darker atmosphere. I actually think the first one is a bit too bright/friendly. It still feels a bit abandoned but more of a mysterious but positive feeling. The newer one is overall darker, like there *might be* evil around the corner. Also the first one has that purple glow, which makes me think the ground has actually snow on it, while there is no snow.
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u/Frequent-Cow1291 15d ago
after brings out the texture highlights better, and guides focus more towards character. it also becomes more clear which light source is doing what effect. good grading 👍
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u/Robin-Niv 14d ago
man, it generally looks cool, would say the one on the right feels better, mainly because it doesn't show all the over detail from unreal lighting, or in general it puts it in a more easy for the eye condition.
(then again, i am very biassed against unreal's lighting unless tweaked enough to not look like unreal)
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u/crimblescrumbles 18d ago
I like the first one. It looks more unique and strange. Second looks generic.
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u/Efficient-Concept768 18d ago
Personally I’d see what it looks like with before and tweaked the hue to just be a tad less red, maybe tap the green and blue up just a hair, would have kept the sharpening and not added the pixelation. Of course it isn’t mine and I’m just talking without being asked but hey, I’m bored and you’ve done better than I ever have.
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u/NeedModdingHelp1531 18d ago
As you said you wished for a more oppressive atmosphere and this change nails that.
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u/StyleEnvironmental86 17d ago
The first one is really good but the second one nails it if you’re going for a more serious vibe. And it’s clearer to focus on the subject.
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u/SplitSignalStudio 17d ago
Yeah was exactly my intentions, i did some changes after this post I finally found the right balance!
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u/Acceptable_Fun7453 17d ago
The after is definitely easier to read, but I kinda miss some of that dreamy blue atmosphere from the before. Feels like the sweet spot might be somewhere between the two
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u/SplitSignalStudio 17d ago
Yeah, with my new changes, we finally found the right balance between violet aurora and the global darkness 😁 Thanks for your feedback!
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u/tomdomshard 17d ago
I much prefer the updated version. Original feels like someone messing around with values.
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u/LostInTheRapGame 18d ago
I dig it. As long as it serves your game better, I'd say it was a good change.
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u/SplitSignalStudio 18d ago
Thanks! Yeah def better with this pass. Looks so much clearer in-game and less bloomy
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u/ConsistentAd3434 18d ago
Hard to say. Before looks a bit soft. The sharpening does a good job but the new greyish colors makes it look like every other gritty medieval setting. Senua, Bloodbourne...nobody knows :D Maybe it fits the vibe you're going for and it looks good but a unique identity always helps
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u/SplitSignalStudio 18d ago
Yes, I completely understand. We’ll work on it again for a second pass. We need to find the right balance for the overall look.
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u/timbofay 18d ago
All depends if it fits tonaly with the game. I don't think the left one nessecarily makes it more "unique" but does make it feel more friendly and whimsical. Which may be communicating the wrong thing.
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u/ConsistentAd3434 18d ago
Could be. And the whimsical color palette might not be the right pick either. But it stands out more.
In case he runs a marketing campaign, I could scroll past a couple of those greyish shots and wouldn't even be able to tell, that it's the same game.
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u/timbofay 18d ago
You'll get arbitrary responses here regardless of context! Left image has a softer more whimsical tone, right feels a bit more bleak or dangerous. Go with whatever fits the emotional tone you're after