The Animated Mesh device provides a way for creators to play animations on skeletal meshes (FBX files) with FBX animation files in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). Think of it as creating a new actor for players to interact with. For example:
Create a boss for players to fight at the end of a level.
Create a new NPC that players can interact with.
Move or animate a prop.
Create special animations to use in conjunction with the Cinematic Sequence device to create a cutscene between levels.
The device memory depends on the referenced animation sets.
Playtest your animations to make sure that they work in Fortnite Creative.
Finding and Placing the Device
Open the Content Browser.
Open the Fortnite folder index list.
Open the Devices folder.
Select the Animated Mesh device and drag the device into the viewport.
Select the Animated Mesh device in the Outliner panel.
Customize the options for the Animated Mesh device in the Details panel.
If you're using multiple copies of a device on an island, it can be helpful to rename them. Choose names that relate to each device’s purpose, so it’s easier to remember what each one does.
User Options
This device applies animations to a skeletal mesh. Drag the device into the viewport where you can change the device’s scale, axis (X, Y, and Z), and rotation. Pull the device by its Z-axis to make the base visible, and make it sit on the level plane.
You can configure this device with the following options.
Default values are bold.
| Option | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
Loop | True, False | Loops the animation. |
Play Rate | 1.0, Select a Play Rate | Sets the speed and rate the animation plays at. |
Skeletal Mesh | Select a skeletal mesh file from the dropdown menu. | Attaches the selected skeletal mesh to the device. |
Animation | Select an animation file from the dropdown menu. | Attaches the animation file to the device. |
Direct Event Binding
Devices in UEFN use Direct Event Binding to communicate. To set direct event binding for your device in UEFN:
Select the device in the Outliner panel.
Open the Details panel.
Navigate to User Options-Function.
Select a device to interact with.
Set the function the device performs when the Animated Mesh triggers the device.
Functions
A function tells the selected device what it needs to do when the triggering device performs an action.
| Option | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
Play Animation Event | Click the Add icon to select a device, then select an event. | Plays the animation when the selected device and event triggers the Animated Mesh device. |
Pause Animation Event | Click the Add icon to select a device, then select an event. | Pauses the animation when the selected device and event triggers the Animated Mesh device. |
Play Reverse Animation Event | Click the Add icon to select a device, then select an event. | Plays the animation in reverse when the selected device and event triggers the Animated Mesh device. |