GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Dynamic Destruction in UE5 with the Chaos Destruction System (Presented by Epic Games)
Jim VanAllen (Technical Artist , Epic Games)
Cedric Caillaud (Lead Physics Programmer, Epic Games)
Location: Room 2009, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 20
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Programming
Format: Sponsored Session
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All

This session explores the evolving Chaos Destruction system: a toolset that empowers artists to create dynamic destruction by defining how geometry fractures and interacts in simulations.
Using tools that fracture geometry, define clustering models, and leverage strain evaluation, destructible assets respond to environmental forces, enabling realistic and controlled destruction.
Focusing on the latest features in Unreal Engine 5.5, this talk examines cost-effective methods for destroying geometry collections without excessive field usage, leveraging anchoring directly from the Fracture Mode and using Niagara Data Channels for gameplay interactivity.
Attendees will gain insight into propagation techniques, including break and shock propagation, and learn new workflows for enhancing destruction mechanics with improved simulation tools.
Whether you're anchoring assets, manipulating strain values for precise control, or building gameplay-driven destruction, join us for practical guidance on using Chaos Destruction to its fullest potential in Unreal Engine.
Takeaway
Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to create and manage destructible assets in Unreal Engine; utilize Fracture Mode to design and simulate destruction; and integrate dynamic destruction systems into interactive gameplay scenarios.
Intended Audience
This session is for artists and gameplay engineers of all experience levels. It requires only a basic familiarity with Unreal Engine. While a general understanding of physics simulation and asset composition is helpful, it is not required.