Master Sword
Modelling Study
Project: Learn ZBrush and Substance Painter by creating a model of the Master Sword
In order to teach myself how to use supplementary 3D software such as ZBrush and Substance Painter, I decided to create a high quality 3D model of the Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda..
Challenges:
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Learning how to use ZBrush to add detail to the base model
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Using Substance Painter to create a realistic texture for the sword
3DS Max
The first step was modelling the low poly model for the sword. As I was learning 3DS Max inside college at the time I decided that would be my software of choice.
I used reference images of the sword's design from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in particular, as that design spoke to me the most.
ZBrush
I then imported the model into ZBrush to add finer detail to the model, such as the damage and wear to the blade. In order to achieve the slashes on the blade I used the free Orb brushes pack.
Substance
Painter
Finally, I imported the model into Substance Painter to give it textures. For the blade I attempted to match the patterns of rust shown in the reference images I used, and I also added some wear to the finish on the hilt.
Final Render
Here is the final render taken at the end of the project. I am very happy with the result- if I were to do this again I would work on smoothing out some of the geometry around the hilt as it still looks quite angular and low poly.
In order to make this model viable in other projects, I would also reduce the overall polycount by baking the detail onto a low poly model, such as the one I started with.