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TUNS/Niagara setup

Follow an animated mesh

Keep particles attached using the same skeletal sampler in Spawn and Update.

Use the same TUNS_SampleSkeletalMesh module in Particle Spawn and Particle Update to keep particles on an animated mesh. No scratch module or additional bool is needed.

1. Finish the spawn setup

  1. Complete the skeletal-mesh setup and test the effect on the animated actor.
  2. Keep the sampler after Initialize Particle in Particle Spawn. This sets the position on the first frame.

2. Add the same sampler in Update

  1. Under Particle Update, click + and add TUNS_SampleSkeletalMesh.
  2. Use the same SamplingData, Mesh source, Seed and NormalOffset as the Spawn copy. Keep Whole Mesh LOD at 0 in both.
  3. Place it after any Update modules that move the particles. The last position write determines where they render.
  4. Compile and save. Play the character animation: existing particles should move with the sampled surface.
The same module initializes the sample in Spawn and refreshes its position in Update.
The same module initializes the sample in Spawn and refreshes its position in Update.
  1. Spawn copy

    Initial placement on the current pose.

  2. Update copy

    Refreshes the surface position each frame.

  3. Same inputs

    Match the bank, mesh, seed and offset used at spawn.

  4. Matching mesh source

    Attach Parent reads the actor’s animated Skeletal Mesh Component.

Choose the behavior you need

EffectSampler placement
Sparks or debris that leave the characterParticle Spawn only. Add velocity or forces for later motion.
Particles that remain on the animated surfaceParticle Spawn and Particle Update.
Ribbon points that remain attachedSpawn and Update for the points that must stay on the surface. Configure Ribbon ID and link order separately.
A trail that should remain behind a moving sourceDo not keep resampling all old trail points in Update.

Animation stretches the saved distribution; TUNS does not rebake or redistribute points each frame. Keep Seed stable so an existing particle keeps its sample location.

Updated Oct 4, 2026

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