RedefineFX, led by Unreal Engine Authorized Instructor Jesse Pitela, is offering a free 20-video crash course teaching users how to create real-time volumetric fire, smoke, and magic effects using Unreal Engine 5.7’s powerful Niagara Fluids system. This structured course is only available for a limited time, running from October 21st to November 24th.
RedefineFX has launched an incredible opportunity for artists looking to master real-time VFX within modern game engines. Creator and Unreal Engine Authorized Instructor, Jesse Pitela, offers a comprehensive, 20-video course focused entirely on using the robust Niagara Fluids system in Unreal Engine 5.7 to replicate the stunning visual effects seen in shows like *The Witcher*.
This training is completely free and promises to take you from a visual effects apprentice to a master of magical spells and big-budget simulations, all runnable in real-time within the viewport. Jesse’s expertise is well-known, with his training frequently featured by Epic Games and publications like 80 Level, making this free offering a guaranteed high-value resource.
Access the Free Niagara Fluids Crash Course
The course provides seven complete VFX shots, detailing how solo creators can build large-scale filmmaking shots on their home PC without requiring any paid third-party plugins. The training covers essential magic effects and gradually progresses toward more complex setups, giving learners confidence in volumetric fire, smoke, and particle systems.
Critical Note: This free crash course is only available for a limited period, from October 21st to November 24th. Ensure you register now to secure your access to this expert-level training: Register for the FREE Niagara VFX Crash Course.
What You Will Learn in the 20-Video Curriculum
The course is meticulously structured to ensure gradual learning, starting with an introduction for absolute beginners and culminating in complex, production-ready cinematic shots. The expert content curator (Jesse Pitela) ensures the content structure provides a smooth ramp-up to intermediate skills.
Structured Learning Path
- Introduction: Learn the absolute basics of the Niagara VFX system and the fundamentals of Niagara Fluids.
- Essential Effects: Dive into project-based lessons covering Cryogenic Smoke, Electricity, Sparks, and the creation of a Desert Monster effect.
- Complex Simulations: Tackle multi-part setups like the Ring of Fire, a detailed ground Force Field (including ground dust integration), and complex Missile Attacks.
- Cinematic Fire Attacks: Four dedicated videos break down a major Fire Attack sequence, including main setup, Sequencer integration, dynamic elements like “Zombies on Fire,” and vital techniques like Sim Caching.
- Bonus Content: Explore advanced topics with bonus lessons on building a Portal v2 and integrating debris suction effects.
Why Niagara Fluids is a Game Changer for Real-Time Physics
Niagara Fluids allows artists to achieve incredible realism in fluid dynamic effects, such as smoke and fire, directly within the Unreal Engine environment. This represents a significant shift in production workflows, enabling faster iteration and high-fidelity visuals without the traditional reliance on pre-rendered VDB volumes or expensive external software. The core benefit highlighted by the instructor is the ability to maintain real-time performance while creating cinematic quality effects.
Devon Penney, Senior Physics Engineer for Niagara Fluids at Epic Games, highly recommends the course, emphasizing Jesse’s easy-to-follow videos and the effectiveness of the learning resource—a powerful endorsement that speaks to the quality of the content.
If you want to transition your skills or upgrade your portfolio with modern, high-performance visual effects, seizing this free, time-limited training is a must. We highly recommend exploring RedefineFX’s extensive catalog once you finish the crash course. For more helpful information on working in Unreal Engine, check out our latest coverage on VFX & Simulation topics and stay tuned for the latest Updates & Releases.
Source:
Niagara Fluids “The Witcher” Free VFX Crash Course 5.7 | Teaser Trailer | Unreal Engine | RedefineFX
