⛰️ Project 1: Lesson 1 - Add Rocks and Make Caves

Open Landscape Mode:

• Click the "Landscape" button in the Modes panel (or press Shift+2)
• In the Landscape tool, set:
  • Section Size: 63x63 quads
  • Sections Per Component: 1x1
  • Number of Components: 2x2 (this creates a small landscape to start)

Create the Landscape:

• Click "Create" button in the Landscape tool
• Your landscape will appear in the viewport
• You can adjust the size later if needed

Select Sculpt Tool:

• In Landscape mode, click the "Sculpt" tool (mountain icon)
• Adjust the brush size (use bracket keys [ and ] to resize)
• Set brush strength to 0.3-0.5 (not too strong!)

Create Hills and Valleys:

• Click and drag on the landscape to raise terrain
• Hold Shift and drag to lower terrain
• Create some hills and valleys for your cave area

Open Content Browser:

• Look at the bottom of the screen for the Content Browser
• Navigate to: StarterContent → Props
• Look for rock assets (they might be named "Rock" or "Stone")

If No Rocks Available:

• Go to the Epic Games Marketplace (in the launcher)
• Search for "free rocks" or "nature pack"
• Download a free rock pack
• Add it to your project

Drag and Drop:

• Drag a rock from Content Browser into the viewport
• Use the transform gizmo (arrows) to move it around
• Press R to rotate, E to scale

Placing Multiple Rocks:

• Select a rock, press Ctrl+W to duplicate
• Move the duplicate to a new location
• Vary the sizes and rotations to make it look natural
• Tip: Press End key to snap objects to the ground

Creating Rock Clusters:

• Group 3-5 rocks together
• Make some larger, some smaller
• Rotate them randomly for a natural look
• Place clusters around your landscape

Create Cave Entrance:

• Select the "Sculpt" tool in Landscape mode
• Use a medium-sized brush
• Lower the terrain to create a depression (hold Shift and drag)
• Make it deeper in the center, like a bowl

Carve Out the Cave:

• Switch to "Erosion" tool (if available) or continue with Sculpt
• Create a tunnel opening by lowering terrain in a curved shape
• Make the opening wide enough to walk through
• Smooth the edges using the "Smooth" tool

Create Cave Walls:

• In Content Browser, look for wall or cave assets
• If not available, use basic shapes:
  • Go to Place Actors → Geometry → Cube
  • Scale it to create cave walls

Build Cave Structure:

• Place large cubes/scaled meshes to form cave walls
• Create an entrance opening
• Add a tunnel by placing more wall pieces
• Use the "Subtract" boolean operation if needed (Advanced)

Add Cave Details:

• Place rocks inside the cave
• Add some stalactites (hanging rocks) if you have those assets
• Use darker lighting inside the cave

1. Add Directional Light:
   • Place Actors → Light → Directional Light
   • Position it above your level
   • This simulates sunlight
2. Add Point Light Inside Cave:
   • Place Actors → Light → Point Light
   • Place it inside your cave
   • Adjust intensity (try 1000-2000)
   • Change color to warm (orange/yellow) for a torch-like effect
3. Test Your Lighting:
   • Click "Play" button in the toolbar
   • Walk around your level (WASD keys, mouse to look)
   • See how the lighting looks
   • Press Esc to exit play mode

1. Add More Rocks Around Cave Entrance:
   • Make the entrance look natural
   • Place rocks to frame the opening
2. Add Ground Details:
   • Use the "Paint" tool in Landscape mode
   • Paint different textures around the cave area
3. Save Your Work:
   • Press Ctrl+S
   • Name your level "Lesson1_CaveLevel"