In this tutorial, you will add constraints to a predesigned character model to create a fully simulated rag doll using reactor. The tutorial uses two different constraint types to achieve realistic rag doll motion: Hinge and Ragdoll constraints. Each type is presented individually, with the workflow and typical use case for each constraint.
The scene is a simplified room, containing a set of stairs for your rag doll to fall down, and a floor on which it'll come to rest. The focus of this tutorial is rag doll character creation, so we've provided the completed scene with one catch: The character lacks any physical properties, and, most importantly, it has no constraints! Without these features the character has no physical presence in the scene, and will not react with the other objects.
As you proceed through this tutorial you will learn what constraints are, how to use them and how to tweak their parameters to adjust the rag doll's reactions. After this it is up to you to decide how to best use all those rag dolls, whether it be for falling down staircases, tumbling over banisters or simply being caught in explosions. It's up to you!
In this tutorial, you will learn how to:
Skill level: Intermediate
Time to complete: 2–3 hours
All the files necessary for this tutorial are provided on the program disc in the \tutorials\reactor\ragdoll directory. Before starting the tutorials, copy the \tutorials folder from the disc to your local program installation.
