Does topology need to match before combine?

[Anonymous]

Hi

I am currently creating my first character, he is low poly for a game(around 8k). He is made up of multple meshes. Everything is UV mapped and i can click each object to show the full map.

My question is, should i combine the mesh(so as to optimize it?) and if so should I then use the target weld tool to merge the various verts on each mesh?
Or can multiple meshes be combined no matter there topology?

[keith112]

Hi,

Well is it going to be animated? If so it might be helpful to weld them together. A game engine also depends a lot on vertex count so welding them together will help optimize the asset for the game engine.

So the topology kind of has to match. If you have unmatching topology then you're going to have holes in your model unless you don't mind having awkward triangles but try and avoid that where possible. So combine all the parts together and use the weld tool. If you're not sure if they welded together go into smooth preview by pressing 3 and you'll see some odd smoothing.

Before you do all this though make a copy of your save just in case you decide that it's better to keep them separate. Or just create a complete copy of your asset, add it to another layer and hide it.