The Vain Monarch

Project Description:

A high-quality character modeling project for the Barbarian Prestige Set, named "Ego Sovereign"

Design Concept:

This is a high-quality character modeling project for the Barbarian Prestige Set from "Diablo 4," called "Ego Sovereign." Artist Liya You handled modeling, texturing, and visual development using Marmoset Toolbag 5 for rendering.

Production Process:

The project uses a ZBrush and Maya hybrid workflow. Armor base shapes are first built in ZBrush, separating main armor plates to check proportions in Maya. After confirming forms, a clean low-poly version is rebuilt, adjusting thickness and edge flow, and UV mapping is completed, preparing for PBR texturing and rigging.

Technical Highlights:

Hard surface details start with basic shapes in ZBrush. Decorative panels are extracted using masks, then retopologized in Maya with Quad Draw for cleaner edge flow. Support edges and small offsets prevent baking overlap, testing different bevel widths for better highlights in-game.

Cloth retopology is optimized for deformation, creating clean low-poly panels and simplifying shapes for stable simulation. Support loops are added where bending occurs most, with small inner offsets to prevent intersection. After simulation, topology is adjusted again so cloth can deform naturally around the armor.

The high-res chest plate is sculpted in ZBrush, first focusing on main contours, then adding decorations and detailed elements. Once shaping is complete, panels merge back to the main body and transitions are refined. This gives the metal surface solidity and prepares it for baking.

The overall work showcases professional standards for next-gen game character creation, with richly detailed metal armor, leather, and cloth materials performing well under consistent lighting.