WORKSHOP
Art-Directing RBDs in Houdini
Learn RBD workflows in Houdini, using VEX to art-direct destruction & motion, procedural assembly, secondary effects, and creature-scale simulations.
19 Hours
In-Depth Training
60 Lessons
Structured curriculum
Assets Included
Project Files & Resources
Industry Expert Instructors
Learn from experienced VFX artists with real production experience.
Production-Ready
Build practical skills using techniques applied in professional projects.
Lifetime Access
Learn at your own pace and revisit the course anytime.
10k+ Students enrolled
Join thousands of artists learning Houdini with Voxyde.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Take control of destruction
Learn how to take full artistic control of RBD simulations in Houdini using VEX and procedural workflows. Rather than relying on randomness, you’ll direct destruction to hit specific creative and cinematic beats.
You’ll create a rock golem that erupts from the ground, assembles itself from fractured debris, follows animation, and interacts with a sci-fi energy shield.
PYRO
RBDS
SECONDARIES
DESTRUCTION
VEX
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Follow a structured learning path
Develop practical, production-ready skills through a structured sequence of modules and real-world projects.
Simulations
Rigid Bodies
Create dynamic destruction simulations that go beyond random chaos. Learn how to shape and direct RBD behavior to achieve specific creative outcomes.
Develop a deep understanding of RBD workflows, from DOP networks and constraints to large-scale destruction and creature-driven simulations.
✓ Building RBD simulations from scratch
✓ Controlling motion & timing
✓ Art-directing with VEX
✓ Production-ready workflows
Combining elements
Secondaries
Take your destruction simulations beyond initial setup by layering debris, particles, dust, and pyro to create shots with greater scale, impact, and realism.
Learn how to build secondary systems that react naturally to your RBD simulations, from debris emission and particle motion to atmospheric dust and smoke.
✓ Layering multiple simulation systems
✓ Debris source workflows
✓ Pyro, particles & dust integration
✓ Creating cinematic scale & realism
Rendering & Comp
Look Development
Bring your simulations to life by taking them through Solaris and USD pipeline. Learn how to assemble scenes, create materials, light your shots, and render production-quality images using Karma.
Complete the workflow in Nuke, where you’ll composite every render pass into a cinematic shot. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a complete render to add to your portfolio.
✓ USD & Solaris workflows
✓ Karma rendering & AOVs
✓ Lighting & material creation
✓ Final compositing in Nuke
CURRICULUM
Explore the complete workshop
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Module 01
Introduction & Prerequisites
You wil learn:
• Packed Geometry & RBD Fundamentals
• Fracturing and Proxy Geometry Workflows
• Setting Up and Controlling RBD Simulations
• Working with Animation and Simulation Reapplication
• Understanding Key RBD Simulation Parameters
• Matrix Manipulation and Inverting Animation
• Introduction to VEX for Art-Directed RBD
Module 02
Geometry Preparation & Fracturing
You will learn:
• Simulation Process & RBD Setup
• RBD and DOP Network Fundamentals
• SDF Modeling for Procedural Rock Shapes
• Adding and Integrating Secondary Geometry
• Preparing Geometry for RBD Simulation
• Terrain Setup for Destruction Simulations
Module 03
Simulating RBDs
You will learn:
• Setting Up an Art-Directed RBD Simulation
• Controlling RBD Position with VEX
• Manipulating Velocity for Directed Motion
• Rotating Vectors Using Quaternions
• Using Angular Velocity to Drive Orientation
• Applying Angular Velocity Inside the Simulation
Module 04
Ground Destruction & Combining Simulations
You will learn:
• Fracturing and Preparing Ground for Destruction
• Setting Up Ground-Based RBD Simulations
• Building and Tweaking Constraint Networks
• Controlling Activation and Simulation Timing
• Refining Art-Directed RBD Motion
• Combining Multiple RBD Simulations
• Finalizing and Polishing the Main Simulation
Module 05
Arm Smashing Simulation
You will learn:
• Fracturing Geometry for Secondary Destruction
• Creating Proxy Geometry and Reapplying Animation
• Setting Up the Arm-Smashing RBD Simulation
• Combining Secondary Destruction with the Main Simulation
Module 06
Secondaries
• Creating and Art Directing Debris with POPs
• Building Impact Sources for Secondary FX
• Simulating and Refining Dust with Pyro
• Using Collision Velocity to Drive Pyro Interactions
• Creating Secondary RBD Debris Simulations
• Applying Secondary FX to Destruction Shots
• Creating the Procedural Energy Shield FX
Module 07
Rendering & Solaris
You will learn:
• USD Fundamentals and Solaris Scene Setup
• Building Procedural Scene Layouts with Graft Branches
• Importing RBD and Pyro Simulations into Solaris
• Rock Instancing for Large-Scale Environments
• Creating and Refining Production Materials
• Setting Up Karma Rendering and AOVs
• Integrating Debris and Shield FX into the Final Scene
• Quality Checking and Producing the Final Render
Module 08
Compositing in Nuke
You will learn:
• USD Fundamentals and Solaris Scene Setup
• Building Procedural Scene Layouts with Graft Branches
• Importing RBD and Pyro Simulations into Solaris
• Rock Instancing for Large-Scale Environments
• Creating and Refining Production Materials
• Setting Up Karma Rendering and AOVs
• Integrating Debris and Shield FX into the Final Scene
• Quality Checking and Producing the Final Render
READY TO START?
Art-Directing RBDs in Houdini
✓ 19 Hours of Training
✓ 60 In-Depth Lessons
✓ Downloadable Assets Included
✓ Lifetime Access
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Antonn Dan
VFX Artist & Instructor
A NOTE FROM ANTON
Why I created this workshop
One of the biggest lessons I learned working with RBDs was that realistic destruction isn’t enough. A technically correct simulation can still feel completely wrong if it doesn’t support the shot.
This workshop is less about memorizing node setups or tweaking random parameters, and more about building workflows that give you creative control over every stage of the simulation.
These are the techniques I wish I’d learned when I started. Practical, production-focused methods that make Houdini feel less like a black box and more like a creative tool.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This workshop is designed for artists who are already comfortable with the basics of Houdini. If you’re new to the software or aren’t sure you’re ready yet, we recommend starting with our free Houdini Learning Path, where you’ll build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced, project-based courses.
Once enrolled, you’ll receive lifetime access to the course, including any future updates and improvements. Learn at your own pace and revisit the lessons whenever you need.
Inside the curriculum you will find an invitation link to our Discord server where you can learn together with other students, show us your progress, and ask any questions if you get stuck.
You can use the assets in personal and non-commercial projects. Feel free to use them in your demo reel, or showcasing any FX for personal projects. You are not allowed to redistribute the assets.
If you end up using them in your projects, consider a shout out on any social media platform.
Currently we have subtitles available in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French & Spanish.
You can request a full refund within 28 days of enrollment. Simply send an email to rez@voxyde.com, and I’ll be happy to help.
Yes. If you’re interested in purchasing multiple courses, creating a custom bundle, or need team licenses, feel free to reach out at rez@voxyde.com and I’ll be happy to help find the best option for you.
Yes. If you choose the installment payment option, any valid discount code will be applied equally across all payments.
Still have questions?
Not sure which course is right for you or have a question before purchasing? Feel free to reach out at rez@voxyde.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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