In nuce: Chaos Group has released V-Ray 6 for 3ds Max as an open beta. But Maya users should also pay attention to the V-Ray 6 beta: the features that Chaos Group is rolling out for 3ds Max will be similar for Maya. However, according to the developers, the final release of V-Ray 6 is still months away. Until then, many new features are likely to follow. A date for the final release has not yet been announced.
Feature delights: Below are four of the features that definitely deserve your attention.
- Chaos Scatter: A stand-alone tool for object scattering. This provides users with an alternative to more comprehensive third-party scattering plugins. Chaos Scatter was introduced together with the release of Corona 8 at the beginning of the year.
- VRayEnmesh Modifier: This allows you to repeat geometries along an object surface – completely without instantiation. This should work in a similar way to how users are familiar with tiling a texture. In contrast to instantiation, no additional memory space is required for repeating geometries. According to the Chaos Group, VRayEnmesh modifiers are particularly useful in the application of: Fences, chainmail, fabric structures – or similar small-scale, repetitive structures.
- VRaySky: Procedural clouds are now being added. However, it should not currently be possible to render inside or above the cloud plane. A special feature: The clouds should also cast shadows on surrounding fog.
- Finite Dome Mode: This concerns the V-Ray Dome Light. According to the official description, this allows you to adjust light projections on ground surfaces even more precisely. You control the finite dome mode via three parameters: Radius, projection height and ground blend.
Click further: To find out about the full range of features in the open beta of V-Ray 6 for 3ds Max, click over to chaos.com/blog – or read through the associated release note. The video below beats the drum for V-Ray 6.
V-Ray 6 for 3ds Max – coming soon
