After the teaser in February, something is here: LightWave 2025 debuts RIPR (Real-time Path Rendering), a GPU-accelerated viewport renderer utilizing NVIDIA’s OptiX framework. RIPR supports HDR lighting, depth of field, and improved transparency handling, offering a more realistic preview experience. It requires a NVIDIA GeForce 10 Series or Quadro Pascal GPU or newer and is currently limited to a single viewport.
Rigging Enhancements: Steppit, Handdit, and Pickkit
The RHiggit! rigging system receives three new tools:
- Steppit!: Automates walk cycles for bipeds and creatures, allowing integration with keyframe animation for added flexibility.
- Handdit!: Provides intuitive controls for hand and finger animation, accessible via its own tab or within RHiggit! and Steppit! menus.
- Pickkit!: Offers a streamlined rig picking interface for quick access to commonly adjusted rig points, fully compatible with Steppit! and Handdit!.
Modeling Tools: SuperPatcher, Displacement Brush, and SuperNormals
New modeling features include:
- SuperPatcher: Caps holes in quad meshes efficiently.
- Displacement Brush: Allows painting of surface details like wrinkles or cracks on polygonal geometry (not compatible with SubPatch models).
- SuperNormals: Enables per-model normal editing, useful for correcting shading artifacts or preparing assets for game engines.
Procedural Modeling: Construct
The new Construct tool facilitates procedural generation of structures such as stairs, decks, and bridges. Its Stair Calculator is available in both Modeler and Layout applications, aiding in architectural visualization and set design.
Stylized Rendering: Cel Shader
A new Cel Shader offers enhanced control over object and surface-based shading, enabling the creation of stylized, non-photorealistic visuals. This post-shading tool is visible in the VPR, allowing artists to fine-tune the shading process for desired stylization.
Rendering Integration: OctaneRender Updates
The integration with OctaneRender has been updated, including the addition of three new gradient nodes and workflow improvements, enhancing the rendering capabilities within LightWave 2025.
Pricing and Availability
LightWave 2025 is available for pre-order at £295.00. System requirements include an Intel® Core™ 2 or AMD64 processor with SSE4 instruction set, and a minimum of 4 GB RAM. For macOS, Intel® systems require macOS 10.15 (Catalina), while Silicon systems require macOS 11 (Big Sur). As with any new release, it’s advisable to thoroughly test LightWave 2025’s features in your specific production environment before integrating them into critical workflows. For more information and to pre-order, visit LightWave 3D’s official website.
And to see all changes, see the full list of updates here.
