Thu Sep 19 09:00:40 UTC 2024: ## LightWave 2024: Veteran 3D Software Gets Major Update with New Rigging, Simulation, and Rendering Tools

**[City, State] -** LightWave Digital has launched LightWave 2024, the latest update to the venerable 3D modeling and animation software, marking a significant milestone in its revival. This update brings a host of new features, including the integration of the RHiggit modular character rigging system, a powerful new weight painting toolset, and a liquid simulation system dubbed “Flow.”

**New Features in Detail:**

* **Character Rigging:** LightWave 2024 incorporates the RHiggit system, previously a third-party add-on, enabling users to create complex character rigs with ease. This is complemented by the WeightBrush toolset, which allows for intuitive weight painting directly in Layout, eliminating the need to switch to Modeler.
* **Liquid Simulation:** The new Flow toolset allows users to create small-scale liquid simulations, such as pouring water or simulating jelly cubes. Based on open-source physics libraries, this tool promises realistic results for various effects.
* **Rendering:** The OctaneRender for LightWave integration has been updated to version 2023.1, bringing features like the Standard Material and Standard Volume Medium, a high-performance Photon Tracing kernel, and a Post Volume node for creating fast fog effects. The native renderer also receives performance improvements, including faster anti-aliasing and enhanced motion blur.
* **Pipeline Integration:** LightWave 2024 introduces the Kit Surfacer, a tool that helps convert asset kits from online libraries, such as KitBash3D, Megascans, and Substance 3D Assets, for use within LightWave. OpenVDB integration has been updated to version 11.0, improving performance, and the Unreal Bridge now supports Unreal Engine 5.4.

**LightWave 2024.1: More Features Added**

LightWave Digital recently released LightWave 2024.1, adding even more functionality to the software. This update introduces new options to the RHiggit toolset for copying and pasting animations, a new Octane DOF Range node for depth of field control, and several other enhancements.

**Pricing and Availability:**

LightWave 2024.1 is compatible with Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+ (macOS 11.0+ for Apple Silicon Macs, and macOS 13.3+ to use the Octane renderer). New licenses cost £795 (around $1,050).

**Overall, LightWave 2024 represents a significant update for the veteran software, offering a wide range of new features that enhance its workflow and appeal to a broader user base.**

Read More