Creating a Custom Weather Type

Modular weather might sound complicated, but in fact, it makes things much easier and far more customizable. Modular weather works by storing weather types in scriptable objects. These scriptable objects allow users to create custom weather types. Sand storms, auroras, hail storms, thunderstorms, etc are all possible. There are no limits to how many weather types UniStorm can use, and best of all, they allow users to use their own custom particle effects, settings, and sounds for each weather type. (Note: Cloud Profiles have been added to Weather Types. A guide on this can be found here: Cloud Profiles) The modular weather system is split up into two categories, Precipitation weather types and Non-Precipitation weather types. When weather is generated, and the conditions are appropriate such as temperature, UniStorm will generate weather accordingly. This allows the most customization while keeping the main system's code length to a minimum.

Step 1

To create a custom weather type, right click in the Project tab and go to Create>UniStorm>New Weather Type.

Step 2

Name and edit your newly created weather type’s settings. The weather type’s name will be used for UniStorm’s UI, if it’s enabled. You will be able to apply particle effects, change the cloud cover, apply sounds, change the fog intensity, and much more. A weather type also has conditions for it to only generate in certain seasons or temperatures. If you use a condition, that condition will need to be met in order for UniStorm to properly generate it. If it’s not met, another weather type with the appropriate conditions will be generated in its place.

Step 3

After you have finished creating and editing your weather type, you will need to apply it to UniStorm’s All Weather Types list. This will allow it to create all needed components for your weather type when UniStorm initializes. There is nothing more you have to do to set things up. At any time, you can edit your weather types, however, it is recommended that this is not done during runtime.

Step 4

If you would like to test your newly created weather type, go to the Camera & Player Settings tab. Ensure that Use UniStorm Menu is enabled. Pick a UniStorm Menu Key (which is the key that will allow you to enable and disable the menu) that suits your game.

Step 5

Play the scene and enable the UniStorm Menu by pressing the UniStorm Menu Key button. You will see a dropdown list off all the different weather types. These use the Weather Type Name from each weather type. Select the weather type you would like to test and press the “Change Weather” button. You will see UniStorm transition to your selected weather type. You can do this with as many weather types you would like to test as needed. UniStorm will still generate weather according to your weather list and your weather type’s conditions, this is just used to test your weather types to ensure they are working correctly.