A stylized lightning strike VFX that delivers a powerful vertical energy bolt surrounded by electric discharge, explosive impact, and dynamic shockwaves. Built entirely with Shader Graph and VFX Graph in Unity HDRP, this effect emphasizes both the anticipation and aftermath of a lightning strike.
The lightning bolt is constructed using noise-driven distortion and vertical UV gradients, creating a flickering, unstable path of energy. A supporting VFX Graph triggers electric arcs, ground sparks, and an expanding shockwave ripple. Additional GPU event systems animate chaotic electric trails, synchronized with burst timing and audio cues.
This effect was designed for gameplay readability and cinematic flair, combining custom shaders, mesh dissolves, and procedural particle behaviors to deliver a visually impactful moment in-game.