Luman Desert City

I’m joining this challenge with a desert environment that’s habitable within, but dangerous beyond its borders. I plan to build it as a fantasy, realistic-style environment.

One of my key references is Sandcamp by Max Bedulenko. I’m drawn to that image because it captures someone arriving from the unsafe outside world into a desert settlement that appears abandoned on the surface, but is thriving beneath or within its border walls.

My second main reference is the SONS OF LIGHT matte painting by Pablo Olivera. I really like the image composition, lighting, and wide shot of the desert environment with fog. It gives a bird’s eye view of the protected Luman Desert City, which perfectly captures the kind of atmosphere I want to create.

Creating a habitable desert city that’s unsafe outside its borders starts with strong references. This moodboard is my foundation, and I’ll be adding more as the project moves forward.

The danger outside will show through abandoned chemical lakes, scattered ruins, and wrecked vehicles. I’ll also use atmospheric fog, desert storms, and even snow to push the mood.

I’ll be using the real-time power of Unreal Engine 5.6 to build this environment, along with most of the Cosmos Leartes pack and other accessible assets. I’ll share more updates as I move forward.

This is just the beginning.

#learteschallenge