Looking back on 2024 can help plan for the biggest 3D art trends we’ll see in 2025.
1. Unreal Engine 5 will continue to impress
We’ve written extensively about everything you need to know about Unreal Engine 5 as well as how a stunning Unreal Engine 5 tech demo generated intense debate recently. Unreal Engine 5 will continue to cement itself as the go-to option for game developers, but filmmakers, visualisers, and animators will adopt Epic Games’ engine like never before in 2025.
2. Generative AI will become more usable
The pros and cons of generative AI are well documented. Our own list of cons includes the fact that results can be frustrating, subscriptions are expensive, training data is full of bias, and the results are inconsistent. These are serious problems that will increasingly be eased out of generative AI software in 2025.
3. Virtual production grows
Simulation tools will continue to go from strength to strength thanks to AI, new procedural developments, and more advanced computational models. This will enable artists to generate simulated water, smoke, and fire like never before.
4. Improvements in VFX simulation
Expect new AI tools to make simulations for VFX more approachable in 2025. These improved simulations will also be more accessible in real-time engines, including Unreal Engine and Unity, as plugins like ZibraVDB for Unreal Engine enable film-quality VFX and simulation to be brought into game engines.
5. Low-poly art is here (and we love it)
Adobe’s new Project Neo web app will likely come out of beta in 2025, perhaps in time for Adobe MAX, and will continue to enable artists to create simple 3D models, which can then be easily sent to Adobe Illustrator, where again they’re turned into vector files to compile into a scene.
6. Mobile 3D modeling will grow in popularity
With Shapelab Lite being released for Quest 3, we’re beginning to see the possibility of more complex 3D modeling on smaller and less powerful mobile devices. The applications bring the essential features of the Shapelab PCVR app to standalone VR at a more accessible price.
7. AI-driven 3D modeling will become more accessible
Adobe’s Project Know How is being used to track image uses and ownership, and image and video generators will also become more predictable and results easier to customise.
8. Cloud-based 3D modeling will continue to grow
Cloud-based 3D modeling will continue to grow in popularity, enabling artists to work on the go and collaborate more easily.
9. Improvements in 3D modeling software
Expect new features and improvements in 3D modeling software, including more advanced simulation tools, AI-powered modeling, and real-time rendering.
10. Conclusion
In 2025, we can expect to see a continued shift towards more powerful hardware, more advanced AI, and more accessible tools for 3D modeling and simulation. This will lead to new opportunities for creators and new possibilities for storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of 3D art and animation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the biggest 3D art trends in 2025?
A: Unreal Engine 5 will continue to impress, generative AI will become more usable, virtual production will grow, and low-poly art will become more popular.
Q: What are the benefits of using Unreal Engine 5?
A: Unreal Engine 5 will continue to cement itself as the go-to option for game developers, but filmmakers, visualisers, and animators will adopt Epic Games’ engine like never before in 2025.
Q: What are the benefits of using generative AI?
A: Generative AI will become more usable, reducing the need for manual input and enabling artists to generate more complex and realistic results.
