Static Mesh

A non-deforming 3D model (rocks, walls, props). Cheap to render. For animated meshes use Skeletal Mesh.

SetStaticMesh — change static mesh on mesh component

SetSkeletalMesh — change skeletal mesh on mesh component

UE5 uses SetSkeletalMeshAsset, not SetSkeletalMesh.

Ragdoll death: disable movement, enable physics on mesh

Pattern: custom OnDeath event → GetCharacterMovement → DisableMovement() → GetMesh → SetSimulatePhysics(bSimulate=true) → SetCollisionEnabled(NoCollision) on CapsuleComponent. Key: SetSimulatePhysics is called on the MESH component (SkeletalMeshComponent), NOT on the actor or CharacterMovementComponent. Also set collision profile: SetCollisionProfileName('Ragdoll') on the mesh.

Skeletal Mesh

A 3D model with a skeleton — can be animated. Used for characters and creatures.

Skeleton

The bone hierarchy of a Skeletal Mesh. Multiple meshes can share one skeleton to share animations.

SetMaterial — change material on mesh component at index

Collision

Geometry used for hit-tests and physics. Often simpler than the visual mesh for performance.

GetAnimInstance — get the anim instance from skeletal mesh

USkeletalMeshComponent method. Cast to your AnimBP class.

Procedural mesh placement on terrain using line trace downward

Pattern for snapping object to ground: GetActorLocation → Add Vector(Z=+1000) → as TraceStart. GetActorLocation → Subtract Vector(Z=1000) → as TraceEnd. LineTraceByChannel(Start=TraceStart, End=TraceEnd, TraceChannel=Visibility) → Branch(ReturnValue=true) → BreakHitResult → SetActorLocation(NewLocation=ImpactPoint) → SetActorRotation(NewRotation=MakeRotFromZ(Normal)) [align to surface normal]. MakeRotFromZ takes a 'Z' input Vector and outputs Rotator aligned to that normal.