Adding details — what method is better?

[AntoxaGray]

Hi people, I’m new to modelling and this forum.

When I need to add details to model, what method is better — create separate element and make it «intersect»,
or add more edges and extrude?

I found it’s easier to use first method, will there be any problems with intersecting polygons in:

• Game engines (Source, UnrealEngine);
• Render engines (Vray, Mental Ray)?

p.s. I’m not using boolean, know that it’s bad thing.

[ryandlf]

It really depends on your specific model. For instance on robotic parts it generally makes sense to use separate pieces that seem like they are attached, but with organic models such as characters your going to want to use the extrude method in a lot more cases. The way I usually think about it is that if the object in real life has separate parts connected by welding or nuts and bolts then model them separate, if its one piece in real life build it in one piece in 3D.

[Moshie]

I agree with ryan :O :)

using the first one will defiantly be more suited to games as it is easier to lower the poly count.

the second one is more suited to organic modelling as ryan said there is alot of extruding, bevelling and what not.

I don't believe intersecting polygons would be an issue for either game engine to be honest as I have imported models with intersecting geometry into both before and it turned out fine