Static Mesh
Non-deforming geometry asset in Unreal Engine
Also known as: SM · Static Mesh asset · UStaticMesh · Static mesh in Unreal
Definition
A Static Mesh is Unreal Engine's asset type for geometry that does not deform: props, architecture, rocks, modular kit pieces and most foliage. It stores vertices, UVs, material slots, collision and LODs, and it renders more cheaply than a Skeletal Mesh because nothing is skinned. With no bones, it can only move, rotate and scale as a whole. Epic's recommended naming gives it the SM_ prefix.
In production
Import from Blender, Maya or ZBrush as FBX and keep material slots few: each material on a mesh is drawn as its own section, so five slots on one prop can cost five draw calls. Add a second UV channel for lightmaps if you use baked lighting, set up collision, and enable Nanite for dense, rigid geometry. Repeated props such as rocks and trunks are placed as instances so draw calls stay low.
