Zbrush character to animation general question

ARNOLD107

hey guys, I am new to Zbrush, I am creating my first character. I made a base female and sculpted armor on it. I want to use this character for a game. So, my question is that is it OK to have the chest armor and body as a single mesh? will I have any problem rigging it? or have to separate themAll in green is single mesh

Eric Chadwick

Typically for form-fitting armor like this, the final lowpoly in-game mesh will all be attached/welded into a contiguous mesh. Including the gray parts.

Reasons you may to keep them separate: 1) modular character with swappable parts. 2) you need flesh under the armor to slide around a bit.

ARNOLD107

Character won't be changing armor, my only main concern is Retopology, I mean rigging needs a specific type of topology(or thats what I think, i am noob). If I can retopo with the armor attached as one, it would save me the hassle of separating mesh.

Eric Chadwick

Make the meshes contiguous, as much as possible, this will reduce headaches later when binding the vertices to the bones (skinning).

For example, take a look at how the shirt transitions to the pants, or the pants to the shoes. 

Street Cop by Mashru Mishu. More examples here http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/BodyTopology

Eric Chadwick

More reasons for contiguous meshes:
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Normal_Map_Modeling#Contiguous_Meshes