3D model topology breaks in animation usually when the mesh structure isn’t optimized to handle deformations from rigging or character movement, causing tearing, stretching, or distortion.
Poor topology—like triangular faces, uneven edge loops, or edge flow that doesn’t follow a character’s natural movement—creates stress points. For example, too few edge loops around an elbow can make bending fold or break the mesh instead of deforming smoothly.
To fix this, check for n-gons (faces with 5+ sides) and add edge loops along joints (elbows, knees) to distribute deformation more evenly.