All you need to know about Unreal Engine

Technologies are no longer unfamiliar to modern people. Therefore, studying the field and the desire to master a profession related to creating 3D models is a fixed idea for many teenagers, students, and adults. Unreal Engine is one of the ecosystems that allows developing virtual worlds and rapidly gaining popularity. But it’s not passive anymore. Games and animation in design projects are created precisely thanks to this software. Just imagine, the famous game Fortnite also appeared in the world thanks to Unreal. But can one become a qualified professional from scratch by starting the course at 3dv.agency right now? To anticipate, yes.

Unreal is a multifunctional software created by Epic Games with the aim of developing detailed and realistic game worlds. The release dates back to the distant 1998 and coincides with the release of the eponymous game – Unreal. Over time, the project became a commercial product and serves as the basis for many game developers, designers, architects, marketers, and other specialists actively working with 3D visualization.

In addition to expanding the functional side, developers eventually moved away from using the proprietary programming language UnrealScript, which was used up to version 4.0, in favor of a more powerful and flexible C++. Thanks to this, users got a multifaceted world in which you can create practically anything: from a full-fledged animated character to a game for the virtual reality ecosystem.

From the first moments, the user enters the editor, where most of the time is spent on development, testing, and editing. Thanks to the fact that the software is written in C++, there are almost no limitations here. So you can work comprehensively with a large-scale project, refine or stylize its individual objects.

UE also supports the use of third-party resources: sounds, full-fledged compositions, and graphic objects. Thanks to this, you can save time by not creating your own material when there is an opportunity to take one that is already ready. This is not only faster but also allows you to implement the idea in the best way possible.

However, the key advantage of UE is the ability to work with complex projects through optimization. There is enough potential to create a full-fledged realistic picture with its completed plot, animation, and modern technologies. And like a finished project, it can be uploaded while maintaining the necessary parameters of dynamics, realism, and functionality: from graphics to mechanics and physics playback.

Currently, beginners and professionals of the following professions can find something useful for themselves on the platform:

• Game developers;
• 3D artists and modelers;
• Designers and architects;
• Animators;
• Programmers;
• Artists working with special effects and visualization;
• Specialists working with VR and AR;
• Teachers who use a non-standard teaching system using 3D modeling in their lessons.

This list is not limited, as Unreal Engine is an ecosystem for creativity where everyone can try to create their unique project. Moreover, the developers themselves support such initiative by providing the Unreal Marketplace. It’s an internal store where users can exchange resources and sell ready-made 3D objects.

The ecosystem’s capabilities allow working with 3D content using many tools for creativity and high-quality development. In fact, the user gets everything needed in one place to create the desired project from start to finish, having:

• A multifunctional rendering system that allows creating realistic shadows, lighting, and weather conditions without delays and bugs;
• Tools for importing and optimizing 3D models, working with textures and materials;
• Functionality that allows working with one or several objects of dynamic animation, giving them realistic and “alive” parameters;
• A physics engine that allows combining objects, creating a certain scene of interaction between them;
• A set of tools that allows working with detail and small parts, for example, creating precipitation, fog, or fire;
• An environment for creating products for VR and AR.

Also, the unique feature for 3D specialists in Unreal Engine remains the so-called Blueprints. It’s a tool that allows artists to create the game logic completely without coding. So, programming at the level of a Middle or Senior developer is not a mandatory requirement. Thanks to this, anyone can master the complex interface, having only patience, creativity, and desire.

To work with Unreal Engine, provided the necessary equipment, a beginner needs only a desire to understand the complex ecosystem. Despite the fact that developers offer Blueprints, in practice, understanding the C++ programming language would be a good plus. And then it all depends on the chosen direction of activity and the complexity of the projects. Usually, basic knowledge includes understanding design, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, optimization, working with sound and light.

The software boasts a powerful graphics engine with excellent physics reproduction. It supports advanced rendering technologies, such as realistic light dynamics, shadows, water, and particles processing. Thanks to this, highly detailed worlds can be created, truly close to reality. And a large library of assets and support for modern technologies allow breathing life into graphics by adding sound, textures, and effects.

Important Hotkeys

Using hotkeys can significantly speed up and optimize the workflow, making frequent operations take just a second. In Unreal Engine, the following will be useful:

• Ctrl + N – create a project;
• Ctrl + O – open an existing project;
• Ctrl + S – save the project;
• Alt + left mouse button – rotate the camera;
• Alt + right mouse button – camera zoom;
• Ctrl + B – switch Blueprint to editing mode and vice versa.

Despite the basic combinations, the program has numerous useful keys directly in the project work process. For example, Ctrl + X allows cutting the necessary object, Ctrl + D duplicates the selected element, and Delete deletes them. For calling the help, the combination Shift + F1 is provided.

Necessary Equipment for Work

For work, it is better to use a PC that meets the parameters of the current software version and is slightly better. Also, it is appropriate to have a monitor with high resolution and good color reproduction. As for work equipment, it is better to use high-quality keyboard and mouse with high click sensitivity.

Regarding the operating system – UE can work on Windows and macOS. However, Windows is predominantly used for game development. Then each user chooses the necessary additional elements: a graphics tablet, equipment for working with sound, graphics, and VR/AR technologies.

Despite developers creating a multifunctional and useful ecosystem for 3D developers, there are still some drawbacks. Among the important limitations of the software are:

• The need to spend time learning. The platform has a complex interface and functional side, which can be a problem for a newcomer. Also, frequent updates require constant learning even from a professional.
• Demanding hardware. UE is a heavy program that requires appropriate characteristics. On computers or laptops of average power, some options will work with defects, which should also be considered.
• Large size of ready-made materials even with optimization. The platform offers only the best quality with deep detailing and realistic graphics, so files require a lot of free space on PC or portable drives.
• Similarity to other projects. Currently, UE is widely used for game development and interior design, so there may be some similarity in the market in terms of plot reproduction, object behavior, and design.

Of course, against the backdrop of a free interface with the ability to create a full-fledged commercial project from scratch, such drawbacks cannot be considered critical. Unreal Engine requires time for detailed study, but with a good mentor, problems will not arise from the very beginning.

First of all, it’s important to consider the project’s specifics and your own preferences. However, many developers prefer Unreal Engine precisely because of its power and the variety of tools for creating stunning visual effects, high-quality 3D models, detailed worlds, working with artificial intelligence, physics, sound, and animation. Projects can also be created for consoles, PCs, mobile devices, VR, and AR.

Before starting work with UE, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the documentation to understand the nuances of the platform’s operation. It’s advantageous to undergo training, but the software is completely open to newcomers, and you can try to master the tools independently. For this purpose, Blueprints and completely free access to the editor are provided.

However, attention should be paid to the project’s scale. Oversized textures and 3D models degrade performance. Optimization is also crucial and should be known and actively used in work.

Regardless of the level of knowledge, beginners should:

• Start with the basics, gradually moving on to more complex elements;
• Use Blueprints in their work;
• Understand the code and tools used in their work;
• Pay attention to project optimization;
• Use the “golden mean” rule, adding animation and effects.

The ecosystem also offers users an active community where you can always get useful advice and resources for work.

Completing a full training course is the only quick way to master the direction and start working on full-fledged projects. At the 3DV Academy, teachers teach students from scratch to work with tools, share useful tips and advice on creating the right commercial projects. Thanks to this, beginners achieve the desired progress faster than those who study UE independently.