In this section, we will guide you through the process of creating your first project in Unreal Engine. This will include setting up a new project, understanding the project settings, and running your project for the first time. By the end of this section, you will have a basic project up and running, ready for further development.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Launching Unreal Engine
- Open the Epic Games Launcher: This is the application you use to manage your Unreal Engine installations and projects.
- Navigate to the Unreal Engine Tab: Click on the "Unreal Engine" tab on the left sidebar.
- Click on "Launch": This will start the Unreal Engine editor.
- Creating a New Project
- Select "New Project": In the Unreal Project Browser, select the "New Project" tab.
- Choose a Template: Unreal Engine offers several templates to get you started. For this tutorial, we will use the "First Person" template.
- Blueprint: Select this option if you prefer to use Blueprints for scripting.
- C++: Select this option if you prefer to use C++ for scripting.
- Configure Project Settings:
- Project Name: Enter a name for your project, e.g., "MyFirstProject".
- Location: Choose a directory where your project will be saved.
- Quality: Select the desired quality level (e.g., "Maximum Quality").
- Starter Content: Check this box to include starter content, which provides basic assets to help you get started.
- Click "Create": This will create your new project and open it in the Unreal Engine editor.
- Understanding the Project Structure
Once your project is created, you will see the Unreal Engine editor interface. Here are some key components:
- Content Browser: This is where you manage all your assets, such as textures, models, and Blueprints.
- Viewport: This is the main area where you can see and interact with your level.
- Details Panel: This panel shows properties and settings for the selected object.
- World Outliner: This panel lists all the objects in your current level.
- Running Your Project
- Click the "Play" Button: Located at the top of the editor, this button will start the game in the editor.
- Interact with Your Project: Use the WASD keys to move around and the mouse to look around. This allows you to test the basic functionality of your project.
Practical Example
Here is a simple example to illustrate the steps:
1. Open Epic Games Launcher. 2. Navigate to the Unreal Engine tab and click "Launch". 3. In the Unreal Project Browser, select "New Project". 4. Choose the "First Person" template and select "Blueprint". 5. Name your project "MyFirstProject" and choose a save location. 6. Check "Include Starter Content" and click "Create". 7. Once the project opens, click the "Play" button at the top of the editor. 8. Use WASD to move and the mouse to look around in the game.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Not Including Starter Content: If you are new to Unreal Engine, including starter content can be very helpful as it provides basic assets to work with.
- Incorrect Project Settings: Make sure to configure your project settings correctly, especially the quality settings, to match your hardware capabilities.
- Saving Your Project: Always remember to save your project frequently to avoid losing any progress.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created your first project in Unreal Engine. You now have a basic understanding of the project setup process and the Unreal Engine interface. In the next module, we will dive deeper into the basic concepts of Unreal Engine, including understanding the editor and an introduction to Blueprints.
Unreal Engine Course
Module 1: Introduction to Unreal Engine
- What is Unreal Engine?
- Installing Unreal Engine
- Navigating the Interface
- Creating Your First Project
Module 2: Basic Concepts
Module 3: Intermediate Blueprints
Module 4: Advanced Blueprints
Module 5: C++ Programming in Unreal Engine
- Setting Up Your Development Environment
- Basic C++ Syntax
- Creating C++ Classes
- Integrating C++ with Blueprints
Module 6: Advanced C++ Programming
Module 7: Advanced Topics
- Physics and Collision
- Rendering and Post-Processing
- Procedural Content Generation
- Virtual Reality Development