Unreal Engine 5 - The Complete Beginner's Course

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

12 hours 31 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

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Overview

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Step into game development with Unreal Engine 5! This beginner-friendly course covers everything from setting up the engine to building interactive levels, scripting with Blueprints, and designing UI elements. You'll start with the basics—project setup, level creation, and object manipulation—before diving into Blueprints to create gameplay mechanics like moving platforms and AI enemies. Next, you'll develop player controls, implement collision-based interactions, and design a UI with menus and HUDs. You'll also enhance your game with audio effects and learn how to package your project for distribution. Ideal for beginners, this course requires no prior coding or game development experience. Whether you're an aspiring game developer or a hobbyist, you'll gain the essential skills to bring your game ideas to life!

Syllabus

Getting Started

In this module, we will introduce the foundational concepts and setup required to begin your journey with Unreal Engine. You'll start by understanding what makes Unreal Engine unique, followed by step-by-step guidance on installation and project creation. We will also explore Levels and Actors, essential components of any game, giving you the basic knowledge needed for more advanced modules.

The Level Editor

In this module, we will dive deep into the Unreal Engine Level Editor, the hub for creating and managing game environments. You'll learn how to navigate and customize the interface, use various editing modes, and master the Viewport for efficient scene creation. Additionally, we'll cover content management through the Content Browser and how to organize your Level's components using the Outliner, ensuring a streamlined workflow as you build your game world.

Actors

In this module, we will explore the diverse types of Actors in Unreal Engine, essential building blocks for any game or simulation. You’ll begin by learning about static meshes, brushes, and materials, crucial for constructing your environment. We'll delve into lighting techniques and atmospheric effects to elevate the visual quality of your game. Additionally, you'll understand the use of volumes and player start points, ensuring your Level is both functional and immersive. Finally, hands-on tutorials will guide you through creating a sky, designing a playing area, and building inner structures to solidify your knowledge.

Blueprints

In this module, we will delve into Unreal Engine's powerful Blueprint system, a visual scripting tool that allows you to create complex game logic without writing code. You’ll begin by exploring the fundamental components of Blueprints, including variables, functions, and flow control nodes. We will then cover how to access and manipulate Actors within your Level using Blueprints. Through hands-on tutorials, you’ll gain practical experience by creating interactive elements such as an elevator platform, enemy behaviors, and a rotating door, equipping you with the skills to bring your game ideas to life.

Players and Input

In this module, we will explore how players interact with the game world through Unreal Engine's Player and Input systems. You’ll start by learning about Game Modes, which define the rules of gameplay, and then delve into the intricacies of Pawns and Characters, including their movement and physics properties. We will cover how Controllers manage player and AI inputs, and how to enhance these inputs with advanced settings like triggers and modifiers. Through practical application, you’ll build a playable character, equipping you with the skills to bring player interactions to life in your game.

Collisions

In this module, we will delve into the essential aspects of collision in Unreal Engine, focusing on how objects in your game world interact with each other. You’ll start by exploring collision volumes and understanding the differences between simple and complex collisions. Next, you'll learn about collision events and how to configure them to generate specific responses, such as triggering damage. Through practical tutorials, you'll apply this knowledge to create a damage system and interactive collectible items, enhancing the interactivity and depth of your game.

User Interfaces

In this module, we will explore the powerful tools provided by Unreal Engine's UMG system to create engaging and interactive user interfaces. You’ll start with the basics of UMG, learning how to build and structure menus and HUDs using various panels and widgets. We will cover essential widget properties and customization options, enabling you to create visually appealing and functional interfaces. Through a series of tutorials, you’ll apply this knowledge to build HUDs that display health and collected items, add effects for player actions, and design essential game screens like pause menus and victory screens, elevating the overall user experience.

Audio

In this module, we will explore the use of audio in Unreal Engine, focusing on how to create and implement immersive soundscapes within your game. You'll start by learning about Sound Waves, AmbientSound actors, and their properties, which are essential for managing audio playback. Next, we'll dive into Sound Cues, exploring how to use nodes to control and manipulate sound. We'll also cover audio attenuation to add depth and realism to your sound design. Through practical tutorials, you'll learn to import, convert, and integrate audio into your game, bringing your virtual world to life with rich soundscapes and dynamic audio effects.

Additional Topics

In this module, we will cover various additional topics that are essential for expanding and finalizing your Unreal Engine projects. You'll learn how to download content from the Epic Games Marketplace and Quixel Bridge, providing you with a wealth of assets to enhance your game. We will also guide you through the process of importing 3D objects from external sources, broadening the scope of your project's visual elements. Finally, you’ll learn how to package and export your game, ensuring it is ready for distribution and can be played outside of the Unreal Editor, culminating in a fully functional demo game.