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Unreal Engine

A 3D computer graphics game engine used to render graphics in 3D, perform scripting tasks, and simulate physics interactions

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+Python scriptingAllows to integrate into user’s pipeline and automate the workflows with full support for the industry standard Python scripting the provided IDE.
+C++ IntegrationA framework that permits using the C++ programming language to build and modify game functions within the engine
+Geometry SystemA system that streams geometry data and adjusts detail levels automatically to manage scene content and improve frame rate
+Lighting SystemA system that processes light behavior and reflections during engine operation to update scene illumination, where indirect lighting adapts on the fly to changes to direct lighting or geometry
+Particle EffectsA system that creates and manages particle emitters to produce effects within projects
+SequencerA timeline interface that organizes animations, camera sequences, and audio tracks inside the engine
+Editor CustomizationA feature that permits altering and extending the editor interface and workflows to meet project requirements
+XR SupportA framework that enables creation and testing of virtual and augmented reality content across multiple devices
+Physics SimulationA system that handles object collision, body interactions, and force calculations to drive physical behavior
+Audio EngineA tool that integrates sound effects, music, and three-dimensional audio processing into projects
+Virtual ProductionA suite that combines digital content with filmed sequences using live digital feeds for in-camera effects
+Network FrameworkA system that manages client-server communication and data replication needed for multiple-user applications
+Packaging ToolsA feature that compiles and packages project files for deployment across various operating systems and devices
+Marketplace AccessA feature that connects users to an online repository of assets and extensions for additional project support
+Asset ManagementA set of tools that organizes, catalogs, and tracks project files to maintain orderly content integration
+Version Control IntegrationA feature that connects the engine to version control systems to record and manage changes in code and assets
+Performance ProfilingA tool that collects and displays engine performance data to assist in identifying and managing resource usage
+Visual DataprepAutomate data preparation workflows with a simplified visual tool that lets the user create a ‘recipe’ of filters and operators that they can save and reuse on other scenes or projects.
+IDEIncludes an integrated development environment available on Linux, macOS, and Windows for content authoring and game level development.
+World PartitionHelps with the creation of open worlds by dividing the world into a grid and streaming only the necessary cells.
+Procedural Content Generation frameworkEnables you to define rules and parameters to populate large scenes with assets of user’s choice.
+Water systemAllows to create bodies of water within the landscapes to give the user the ability to define oceans, lakes, rivers, and islands using splines.
+Control RigA tool that supports creation and editing of character rigs directly within the engine for pose and movement adjustments
+Animation SystemA set of tools that orchestrates skeletal, facial, and object animations for characters and scene elements
+Animation BlueprintsA specialized Blueprint that controls the animation of a Skeletal Mesh, to create and control complex animation behaviours
+Blueprint ScriptingA system that constructs game logic using nodes and connections instead of text code
+Machine Learning DeformerGenerates high-fidelity approximations of nonlinear deformers, complex proprietary rigs, or any arbitrary deformation by using a custom Maya plugin to train a machine learning model, which in turn runs in real time in the app.
+Take RecorderEnables the user to record animations from motion capture linked to characters in the scene, and from Live Link data, for future playback
+Runtime animation toolsAugment authored animation sequences at runtime to compensate for different gameplay scenarios.
+Material EditorA tool that enables creation and modification of surface definitions applied to scene elements
+Clothing toolsSimulate clothing and other fabrics by setting clothing parameters
+Virtual Camera systemcaptures and controls camera movements in a digital environment. It benefits users by allowing interactive scene framing and real-time preview adjustments
-Royalty StructureThe engine uses a fee structure that requires payment based on project revenue over a set threshold ($1 Mn as of 2025), influencing financial planning.
-Resource RequirementThe engine development relies on hardware that meets recommended system specifications, which can restrict use on older or lower-specification systems.
-Version Update MigrationUpdates to new engine versions require users to migrate existing projects, a process that involves reviewing and adjusting project content for compatibility.

Platform

Social

         

System Requirements

Version ↓
#MinimumRecommended
1
Windows 7
Windows 10 64-bit
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
8 GB
4
DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
#MinimumRecommended
1
macOS 10.14.6 Mojave
Latest MacOS Big Sur
2
Quad-core Intel, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
8 GB RAM
4
Metal 1.2 Compatible Graphics Card
#MinimumRecommended
1
  • Any reasonable new Linux distro from CentOS 7.x and up
  • Linux kernel 3.x or newer
Ubuntu 18.04
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
32 GB RAM
4
  • NVIDIA GeForce 960 GTX or higher with latest NVIDIA binary drivers
  • VRAM 8 GB or more
  • Unreal Engine 4.26 removes OpenGL support
5
glibc 2.17 or newer
#MinimumRecommended
1
Windows 10
  • Windows 10 64-bit version 1909 revision .1350 or higher
  • Windows 10 64-bit versions 2004 and 20H2 revision .789 or higher
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
8 GB RAM
4
  • DirectX 11: Latest drivers
  • DirectX 12: Latest drivers
  • Vulkan: AMD (21.11.3+) and NVIDIA (496.76+)
  • DirectX11 is better for older PCs, especially laptops with integrated graphics. However, DirectX12 provides a higher frame rate, multi-core processing support, and parallel and asynchronous computing.
#MinimumRecommended
1
  • Latest macOS Monterey (for UE 5.0)
  • macOS 12.5 Monterey (for UE 5.1 - 5.3)
  • Latest MacOS Monterey (for UE 5.0)
  • Latest MacOS 13 Ventura (for UE 5.1 - 5.3)
2
Quad-core Intel, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
8 GB RAM
4
Metal 1.2 Compatible Graphics Card
#MinimumRecommended
1
  • Any reasonable new Linux distro from CentOS 7.x and up
  • Linux kernel 3.x or newer
Ubuntu 22.04
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
32 GB RAM
4
  • NVIDIA GeForce 960 GTX or Higher with latest NVIDIA binary drivers
  • VRAM 8 GB or more
  • Vulkan: AMD (21.11.3+) and NVIDIA (515.48+)
5
glibc 2.17 or newer
#MinimumRecommended
1
Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update)
  • Windows 10 64-bit version 1909 revision .1350 or higher,
  • Windows 10 64-bit versions 2004 and 20H2 revision .789 or higher
  • Windows 11 is compatible with UE5 and fits in the recommended specs
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
32 GB RAM
4
  • DirectX 11 or 12 compatible graphics card with the latest drivers
  • VRAM 8 GB or more
  • DirectX11 is better for older PCs, especially laptops with integrated graphics. However, DirectX12 provides a higher frame rate, multi-core processing support, and parallel and asynchronous computing.
#MinimumRecommended
1
  • macOS 13 Ventura (for UE 5.4)
  • macOS 13.5 Ventura (for UE 5.5)
Latest macOS 13 Ventura
2
M1 or M2 depending on rendering features
Apple Silicon M3
3
16 GB
32 GB
4
Metal 1.2 Compatible Graphics Card
#MinimumRecommended
1
  • Any reasonable new Linux distro from CentOS 7.x and up (for UE 5.4)
  • Linux kernel 3.x or newer (for UE 5.4)
  • Rocky Linux 8 / Redhat Linux 8 or newer (for UE 5.5)
  • Linux kernel 4.18 or newer (for UE 5.5)
Ubuntu 22.04
2
Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
3
32 GB RAM
4
  • NVIDIA GeForce 2080
  • VRAM 8 GB or more
  • Vulkan: AMD (RADV 23.2.1+) and NVIDIA (535.86+) - (for UE 5.4)
  • Vulkan: AMD (RADV 24.0.9+) and NVIDIA (560+) - (for UE 5.5)
5
  • glibc 2.17 or newer (for UE 5.4)
  • glibc 2.28 or newer (for UE 5.5)
  • glibc 2.35 or newer

Ratings

4.65
5

Capterra
4.8
5
based on 388 reviews
G2CROWD
4.5
5
based on 141 reviews

Written in

C++

Initial Release

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Repository

Unreal Engine being a proprietary software, its source code is not publicly hosted.

Categories

Game Engine

Alternatives

Game Engine
Construct   Phaser   Open 3D Engine   GameMaker   Unity   Godot  

Notes

Here’s a draft note for your Unreal Engine licensing terms:

Unreal Engine Licensing Terms

Unreal Engine is available under a royalty-free license for the first $1,000,000 of gross revenue generated by your product. After surpassing $1 million in revenue, a 5% royalty will be applied to all subsequent earnings.

The source code for Unreal Engine is made available under the Unreal Engine Source Code License, which allows developers to modify and use the engine’s source code while maintaining certain restrictions on redistribution and commercial use.

Developers are encouraged to review the full licensing details on the Epic Games website to understand the complete terms and conditions of use.