Mastering Unreal in Fortnite: Tips and Tricks for Getting Started

If you’re looking to take your Fortnite gaming experience to the next level, then diving into Unreal could be the key.

Discover what Unreal is in Fortnite and how to access it.

We will explore the steps to download the Unreal Engine, the benefits of using Unreal in Fortnite, how to use it effectively, tips for creating your own Unreal game, and examples of successful Unreal games within the Fortnite community.

Jump in and unlock the potential of Unreal in Fortnite!

What is Unreal in Fortnite?

Unreal is a type of video game that is powered by Unreal Engine Technology, a suite of integrated tools for game developers. However, these tools are not exclusive to the Unreal-branded games. Fortnite is considered an Unreal game because it uses the aforementioned Unreal Engine 4 as the backbone for its graphics and gameplay. Unreal Engine 4 is the latest iteration of the engine and has been used to create games such as the aforementioned Fortnite, Gears of War 4, PUBG, and Vagrant Story.

Developed and maintained by Epic Games, Unreal Engine continues to attract a large number of customers from various media and game development backgrounds. To help mentees navigate the engine’s extensive capabilities, schools such as Full Sail’s game design programs, bootcamps (Dev Bootcamp), and online platforms (Udemy, Coursera) offer classes to acclimate students to the engine during their Unreal in Fortnite educational process.

How to Access Unreal in Fortnite?

To get into Unreal in Fortnite, you open the game and click on one of the following battlegroup icons in the Play menu with a solid yellow ring around it: Houseparty Versus, PLD Adventure Line, Dream SMP, actordrop.space, Miquela’s Flash Factory, or Mustard on the Beat. These are the only Creative-play-mode-compatible maps for accessing Unreal mode.

After Unreal mode is activated on one of these maps, you can enter Unreal mode by going into select mode in the inventory screen, clicking the “island tools” button above the “ready” button, and then enabling Unreal mode in the new “gameplay” section.

For special virtual events and training, Fortnite users will not be asked to activate Unreal Mode themselves, but will be plopped into the mode at the correct time.

Step 1: Download the Unreal Engine

To get Unreal Engine (UE) in Fortnite, go directly to the Unreal Engine download page on their site. The Unreal Engine 5 has not yet been released, so the default page showing Unreal Engine 4 will look like the image below.

Click on the Get Started button and fill in the required information, including creating your account.

Once you have downloaded UE to your computer, begin to install it. Make certain that you are installing UE onto your primary or main storage drive, as any other drive can lead to various problems down the road.

Once you are installing UE, you will see this option at the bottom of the main installation window which asks if you would like to install Fortnite. Tick this box to also download Unreal Engine alongside Fortnite.

You can also download UE without installing Fortnite, though you may as well check the box even if you don’t currently have plans to use UE.

Once UE is installed or downloaded, return to the Epic Games Launcher application which you can find in your Windows Search function or in your Start Menu by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard.

You can sign into this with the same information you used to get UE earlier. Return to it whenever you want to launch Unreal Engine.

Step 2: Launch Fortnite

Fortnite is Epic Games’ hit Battle Royale game that maintains a solid user base. You will need to have Fortnite installed on the PC in which you will be using Unreal Engine, meaning you will also be playing Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher. Install the Epic Games Launcher and remember your username and password, or create a new account if you haven’t already done so. Once you are logged in, Click on Library on the left-hand side of the desktop app and click on the install button to get Fortnite up and running. Log in to Fortnite with your epic account.

If you don’t see Fortnite in your library, try clicking the “More” button and search for it. Another common issue is not having the correct installation of Unreal Engine on a new machine. It is important to install Fortnite before Unreal Engine as it automatically downloads Fortnite’s latest version of UE before launching the game. Once you are in the game, Launch Unreal Engine from the Libraries tab. An important thing for users who are new to Unreal Engine is that FortCraft is completely different in terms of gameplay. The movement, shooting, and overall functionality in Unreal Engine are very different than those in played in Fortnite, so don’t make the mistake that the two are interchangeable.

What are the Benefits of Using Unreal in Fortnite?

• The benefit of using the Unreal Engine in Fortnite is that it is a top-tier development environment platform so gamers get an excellent game product.
• Realistic visuals and sound. Its physics engine makes players feel like they are physically standing in the game world and interacting with it properly.
• Stable online play. Its networked play architecture minimizes jank – that jittery pause that makes you lose a game.
• Easy for modders. Fortnite allows mods which keeps the game and Fortnite community fresh by adding variety. As Unreal is open-source it allows external coders to easily create modifications.
• Branded high-quality games. DelightWorks is developing an epic of Gilgamesh game for mobile devices using the Unreal Engine. Although most are likely to be relatively small, a few may eventually be as big and high-quality as Fortnite.
• Robust dynamic lighting and particle systems make the game evocative.
• Voronoi partitioning system (between binary top left instead of top right room) enables accurate acoustics. Unreal’s game engine brand has already succeeded in the gaming providers’ space as the go-to rendering engine, coverage of key games, and the content ecosystem support beyond games. Fortnite sets the stage for future Unreal-based movies.

Customization Options

The first and by far most popular place that Unreal Engine is present in Fortnite is through the countless customization options available to players. Players can create their own worlds within the game using the arena building game mode called Fortnite Creative. Unreal Engine allows players to build almost anything they have in mind with a very simple and easy to understand building process. This was accentuated even more with the development of the iOS version of Unreal Engine.

Advanced Graphics and Effects

Once you are able to consistently land knockout blows on foes, it’s time to work on having a more visually entrancing or streamlined game. Adjust the building and texture settings in Settings `->` Graphics `->` Advance Graphics to get better visuals with softer edges and bolder colors or go with a more streamlined look by turning off shadows and setting the games resolution scale to 50%. Use this streamlined look to improve your fps performance and lag, creating a more competitive and responsive gaming experience.

Ability to Create Unique Game Modes

Fortnite has popularized the idea of having limited time events (LTEs) or modes that only last so long before they are taken down. Unreal creators are able to make a plethora of different game modes that can cater to a lot of different tastes and can be brought in or taken out depending on the applicable circumstances.

Fortnite user Kailoanrain says, they will start to listen and implement again in those other modes, to find what is strong and what is weak. Then bring those to Battle Royale to make it a better and more refined experience. In essence, these other game modes act as a testing ground for what works or doesn’t for Fortnite’s main mode, and can do so for unreal games as well.

How to Use Unreal in Fortnite?

The best ways to use Unreal in Fortnite are to activate the Current Game Project learning track in the Unreal Online Learning Portal or receive Unreal-powered Fortnite virtual goods in your game by completing the Fortnite × Unreal Engine challenges. Activate the Unreal Online Learning Portal – You can get started without even having Unreal Engine installed so nothing is stopping you from getting going immediately with the Fortress project based training. These virtual goods give you functional tools to manipulate Unreal and learn it.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Unreal Engine Interface

The Unreal Engine interface is relatively unique compared to other systems, except for Unity, which it slightly resembles. Begin building your knowledge base by learning the basics of this main panel.

1. World outliner: Shows you everything existing in the project, including levels, actors, blueprints, and so forth.
2. Details panel: Provides information about whatever you have selected in the outliner.
3. Place actors: A library of every asset you have.
4. Scene outliner: Another list of your assets including lighting.
5. Content browser: Your files and other projects will appear in these folders.
6. Common actions: This is where Casted Hidden Log things like save and build level may be accessed.

Once you have a fundamental grasp of how each side panel operates, begin experimenting building new elements and learning the new tools and features which appear. For more advanced knowledge, there are numerous YouTube tutorials that can get you started.

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Coding in Unreal

Getting comfortable with programming in Unreal engine will provide you with more possibilities to build better maps or scripts. Focusing on programming logic to improve function while following Unreal’s Blueprint programming guide is highly recommended. Instructions on creating scripts and local multiplayer games similar to Fortnite creative are described within this programming guide. Visit Unreal Engine’s official YouTube channel for free tutorials and how-to guides on the basics of Unreal programming.

Step 3: Experiment with Different Features and Tools

After cloning and saving existing Fortnite maps in your Fortnite Creative account, experiment with different tools available to Unreal users to see which ones best match the features you want. These tools include the following features:

1. Copy and Paste
2. Gizmos
3. Selection Devices
4. Lock Editing
5. Grid Snap
6. Rotate Snap
7. Asset Align
8. Color Palettes
9. Object Drop Helper (Instant Radar Tool)

Once you find tools and settings that you like, you can save these into your personal Fortnite account to make using the features quicker. This is likely the most important step to get Unreal-like control over Fortnite Creative development. The tools available in Fortnite may not be as numerous or variegated as in Unreal Engine, yet they are still flexible enough to allow you to find the settings you like best if you experiment with them.

Tips for Creating an Unreal Game in Fortnite

These are the tips for getting into Unreal and start creating your own Unreal game in Fortnite in a Casey Walkes environment. Start small with the basic creative features. Try them out and see how they can be expanded further. Take a two-pronged approach whereby you simultaneously play game modes and search for and mimic builds you like. Utilize Fortnite creative tutorials for specific mapping elements.

Continue to experiment and make adjustments to your designs to gain hands-on experience and learn from it. Reach out to the Fortnite Creative and Unreal developer community via Discord, forums, and video-sharing platforms and share the game modes you enjoy and the builds you create.

Start Small and Build Up

The essential strategy for getting into Unreal in Fortnite is to start small and build up. The process should start with using low-level Unreal Engine (UE) functionalities and settings on simple projects, which allows developers to incrementally grow their comfort and knowledge with the platform.

For people looking to get into Unreal for Fortnite, developers will get their best start by going through the official Unreal Engine courses, of which there are many across the spectrum of abilities. Building up from basic Unreal Engine functionalities to advanced gameplay and level design (such as AI systems, network systems, and audio design methods) is key.

Once developers have a solid foundation in these more advanced skills, they can look for targeted courses that are specifically oriented to Fortnite design elements. It will be crucial to continue practicing on their own to gain fluency and confidence in the use of the engine, even after the completion of courses and tutorials.

Master Unreal Engine basics to intermediate techniques (including level design and development) before moving on to Fortnite-specific training geared towards Fortnite performance. This gives beginners to the Unreal Game Engine a solid foundation to work from.

Collaborate with Other Players

One of the easiest ways to get into Unreal in Fortnite is to collaborate with a squad. Enter a game with at least one other player and work together to stay alive, share resources, plan strategies, and explore the map.

Through collaboration and communication with fellow players, they can give you a good sense of the game even if you are not the one making decisions and driving the action. This is especially helpful if it is someone more experienced who can explain what they are doing and why.

Take Advantage of Online Resources and Tutorials

There are an overwhelming number of tutorials and helpful resources online intended to help you in mapping in Unreal Engine, many of which existed long before Fortnite popped onto the scene. Sites such as Unreal’s Learn hub have nearly 200 hours of tutorials in coding, modeling, and advanced game design with its engine alone.

One highly suggested resource for you to quickly get introduced to Fortnite’s creative features is to use the Unofficial TBASX Map Reviewer by Roblegacy, Julianmaas, and Krynotic. This island loading tool lets users load different islands from Fortnite Creative at random so you can explore and get ideas for your own creations. The map reviewer link makes unloading and loading islands even faster.

For a more educational perspective beyond the live scouting experience on the island, the best place to start for getting into Fortnite’s creative mode is Unreal Engine’s introductory video. In that video, you will see the legendary Tim Sweeney enthuse over the number of users that their Fortnite platform has invited on the engine as well as demonstrating the creation of a basic enclosure.

For an alternative methodology, you can use the Map Guides for Fortnite Creative by similar content creators (Roblegacy, Julianmaas, and Krynotic), which you will find on their website. These guides are a selection of maps with these creators’ top categorizations – Best of the Best, First-Person Shooter, Adventure, and so forth.

Other experts, such as Imtherealsmee, have devoted specialized YouTube channels to maps, such as his in-depth retrospective series on the Most Iconic Creative Maps ever.

How to Share Your Unreal Game in Fortnite?

Share your Unreal Engine game in Fortnite by submitting it using the FEATURE YOUR CREATIONS button on the map picker menu in Fortnite Creative Mode. This will allow other Fortnite players to play your Unreal Engine game in Fortnite. Instructions are detailed on the Fortnite Creators central webpage. First, you will need to create an Unreal-created game by designing it in Fortnite Creative mode with the Unreal Editor.

Step 1: Package Your Game

To get into Unreal in Fortnite, start with packaging your game. Packaging is the process of combining your finished game build with everything it needs to run, such as game assets and libraries, into a single file. This file is what end-users will download to their systems or transmit over networks to others.

Unreal provides the option to package your game using a separate launcher which is accessible in the Unreal Editor interface as shown below. Select the Package Project option from the main File dropdown list after you open your Unreal project. This will prepare your project for deployment and open up the Project Launcher menu which allows you to set up your deployment options.

Step 2: Upload Your Game to the Fortnite Community

Unreal Engine is the foundation of Fortnite. To connect with other Fortnite collaborators and play your own game with them, you must register with the Unreal Developer Network and the Fortnite Creator Program to get an Unreal Engine license. The Fortnite Creator Program allows you to upload, share and play your games with the greater Fortnite ecosystem, such as putting assets up for sale in the Fortnite Item Shop and publishing to the Creative Hub to be shared with the world.

What are Some Examples of Unreal Games in Fortnite?

There are no examples of Unreal Engine games directly in Fortnite. Fortnite’s game-engine is a modified version of the Unreal Engine 4 by Epic Games. Fortnite would be an unnatural place to feature Unreal Engine games, as it is a game developed within the Unreal Engine (UE). The Unreal Engine is actually used in developing Fortnite itself rather than any particular videogame associated with Fortnite.

‘The Block’ by Team Evolve

The well-renowned Block area in Fortnite is custom-created by various teams of builders and designers. The process of setting up an area akin to Unreal revolves around creating a new map in Fortnite’s creative mode. Working alongside computer graphics artists, specifically environment artists, is crucial to designing a new map in the Best Known Methods (BKMs) of Unreal Engine from Fortnite.

Performance may be boosted by designing each element of the new map replicating how it functions in Unreal Engine 4. Building a new Unreal Engine in Fortnite regularly wipes out the designs at The Block area. The preference to frequently change designs on The Block is what makes it special. Even now, Fortnite players can still make a bid to take over this special location to showcase their vision in the game.

‘The Endless Tower’ by Team Arcadia

The The Endless Tower is an apt name for a large castle-like structure—though the architecture is inspired by Moroccan castles fortified with Berber-like designs. Players must use parkour to get through most levels aided by a double jump, speed boosters, and a high jump to help with high jumps. They must wait for the moment when the zone closes leaving a strip of safety by the walls so they can bypass an obstacle to move down to the next zone.

‘Fortnite Kart Racing’ by Team Nitro

Team Nitro developed the map ‘Fortnite Kart Racing’ which is inspired by the popular ‘Mario Kart’ franchise.

A reimagination of the ‘Mario Kart’ tracks in ‘Fortnite’ would be a fun expansion for ‘Unreal’. Players would then be able to go from interacting with ‘Fortnite Creatures’ to driving and drifting race cars.

‘Mario Kart’ is one of the most iconic video games of all time. By using the same Unreal Engine 4 that powers both ‘Mario Kart 8’ on the Nintendo Switch as well as Fortnite, fans will notice lots of similarities in how items interact with the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unreal in Fortnite and how can I get into it?
Unreal is a game engine used to create Fortnite. To get into Unreal in Fortnite, you need to have a basic understanding of game development and access to the Unreal Engine software.

Do I need any prior experience to get into Unreal in Fortnite?
No, you do not need any prior experience to get into Unreal in Fortnite. However, having a basic understanding of game development and some knowledge of the Unreal Engine will be helpful.

How do I access Unreal in Fortnite?
To access Unreal in Fortnite, you need to download and install the Unreal Engine software. This can be done for free on the Epic Games website.

Can I create my own Fortnite levels using Unreal?
Yes, you can use the Unreal Engine to create your own levels for Fortnite. However, you will need to have some knowledge of game development and the Fortnite game mechanics.

Are there any tutorials or resources available to help me get into Unreal in Fortnite?
Yes, there are many tutorials and resources available online to help you get into Unreal in Fortnite. You can find official tutorials on the Unreal Engine website, as well as community-created tutorials on platforms like YouTube.

Is there a community for Unreal in Fortnite where I can ask for help and share my creations?
Yes, there is a large community of Fortnite players and game developers using Unreal. You can join forums, social media groups, and even attend events to connect with others and share your work.