Learning Unreal Engine can be an exciting and rewarding experience, as it is one of the most powerful and widely-used game engines available today. And what could be better than learning this amazing engine for free? In this article, we will cover some of the best YouTube video courses that can help you learn Unreal Engine for free. You don’t have to spend a dime to get started on your game development journey.
If you’re searching for a more comprehensive and beginner-friendly resource, be sure to check out Zenva’s Unreal Game Development Mini-Degree, which covers everything from level design to programming.
Table of contents
Introduction to Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is one of the most powerful and widely-used game engines in the industry, developed by Epic Games. It is known for its versatility and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both industry professionals and hobbyists. Unreal Engine enables developers to create stunning visuals, powerful physics, and immersive gameplay experiences for various gaming platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
Kinds of Games Built with Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine has been used to create a wide range of games across multiple genres, including:
- Action and adventure
- First-person and third-person shooters
- Role-playing games (RPGs)
- Platformers
- Puzzle games
- Racing and sports games
- Virtual and augmented reality experiences
Some well-known titles developed using Unreal Engine include Fortnite, Gears of War, and Borderlands.
How Does Unreal Engine Compare to Other Engines?
Unreal Engine is often compared to other popular game engines, such as Unity and Godot. While each engine has its strengths, Unreal Engine stands out with:
- High-quality graphics and visual capabilities
- Robust built-in tools for level design, animation, and physics
- A powerful blueprint system for non-programmers to create game logic
- Wide platform support, including PC, consoles, mobile, and VR
- A strong and active community for support and resources
Why You Should Learn Game Development with Unreal Engine
Learning game development with Unreal Engine offers several benefits:
- It is a popular choice among top game studios and indie developers, making it a valuable skill to have for a career in the industry.
- The engine is beginner-friendly with an accessible interface and a robust blueprint system, allowing novices to get started without the need for advanced programming knowledge.
- Unreal Engine provides extensive documentation and tutorials, making it easy to learn and grow as a game developer.
- The engine is free to use for personal and educational purposes, with additional licensing options for commercial projects.
New Features Coming to Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is constantly being updated and improved, with the latest version being Unreal Engine 5. Some of the new and anticipated features include:
- Nanite Virtualized Geometry – This feature allows for incredibly detailed environments and models without sacrificing performance.
- Lumen Global Illumination – This real-time lighting system provides realistic, dynamic lighting in game scenes.
- World Partition – Automatically divides your game world into streaming sections, optimizing performance for open-world games.
- Improved Animation Tools – Enhanced tools for creating realistic and immersive character animations.
Beyond Zenva’s extensive tutorials and resources, there are many other YouTube channels and video courses available to help you learn Unreal Engine. Below, you will find a list of some of the best resources, both from Zenva and other sources, to help you get started on your game development journey using Unreal Engine.
Unreal Engine 5 Tutorial for Beginners
This free video tutorial on YouTube is specifically designed for beginners looking to get started with Unreal Engine 5. By following along with this comprehensive guide, viewers will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the engine, including project setup, essential tools, and an overview of the interface. This resource serves as an excellent foundation for those interested in embarking on their game development journey with Unreal Engine 5.
Unreal Sensei YouTube Channel
Unreal Sensei is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing high-quality content on Unreal Engine 5, including tutorials, tips, and news updates. With a focus on both beginners and advanced users, the channel strives to offer a comprehensive learning experience for everyone interested in game development with Unreal Engine 5. Although the Unreal Masterclass, featuring exclusive UE5 lessons, requires membership, several free video lessons are available on the channel, making it a valuable resource for all Unreal Engine learners.
Unreal Engine 5 Tutorial for Beginners (Updated)
As an updated version of the first tutorial, this beginner-friendly video focuses on the changes and improvements introduced in the latest iteration of Unreal Engine 5. By delving into the updated interface and showcasing the newest tools and features, beginners will be brought up to speed on everything they need to know to start creating games with the engine. The tutorial offers a thorough starting point for anyone looking to learn Unreal Engine using YouTube video courses.
Creating and Opening a New Project in Unreal Engine 5
This instructional video, aimed at beginners, emphasizes the fundamentals of getting started with Unreal Engine 5, covering the essential steps of creating and opening a new project. By exploring essential navigational tools, file management, and working in 3D space, learners will acquire essential knowledge and skills necessary for their future game development journey. This resource serves as a helpful starting point or refresher for those looking to develop games with Unreal Engine.
Getting Started with Unreal Engine 5
Starting from scratch, this beginner’s guide demonstrates how to quickly dive into Unreal Engine 5 and start working on your first project. The tutorial covers essential concepts, including creating a project, importing assets, and working with the engine’s built-in features, guiding you step by step through the process. This video is perfect for those who want to learn Unreal Engine on YouTube and develop a strong foundation in using Unreal Engine 5 for game development.
Learn How to Create Games and Environments in Unreal Engine 5
In this two-part tutorial, aspiring game developers can learn how to create action games and build environments using Unreal Engine 5. The video starts by covering essential concepts such as creating game objects, designing environments, and implementing character interactions. These resources are ideal for those interested in building immersive game worlds and developing a versatile skillset for game development with Unreal Engine 5. The in-depth content offered in both links adds significant value to beginners seeking to learn Unreal Engine through free YouTube video courses.
Souls-Like Action RPG with Multiplayer in Unreal Engine 4
While this tutorial series focuses on Unreal Engine 4 instead of Unreal Engine 5, it provides valuable insights into designing a Souls-like action RPG with multiplayer capabilities. By following this course, learners will gain essential knowledge about implementing combat mechanics, designing game levels, and creating engaging online multiplayer experiences. Despite being tailored to Unreal Engine 4, many concepts can be applied to Unreal Engine 5, making this resource worth considering for those looking to learn Unreal Engine through YouTube video courses.
Create a Game Using Unreal Engine 5
This beginner-friendly tutorial dives into the process of creating your first game using Unreal Engine 5. By following this simple and concise guide, viewers will learn the basics of game creation and gain hands-on experience with the engine. The tutorial covers essential topics such as importing assets, creating levels, and implementing gameplay mechanics. Ideal for those looking to kickstart their Unreal Engine learning journey with a solid introduction to game development, this video course is a valuable resource in your learning toolkit.
Conclusion
Learning Unreal Engine for free on YouTube can be a fantastic way to dive into game development without breaking the bank. These courses and tutorials offer a mix of beginner and advanced lessons, so you can start building your own games in no time.
Remember that, if you’re looking for a more structured learning path, you can always explore Zenva’s Unreal Game Development Mini-Degree for a comprehensive and beginner-friendly experience.
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