Unreal Engine 5 - Blueprint Scripting 101

In this video we'll define what Blueprints are in Unreal and show off a common example of one found in games.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an "Actor" Class Blueprint

• Write Script in a Class Blueprint

• Create Content Browser Folders

• Save a Level

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_ExamplePickup

• Level: LV_TestMap

• (Downloaded Here) Content Pack: StarterContent

To add Starter Content...

1. Download StarterContent.zip

2. Right click on downloaded "StarterContent.zip" file and choose "Extract All"

3. With the EXTRACTED "StarterContent" folder, drag that from File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) directly on TOP of the "Content" folder within Unreal Engine's "Content Browser"

In this video we're going to add components to our Blueprint in order to further explore the Components Panel.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add Blueprint Components

• Attach / Detach Blueprint Components

In this video we'll learn about the Viewport Tab inside of an (Actor Class) Blueprint. Through this tab, you can visual (and move around) the various Components that make up your Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Hide / Show the Viewport Tab

• Transform Components in Viewport Tab

In this video we'll learn about the Details Panel inside of a Blueprint. This area is used to set numerous values and other properties that define your Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Hide / Show the Details Panel

• View Details of Differing Blueprint Parts

In this video we'll learn about the My Blueprint Panel inside of a Blueprint. This area allows you to create Variables, Functions, and Macros (among other things) that can be utilized by your Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Hide / Show the My Blueprint Panel

• Create Variables, Functions, and Macros

In this video we'll learn about the Event Graph inside of a Blueprint. This is the area of a Blueprint where functionality specific to the blueprint can be scripted.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Hide / Show the Event Graph

• Navigate Event Graph

In this video we'll learn about the Construction Script inside of a Blueprint. This is the area of a Blueprint where you can create script that'll execute during the Construction of a Blueprint (NOT at runtime)! This is the graph to use if wanting to create Blueprints with robust variety built into it....something perfectly suited for Procedural Content.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an "Actor" Class Blueprint

• Utilize the Construction Script for Procedural Content

• Utilize the Construction Script for Actor Variety

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint:  BP_ExConstructScript

In this video we'll learn what a Class Blueprint is and how to create one.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Class Blueprint

In this video we'll learn what a Level Blueprint is and how to access it. Additionally, we'll point out how the Level Blueprint differs from a Class Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Set Asset Editor Open Location (in Editor Preferences)

• Access the Level Blueprint

• Create / Save a Sub Level

• Access a Sub Level Blueprint

• Reference Actors in a Level or Sub Level

  
  

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Level: Sub_Level_01

In this video we'll learn to identify common node types found in Blueprint Scripting such as Events, Functions, and Variables.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Identify different node types

In this video we'll learn what the difference is between the two types of pins to be found on scripting nodes: Execution Pins & Data Pins.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Identify Execution Pins from Data Pins

• Identify Input Pins from Output Pins

In this video we'll learn ways to connect, disconnect, and move Execution and Data wires.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Identify Execution Wires from Data Wires

• Visualize the Flow of Execution

• Connect, Disconnect, Move Execution & Data Wires

In this video we'll learn tips and tricks on how to organize our nodes so that we can improve our efficiency as well as the readability of our scripts.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Utilize Node Alignment Options

• Create Reroute Nodes

• Create Node Comments

• Create Script Comments

In this video we'll learn how to create References to objects inside of our Level Blueprint during "Design Time". That is, how to create references to objects that already exist. This is desirable when wanting to write script that will affect that object in some way.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create Object References inside a Level Blueprint during Design Time

• Find References to Objects inside of a Level Blueprint

In this video we'll learn how to create References to objects inside of our Level Blueprint during "Run Time". These references can be created and stored inside of a Variable WHILE the game is live. This can be desired when wanting to affect what happens to an item or enemy that gets spawned in, for example.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Object Reference inside a Level Blueprint during Run Time using a "Spawn" Function

• Create an Object Reference inside a Level Blueprint during Run Time using an "Overlap" Event

• Create Object References inside a Level Blueprint during Run Time using a "Get All Actors of Class" Function

In this video we'll learn how to create References to objects that exist in a level inside of a Class Blueprint during "Design Time". In doing so, we can affect what happens to that object reference with script written inside of our Class Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Actor Class Blueprint

• Create an Ambient Sound Variable

• Enable "Instance Editing" on a Variable

• Find Content Browser Assets using Filters

• Assign Objects in a Level to Variables in a Class Blueprint

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_LV_Settings

In this video we'll learn how to create References to objects that exist in a level inside of a Class Blueprint during "Run Time". In doing so, we can affect what happens to that object reference with script written inside of our Class Blueprint.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add a Blueprint Component

• Create an Object Reference inside a Class Blueprint during Run Time using a Line Trace Function

In this video we'll learn how to create References to objects by Casting. Casting can be done inside of Level and Class Blueprints.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Spawn Player using "Player Start" Actor

• Create an Object Reference from a "Cast To" Node

In this video we'll learn how to create a Widget Blueprint reference. Widget Blueprints are used to create things like in-game HUDs and menu screens. Having a reference to a widget blueprint (so you can alter things inside of these assets) is a critical skill to know in Unreal.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Widget Blueprint Asset

• Create a Widget Blueprint Reference

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Widget Bluperint: WBP_HUD

In this video we'll learn how to apply a Tag to an object, how to create a reference to an object using Tags, and then how to affect objects in some way by utilizing those Tags.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add Tags to an Object

• Find Objects using Tags

• Create Object References using Tags

• Affect Referenced Objects using Tags

In this video we'll learn about the Begin Play event. This event is fired off the moment a game session starts up and is useful for running script at the outset of a game as well as "initializing" Variables.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add or Find Event Begin Play

• Make Use of Event Begin Play

In this video we'll learn about the Tick event. This event is fired every frame and can be useful for monitoring the status of actor(s).

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add or Find Event Tick

• Modify Event Tick Settings

• Make Use of Event Tick

In this video we'll learn about Input events. Input events can be triggered by many input devices! Gamepad, keyboard, mouse, motion, and touch inputs can ALL be recognized to fire off actionable scripts capable of making things happen (such as having your character sprint or jump as well as swing a sword or cast a spell).

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add Input Events

• Create Input Action Mappings

• Make Use of Input Events

In this video we'll learn about Axis events. These events fire every frame and are great for reading in analog (thumbstick) type inputs to determine things like how fast a character moves or how quickly our game camera rotates.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add Axis Events

• Create Input Axis Mappings

• Make Use of Axis Events

In this video we'll learn about Begin Overlap events. This event is fired when an actor, that is, any object, overlaps with a defined area of space. This is one of the most commonly used events in all of gaming and is useful for triggering sound effects, visual effects, spawns, or various types of interactions.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add a Trigger Volume

• Add Begin Overlap Event

• Make Use of a Begin Overlap Event

In this video we'll learn about End Overlap events. This event is fired when an actor STOPS overlapping a defined area of space. This can be useful for things such as stopping a player from receiving damage over time or perhaps stopping the level music from playing before a big boss fight.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add End Overlap Event

• Make Use of an End Overlap Event

In this video we'll learn about Begin Cursor Over events. This event is extremely useful when you want something to happen whenever your mouse cursor is hovering over an object in the world. Possible use cases include showing the player an interact prompt, making an item glow, or firing off a sound effect whenever a given actor has the mouse cursor over it.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Actor Class Blueprint

• Add Begin Cursor Over Event

• Make Use of a Begin Cursor Over Event

• Create a Player Controller Blueprint

• Assign a Player Controller Blueprint in Project Settings

• Show the Mouse Cursor

• Enable Mouse Over Events

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_MouseEvents

• Player Controller Blueprint: BP_PlayerController

In this video we'll learn about End Cursor Over events. Many times after you've moused over an object to make something happen to it, you want that object to return back to its normal state whenever you end your mouse over.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add End Cursor Over Event

• Make Use of an End Cursor Over Event

In this video we'll learn about On Clicked events. With this event, you can make something happen to an object whenever you click on it. This video shows you how to enable that functionality.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add On Clicked Event

• Make Use of an On Clicked Event

In this video we'll learn about On Released events. With this event, you can make something happen to an object whenever you STOP clicking on an object (you release the button). This video shows you how.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Add On Clicked Event

• Make Use of an On Clicked Event

In this video we'll learn about Hit events. Hit events are useful for making things happen (spawning particles or firing off sounds, for example) when 2 objects collide.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Actor Class Blueprint

• Add Actor Hit Event

• Add Hit Event

• Add Component Hit Event

• Make Use of various Hit Events

  
  

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_EventHit

In this video we'll learn about the Any Damage event. You can use this event in combination with the "Apply Damage" function to cause damage to an actor of your choosing.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Call / Use the Apply Damage Function

• Add Event Any Damage

• Make Use of Event Any Damage

In this video we'll learn about the Point Damage event. You can use this event in combination with the "Apply Point Damage" function to cause damage to an actor of your choosing. This is great to use for damage caused by projectiles.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Call / Use the Apply Point Damage Function

• Add Event Point Damage

• Make Use of Event Point Damage

In this video we'll learn about the Radial Damage event. You can use this event in combination with either "Apply Radial Damage" function to cause damage (with falloff!) to an actor of your choosing. This is great to use for damage caused by explosions.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Call / Use the Apply Radial Damage Function

• Add Event Radial Damage

• Make Use of Event Radial Damage

In this video we'll learn about the Destroyed event. This event can be used to spawn effects or item drops whenever a given actor is destroyed.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Call / Use the Destroy Actor Function

• Add Event Destroyed

• Make Use of Event Destroyed

In this video we'll learn about Custom Events. Custom Events are events you create and call (trigger them to fire) whenever you like. Custom Events are useful when wanting to create wireless networks WITHIN blueprints or when wanting to communicate BETWEEN blueprints.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create Custom Events

• Call Custom Events in Scripts

• Use Custom Events to Communicate Between Blueprints

• Call Custom Events from the Editor

In this video we'll learn what Variables are, how to create them, and how / why we'd want to access or modify them in some way.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create Variables

• Access Variables

• Modify Variables

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Boolean Variable. Booleans hold TRUE / FALSE data and is often used along with a Branch node in order to determine if something happens or not.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Boolean Variable

• Use a Boolean Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of an Integer Variable. Integers hold whole number data and is often used in scripting to drive logic by comparing a given Integer value against another number.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Integer Variable

• Create an Integer 64 Variable

• Use an Integer Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Float Variable. Floats hold decimal values and are often used in scripting to hold time values or to represent a percentage between 0.0 (0%) and 1.0 (100%).

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Float Variable

• Use a Float Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Name Variable. A Name variable is a piece of text used to identify something within a game. Here, we'll show how to use Name variables to transport to a new level and to attach a prop to a socket.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Name Variable

• Use a Name Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a String Variable. Strings are useful when you want to modify text in some way while the game is running as there are many built-in functions in Unreal for handling such operations.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a String Variable

• Use a String Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Text Variable. Text variables should be used for any pieces of text you want a user to see in your game. Text variables can be "localized" (that means translated) into other languages as well.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Text Variable

• Use a Text Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Vector Variable. Vector variables can be used to define a point in 3D space or an RGB color value. They're perfect to use for specifying actor spawn points as well as start and end locales for actors that move.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Vector Variable

• Use a Vector Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Rotator Variable. Rotator variables hold rotational information and can be used to set the rotation of an object. We'll use one in this video to create a door that rotates open.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Rotator Variable

• Use a Rotator Variable

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_RotatingDoor

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Transform Variable. Transform variables hold location, rotation, and scale data. These are extremely useful for specifying player or enemy spawn locations and rotations.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Transform Variable

• Use a Transform Variable

In this video we'll learn how to create and make use of a Actor Variable. With an actor variable, you can set the contents to a variety of different objects such as lights, static meshes, or blueprint actors.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create an Actor (Object) Variable

• Use an Actor (Object) Variable

In this video we'll learn about some important concepts and options related to variables. These include how to "Initialize" a variable, how to specify if a variable is "Public" or "Private", and how to expose it when spawned.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Initialize a Variable

• Specify if a Variable is Public or Private

• Expose a Variable on Spawn

In this video we'll learn how to allow a variable to be exposed to cinematics.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Expose a Variable to Cinematics

In this video we'll learn some tips & tricks to work more efficiently with variables. These include ways to get and set variables, how to promote variables, and how to put variables into named categories.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Get & Set Variables

• Promote Variables

• Create Variable Categories

• Create Variable Tooltips

• Change Variable Types

In this video we'll learn what Functions are, where you can find (or create) them, and provide a few examples of commonly used functions in Unreal.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Access Functions

In this video we'll learn about Functions that target an Actor. To find these functions, simply drag a wire out of an actor reference node and ensure you have "Context Sensitive" turned on.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Access & Demo Functions that Target an Actor

In this video we'll learn about Functions that target a Blueprint Class. To find these functions, simply drag a wire out of an actor reference node and ensure you have "Context Sensitive" turned on.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Access & Demo Functions that Target a Blueprint Class

In this video we'll learn about Functions that target a Blueprint Component. To find these functions, simply drag a wire out of a component reference node and look in the Details Panel for properties you might want to modify.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Access & Demo Functions that Target a Blueprint Component

In this video we'll learn where and how Functions can be created. Custom made functions can be created in both Class and Level Blueprints.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create Functions inside a Class Blueprint

• Create Functions inside a Level Blueprint

• Add Inputs / Outputs to a Function

In this video we'll learn how to call Functions inside of both Class and Level Blueprints.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Call Functions inside a Class Blueprint

• Call Functions inside a Level Blueprint

In this video we'll learn how to collapse a series of blueprint nodes into a Function. This is a super handy trick to utilize whenever you find yourself duplicating some series of nodes in many different parts of your graph.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Camera Shake Class Blueprint

• Collapse Nodes into a Function

• Add Inputs / Outputs to a Function

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Camera Shake Base Blueprint Class: BP_CameraShake

In this video we'll learn how to spot and know the different between Pure Functions and Impure Functions in Unreal.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Spot / Know Differences between Pure and Impure Functions

• Designate a Function as Pure or Impure

In this video we'll learn how to create a Function Library in Unreal. By creating a Function Library, you can create and have access to functions from any blueprint graph. Function Libraries are a great place to house functions that have a lot of utility throughout your project.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Function Library

• Create / Access / Use Functions from Function Library

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Function Library Class Blueprint: MY_FUNCTIONS

In this video we'll learn what a Local Variable is, how to create and use one, and how it differs from Class Variables.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Access / Use Local Variables

In this video we'll learn how to Debug a Function, Create Function Keywords, Compact a Function Node, Declare Function Access Specifiers, Call a Function from the Editor, and Convert a Function to an Event.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Debug a Function

• Create Searchable Function Keywords

• Compact Function Nodes

• Declare Function Access Specifiers (Public, Protected, Private)

• Call Functions from the Editor

• Convert Functions to an Event

In this video we'll learn what Macros are, where you can find (or create) them, and examine a few examples of commonly used macros in Unreal.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Access Macros

• Identify Similarities & Differences between Macros & Functions

In this video we'll learn where and how a Macro can be created. Custom made macros can be created in both Class and Level Blueprints.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Macro

• Add Inputs / Outputs to a Macro

In this video we'll learn how to collapse a series of blueprint nodes into a Macro to reduce the amount of node clutter in your scripts.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Collapse Nodes into a Macro

In this video we'll learn how to create a Macro Library in Unreal. By creating a Macro Library, you can create and have access to macros that share the same parent blueprint class. Macro Libraries are a great place to house functions that have a lot of utility throughout your project.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create a Macro Library

• Create / Access / Use Macros from Macro Library

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Macro Library (Character Class) Blueprint: MY_CHARACTER_MACROS

In this video we'll learn how to create and use an Array.  An Array is a type of variable container.  Arrays consist of a list of elements that all share the same data type and are useful for storing and referencing data that belongs together.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Use an Array Variable Container

In this video we'll learn how to create and use a Set. A Set is a type of variable container. Sets consist of a list of elements that all share the same data type and are useful storing unique data entries in an unordered, but efficient, manner.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Use a Set Variable Container

In this video we'll learn how to create and use a Map. A Map is a type of variable container than consists of a Key-Value pair of data types. Such a container is great for holding an inventory list with the item name serving as the "key" and the amount held serving as the "value".

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Use a Map Variable Container

  
  

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Actor Class Blueprint: BP_ManaPotion

In this video we'll learn how to create and use an Enum (Enumeration). An Enumeration is a list of named values. With these, we can easily drive logic within our scripts by setting and getting our Enum variable data.

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Use an Enumeration (Enum) Asset

  
  

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Enumeration: E_HealthStatus

In this video we'll learn how to create and use a Struct (Structure). A Struct can be thought of as a container that can hold lots of other variables inside of it. These variables need not be of the same data type. Structs are often used to group together variables that "go together" in some way (useful for things like Character, Spell, or Weapon attributes).

THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...

• Create / Use Structure (Struct) Asset

  
  

ASSETS ADDED / CREATED / EDITED...

• Structure: STR_Spells

• Enumeration: E_SpellTypes

• Enumeration: E_SpellElements