Lecture Notes: Gameplay Ability System in Unreal Engine

Introduction

• Gameplay Ability System: System for efficiently creating gameplay abilities, primarily using Blueprints

Initial Setup

• Enable Plugins:
  • Go to Plugins > Enable Gameplay Abilities
  • Ensure Gameplay Tags are enabled (default setting)
  • Restart Unreal Editor after enabling settings
• C++ Requirement:
  • Some setups and complex calculations require C++
  • The system is primarily designed for use with Blueprints
• Project Setup:
  • If the project is Blueprint-only, create a new C++ class via Tools
  • Consider reviewing C++ basics (recommendation: first 4-5 videos from C++ Basics course)

Setting Up the Ability System

Creating the C++ Component

• Setup Environment: Open project in Visual Studio/ Visual Studio Code
• Navigating the Source Directory: Locate the project.build.cs script
• Modifying Dependency Modules:
  • Public and Private Dependency Modules
  • Add dependencies: GameplayAbilities, GameplayTags, GameplayTasks
  • Enable Live Coding or rebuild the project

Adding Ability System Component

Modifying Character Class (Header File)

• Include Headers:
  • AbilitySystemComponent.h
  • AbilitySystemInterface.h
• Add to Protected Section:
  • Define property UAbilitySystemComponent* AbilitySystemComponent;
  • Use UProperty macro to set attributes