Unreal Engine 5 Tutorial: Creating a Fantasy World

Introduction

• Tutorial is for complete beginners to Unreal Engine 5.
• Focus on creating a beautiful fantasy environment.
• Video is long due to the program's complexity but is divided into chapters for ease.

Tutorial Goals:

1. Install Unreal Engine 5 and create a project.
2. Navigate the 3D world, create materials, and import 3D models.
3. Learn about dynamic lighting with Lumen.
4. Sculpt landscapes and paint foliage.
5. Download free Nanite objects from Mega Scans library.
6. Brief introduction to programming using Blueprints.

Installation of Unreal Engine 5

1. Download Epic Games Launcher from the website.
2. Navigate to the Unreal Engine tab and select Library.
3. Install Unreal Engine 5 by clicking on the plus icon.
4. Set the installation location and launch Unreal Engine after installation.

Creating Project

• Open Unreal Project Browser upon launch.
• Create a new game project by selecting the Games category and using the Blank template.
• Enable starter content to gain access to useful assets.
• Name the project and save it in the desired location.

Basic User Interface Overview

Viewport

• Visual representation of the 3D world; use right mouse button for camera control.
• Toolbar: Contains tools for adding and manipulating objects.
• World Outliner: Displays all objects in the scene; allows selection and organization.
• Details Panel: Edit properties of selected objects.
• Content Drawer: Where assets are stored.

Navigation and Camera Controls

• Right-click to look around, WASD keys to move, E/Q for vertical movement.
• Use CTRL + Space to open Content Drawer.
• Press F to focus on selected objects.

Creating and Manipulating Objects

• Use W, E, R for movement, rotation, scaling respectively.
• Duplicate objects with CTRL + D or hold ALT while dragging.
• Use “Add” from the toolbar to import new objects.

Landscape Creation

• Start by sculpting the landscape using the landscape editing tool.
• Make adjustments for slopes and smoothness using sculpt and smooth brushes.
• Paint landscape with different materials (grass, dirt).

Lighting Introduction with Lumen

Dynamic Lighting

• Set up light sources: Directional light for simulation of sunlight, Skylight for ambient light.
• Add a Post Process Volume to control exposure and other visual effects.

Asset Management using Mega Scans

• Access thousands of high-quality assets from Mega Scans via Quixel Bridge.
• Import assets easily to use in the environment to enhance realism in landscape.

Adding Foliage and Final Touches

• Use the foliage tool for quickly painting trees and other vegetation.
• Adjust variables for different types of trees for varied appearances.

Building the Castle Environment

• Use modular assets to create the castle; mix and match to achieve desired look.
• Emphasize creating unique elements throughout the castle design.

Conclusion

• Final environment build includes landscapes, dynamic lighting, foliage, and structures.
• Important to experiment and create a personal touch on designs.

Final Note

• Encourage to subscribe for more tutorials and free assets.
• Highlight satisfaction from developing and navigating the created environment.