Hello!
We recently posted a brand-new 6-part series on multiplayer networking through blueprints.
You can check them out here:
Part I: Networking Basics
A simple introduction to networking concepts and how to test/launch your game for network play.?v=TbaOyvWfJE0
Part II: Actor and Variable Replication
Walk-through of how to setup blueprint actors and variables for network play, as well as a look at networking-related iconography in blueprints.?v=ZsDRDAdtA9w
Part III: Function Replication
Walk-through of using function replication, when to use function vs. variable replication, and explanation of reliable vs. unreliable function calls.?v=wutqpyDKnCQ
Part IV: Network Relevancy
Explanation of what network relevancy is and why you need to know about it whenever making networked content.?v=6w8_eC5qlSs
Part V: Adding Networked Features to 3rd Person Template - Part I
Plan out the addition of some simple networked features to the blueprint 3rd person template and then setup the character blueprint according to the plan.
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Part VI: Adding Networked Features to 3rd Person Template - Part II
Conclusion of adding simple networked features to the 3rd person template, including setting up a simple bomb blueprint.?v=Un7pGHb61Sc
FAQ
Q: When I follow along with the 3rd person template in parts V and VI, my client doesn’t spawn in!
This is unfortunately a bug that seems to have cropped up between the latest version and when I initially filmed the tutorials. The good news is that it should already be fixed in the upcoming 4.1 release. Sorry for the inconvenience in the meanwhile!
EDIT: The root cause of this issue is related to collision between the characters trying to spawn at the same spot. Until 4.1 comes out, a work-around you can use is to move the server character out of the way, then swap to the client window, bring up the console (bound to the tilde key ` by default), and type “reconnect” without the quotes. Completely forgot about such a simple work-around until user “themxer14” brought it up, so much thanks to them!
Q: Where can I get the tutorial content map used in parts II, III, and IV?
We’ll be releasing this map for free as part of the content examples in the future. It’s not quite ready for distribution yet (needs some descriptions cleaned up, etc.), but we really wanted to make sure to get some info on blueprint networking out, so I jumped the gun on the videos before the map was all the way finished!
Q: How can I easily change where the players spawn when they join?
I totally overlooked this aspect while filming the tutorial, wanting to focus on replication, etc. As it turns out, this part of the process is not as easy as it should be right this second exclusively through blueprints. We’re working to make this easier and add hooks for blueprints to choose starting spots in the future.
Thanks for checking out the tutorials and feel free to hit me up here or on Twitter with feedback, questions, etc.! Special thanks to Zak for teaching me the ropes of filming a tutorial!