I’m currently learning Unreal Engine and would like some advice from experienced developers about the best way to get started.
There are so many areas to explore—Blueprints, C++, materials, lighting, animation, level design, optimization, and more—that it can be difficult to know what to focus on first.
For someone who is still at the beginner stage, would you recommend starting with Blueprints before learning C++, or learning both together?
I’d also appreciate suggestions for a simple first project that could help build a strong foundation.
I would start with very simple blueprint only projects to learn the editor and major systems. Spend time playing with the first/third person templates.
Avoid watching tutorials. Instead try to learn by doing… It will stick much better.
Once you feel comfortable in the editor, start making c++ projects. Try to migrate simple blueprints to c++ to understand the relationships.
Read up and study software “design patterns”. This is far more important than learning specific languages.
If you use an LLM to help, I recommend chatgpt for unreal. Avoid google/Gemini for unreal dev. Don’t ask for direct solutions but ask it to ‘discuss’ the topics/solutions and why the decisions are made.
Understanding the Unreal Editor
Learning Blueprints
Understanding basic C++
Creating simple levels