How to learn unreal for a newcomer to game dev (blueprints specifically)

[pre4z]

I am new to unreal engine and game development overall. I got the gist of the basic interface navigation and simple environment creation. My goal is creating games though, not really caring how it looks ( functionality comes first ). I then started learning blueprints through Smartpoly youtube channel’s “blueprint for beginners unreal engine 5” 2023. But it seems like he explains more to the audience familiar with game dev. He didn’t explain why he uses certain gameplay frameworks ( get player controller or get owning player pawn) for different object inputs in cast to thirdperson blueprint or when creating a health bar widget blueprint etc. Can someone suggest another approach to learning? E.g. roadmap, youtube videos ? Just in case also know Russian language if there are any useful resources there. Appreciate any help.

[ClockworkOcean]

You’re experiencing the same thing everybody does when they start learning.

There are various things that I’ve NEVER seen explained properly, but you end up picking a lot up eventually by osmosis

There’s a lot of rubbish tutorials on youtube, when they just immediately start coding things in the player controller, or game mode, without saying WHY they are actually doing this. And it often turns out to be wrong

Best thing is to just keep going, and keep looking at different vids, and you will find your own way in the end.

There is no golden path to follow, I’m afraid. If only there was a big book…

[Mind-Brain]

Hey @pre4z!

@ClockworkOcean is right, you eventually realize that nobody is really getting it all perfectly efficient 100% of the time. And there HAVE been books… unfortunately because of the nature of print media and the acceleration of technology they go out of date VERY, VERY quickly. I once found a “UE4 for Dummies” at my local bookstore and it was 24 versions behind with no available updates, it was comical.

I’m going to go ahead and give you this tutorial that I know covers a lot of bases. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from beginners and intermediates who have done this:

Your First Game In Unreal Engine 5 | Tutorial

Aside from that, I suggest deep diving on a subject, then another, then another. Learning everything there is to know about the engine is almost impossible as it grows so quickly, you can ABSOLUTELY feel free to stop and change subjects when you feel you’ve reached the amount you need to know for your game.

The best way to learn is by doing. Start making a game, start another one, start yet another one, and you’ll notice each time you will get further before reaching a wall of knowledge, and when you do, seek out a tutorial.

A badly made game is still a game and it’s a learning experience, don’t let yourself believe you can’t do something if it’s not perfect. Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.