Noob Q: why does my character "fly" and not come down on blank project?

Okay, I’m baffled here. I start an empty project, and when I click play, I am able to “jump” using spacebar / xbox A button… but the character does not come down again.

Also, pressing “forward” causes me to fly through the air rather than move along the ground.

Why is this the default behavior, and how can I change it?

Thanks in advance!

The default pawn I believe is the spectator pawn. You can change that in Project Settings -> Maps & Modes -> Game mode.

You are right – I had thought I changed the mode, but evidently I hadn’t. Thank you!