03 install unreal engine

Briefing Document: Unreal Engine Installation and Setup

This document outlines the essential steps and key considerations for installing and setting up Unreal Engine, drawing from the provided "03_install_unreal.mp4" source.

I. Pre-Installation Requirements and System Preparation

Before beginning the Unreal Engine installation, several crucial preparatory steps are necessary to ensure a smooth process and optimal performance.

A. System Updates:

• Windows Update: It is imperative to ensure the operating system is up to date. Users should navigate to the Windows Start Menu > Settings > Windows Update and "click on check for updates." Any available updates should be installed, potentially requiring a system restart. This step "will ensure that your Windows is up to date."

B. Graphics Card Driver Update:

• Identify GPU: Users must first identify their graphic card. This can be done by right-clicking on the Task Manager, navigating to the "Performance" tab, and selecting "GPU" from the list. The GPU name and dedicated memory (e.g., "16 GB") will be displayed.
• Nvidia Studio Driver Recommendation: For Unreal Engine applications, the Nvidia Studio driver is explicitly recommended over the GeForce Game Ready driver.

1. Driver Download Methods:Direct Download: Search "Nvidia drivers" in a browser, navigate to the official Nvidia drivers download page, select the product category (e.g., GeForce), series (e.g., RTX 50 series), specific card (e.g., RTX5070Ti), and operating system (e.g., Windows 11). Then, locate and download the "Nvidia Studio driver."
2. Nvidia App: Alternatively, users can download and install the "Nvidia app." Once installed, the app will display the "installed Nvidia Studio driver" and provide an "update button" if a newer version is available. If the latest driver is already installed, a "reinstalled button" will be visible.

• Importance: Ensuring "Our graphic card driver is up to date" is a critical pre-requisite.

II. Epic Games Account Creation and Launcher Installation

Unreal Engine is accessed and managed through the Epic Games ecosystem.

A. Epic Games Account:

• Creation: Users must navigate to unrealengine.com and "create an Epic Games account" or "sign in" if they already possess one.
• Age Requirement: Users "should be above 18 years to enter into this site."
• Password Policy: Passwords must meet specific criteria: "at least one capital letter, one number and one special character."
• Email Verification: A verification number will be sent to the registered email address, which must be entered to complete the account setup.

B. Epic Games Launcher:

• Download: From the Unreal Engine website, click "get Unreal Engine" or the "download button," then specifically "download the Epic game launcher."
• Installation: After downloading, double-click the installer, accepting the default folder for installation. The launcher will then download "a few updates."
• Login: Sign into the Epic Games Launcher using the newly created (or existing) Epic Games account credentials.

III. Unreal Engine Installation

With the Epic Games Launcher installed and logged in, the next step is to install the Unreal Engine itself.

A. Navigating to Unreal Engine in Launcher:

• Within the Epic Games Launcher, click on "Unreal Engine" in the left-hand menu.
• Locate the "install engine" button, typically a yellow button in the right-hand corner.

B. Version Selection:

• The current latest version is displayed (e.g., "5.6.1").
• Users can click the "+" button and use the drop-down menu to "select any of the previous version and you can install it if required."

C. Installation Path and Disk Space:

• Significant Space Requirement: Unreal Engine requires substantial disk space, ranging "at least 40 GB to 160 GB."
• Custom Installation Location: It is highly recommended to install Unreal Engine on a drive with sufficient space, separate from the system drive if necessary. The source demonstrates creating a new folder (e.g., "Unreal") on a different drive (e.g., "E drive") and setting this as the installation path. This allows for better organization and prevents system drive overload.

D. Installation Options:

• Core Components: "Core components starter content templates and future packs and engine source are enabled here" by default and are essential.
• Metahuman Creator Core Data: This component is also identified as a compulsory installation item.
• Optional Components:Edit Symbols for Debugging: Recommended if disk space permits.
• Target Platforms: Users can select desired target platforms, such as "Android, iOS and Linux and tvOS." This will increase the total installation size.
• Total Size: The total download size and final installation size will be displayed (e.g., "download size is 36.9 MB and my total installation will be around 118 GB").

E. Installation Process:

• Click "install" after configuring options.
• The installation time "will take a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum sometimes even up to 2 hours depending upon your internet connection."

IV. Initial Launch and Project Setup

Once Unreal Engine is fully installed, it's ready for its first launch and project creation.

A. Network Access Prompts:

• Upon the first launch, if prompted for "public and private network access," users should "click on allow here" for both the Unreal Engine and Unreal Editor.

B. Unreal Project Browser:

• After initialization, the "Unreal project browser window now open" will appear.
• Templates: The browser presents a variety of pre-built templates categorized for different uses:
• Games: Blank, First Person, Third Person, Top Down, Vehicle, Virtual Reality, Handheld AR.
• Film Video and Live Events: Blank, Virtual Production, DMX, In Camera VFX, In Display, Motion Design.
• Architecture: Blank, Arcbased Design, Configurator, Collab Viewer, Handheld AR.
• Automotive Product Designing and Manufacturing: Photo Studio, Product Configurator, Collab Viewer, Handheld AR.
• Simulation: Simulation Blank, Handheld AR, Virtual Reality. These "readymade templates" provide a starting point for various projects.

C. Creating a New Project:

• Template Selection: Select a suitable template (e.g., "Blank project" from Film Video and Live Events).
• Project Name: Assign a "project name" (e.g., "my first project").
• Project Location: Choose a dedicated folder for Unreal projects (e.g., creating "Unreal projects" folder on E drive).
• Shader Compilation: Upon creation, the project will display "compiling shaders," which "will take a few seconds to complete this."