Make a 2D Top Down Game in Unreal Engine 5 - Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a 2D top-down game using Unreal Engine 5. We will utilize the PaperZD plugin for multi-directional animations, making our game visually engaging. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential processes of character setup, animation creation, and input handling, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your game.

Step 1: Activate PaperZD Plugin

• Open Unreal Engine 5.
• Navigate to the Edit menu and select Plugins.
• Search for the PaperZD plugin and enable it.
• Restart the Unreal Engine editor to apply the changes.

Step 2: Prepare Character Sprites

• Download the character sprites from the provided links.
• Import the sprites into your Unreal project by dragging them into the Content Browser.
• Ensure all sprites are set up correctly in your project settings.

Step 3: Set Up the Character Blueprint

• Right-click in the Content Browser and create a new Blueprint Class.
• Select Character as the base class.
• Name the blueprint (e.g., BP_TopDownCharacter).
• Open the blueprint and configure:
  • Add a Sprite Component for 2D visuals.
  • Set the default sprite to your desired character sprite.

Step 4: Create Top Down Animations

• Open the PaperZD editor within Unreal Engine.
• Create a new animation sequence for each direction your character can move (e.g., up, down, left, right).
• Ensure that each animation is smooth and transitions well between states.

Step 5: Create the Animation Blueprint

• Right-click in the Content Browser and select Animation > Animation Blueprint.
• Choose the Skeleton for your character.
• In the animation blueprint, set up state machines to switch between idle and moving animations based on character velocity.

Step 6: Set Up Enhanced Input

• Go to Edit > Project Settings.
• Under the Input section, enable the Enhanced Input System.
• Create an input mapping context and define the controls for movement (e.g., W, A, S, D).
• Bind these inputs to the character blueprint to allow player control.

Step 7: Adjust Project Settings

• In the Project Settings, ensure your project is set to use 2D settings.
• Configure the resolution and aspect ratio suitable for a top-down game.
• Check collision settings to prevent the character from passing through obstacles.

Step 8: Set Up Sprite Direction

• In the character blueprint, implement logic to determine the direction the sprite should face based on movement input.
• Use variables to track the current direction and update the sprite accordingly.

Step 9: Switch Between Idle and Moving States

• Within the animation blueprint, create transitions based on the character's movement speed.
• Ensure that when the character is stationary, the idle animation plays, and when moving, the appropriate directional animation plays.

Step 10: Add Wall Detection

• Implement wall detection by using collision boxes around your character.
• Use raycasting to detect walls and prevent movement through them.

Step 11: Make it a 2D/3D Hybrid

• If desired, configure your game to allow for both 2D and 3D elements.
• Set up camera settings to switch between 2D and 3D views smoothly, enhancing gameplay experience.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the essential steps to create a 2D top-down game in Unreal Engine 5, including activating the PaperZD plugin, preparing character sprites, and setting up animations and input systems. With this foundation, you can expand your game further by adding features like enemies, levels, and additional mechanics. Happy game developing!