Create a Multiplayer Prop Hunt Game | Unreal Engine 5.4 Beginner Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a multiplayer Prop Hunt game using Unreal Engine 5.4. This step-by-step guide is designed for beginners, guiding you through importing characters, setting up game mechanics, and managing game modes. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a functional multiplayer game where players can morph into props and compete against each other.

Step 1: Set Up the Project and Soldier Character

• Open Unreal Engine 5 and create a new project.
• Import a custom soldier character model.
• Set up the character in the game environment for testing.

Step 2: Set Up Character Animations

• Import animation files for your soldier character.
• Assign animations to the character in the animation blueprint.
• Ensure the character can perform basic movements such as walking and jumping.

Step 3: Adjust Character Movement Settings

• Navigate to the character movement settings.
• Modify parameters such as walk speed and jump height to suit gameplay needs.
• Ensure smooth and responsive controls for the player character.

Step 4: Set Up the Rifle Aim Offset

• Add a rifle model to your character.
• Create an aim offset animation for the rifle.
• Adjust the animation to ensure it aligns correctly with the character's movements.

Step 5: Add the Rifle Weapon to the Character

• Create a new weapon component in the character blueprint.
• Attach the rifle model to the character’s hand bone.
• Set up input actions for shooting and aiming.

Step 6: Adjust Character Camera Settings

• Modify the camera settings to provide the best view for gameplay.
• Use a third-person or first-person perspective based on your design choice.
• Ensure the camera follows the character smoothly.

Step 7: Set Up Rifle Fire Logic and Line Trace

• Implement shooting logic using blueprints.
• Use line tracing to detect hits when the rifle is fired.
• Provide feedback (e.g., sound and visual effects) for shooting actions.

Step 8: Add Fire VFX to the Rifle

• Import visual effects for gunfire.
• Attach the effects to the rifle firing event.
• Ensure VFX triggers with every shot fired for immersive gameplay.

Step 9: Set Up the Prop Hunt Character Blueprint

• Create a new character blueprint for the Prop Hunt player.
• Add logic to allow this character to morph into props.
• Set up necessary variables to manage player state (prop or hunter).

Step 10: Set Up Prop Morph Ability

• Implement functionality that allows players to morph into any prop in the level.
• Use input bindings to trigger the morph ability.
• Test the morphing feature to ensure it works seamlessly.

Step 11: Set Up Spawn Prop Ability

• Create logic for players to spawn fake props.
• Implement a cooldown or limit on how many props can be spawned.
• Ensure the spawned props are distinguishable from real props.

Step 12: Set Up the Prop Hunt GameMode

• Create a GameMode to manage gameplay rules.
• Randomly select players to be the props at the start of each round.
• Define win conditions (e.g., last prop standing wins).

Step 13: Set Up User Interface Widgets

• Design UI widgets for the main menu and in-game HUD.
• Implement functionality for players to join or host games.
• Ensure the UI is user-friendly and responsive.

Step 14: Add a Simple Crosshair Widget

• Create a crosshair widget for aiming.
• Position it in the center of the screen for easy targeting.
• Ensure it updates based on the player’s aiming direction.

Step 15: Set Up Prop Character Health

• Implement health mechanics for the Prop Hunt character.
• Create logic for when the character is hit and how health is deducted.
• Provide feedback to the player when their health changes.

Step 16: Set Up Win or Lose Screen

• Design a UI screen to display the winner or loser at the end of the game.
• Implement logic to trigger this screen based on game events.
• Ensure smooth transitions between game rounds.

Step 17: Add a Countdown Timer

• Create a countdown timer for each game round.
• Display the timer on the UI.
• Implement logic to end the round when the timer runs out.

Step 18: Set Up Reset Game Logic

• Create functionality to reset the game state after each round.
• Ensure all players are reset to start fresh.
• Implement any necessary cleanup for props and characters.

Step 19: Add a Crosshair Hit Marker

• Implement a hit marker that appears when a player successfully hits an opponent.
• Use visual and audio cues to enhance feedback.
• Ensure the hit marker is clear and noticeable.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a multiplayer Prop Hunt game in Unreal Engine 5.4. This tutorial covered everything from setting up characters and animations to implementing game mechanics and user interfaces. Now, you can expand your game further by adding features like mobile input support or cross-platform functionality. For more advanced techniques, consider exploring additional resources or courses. Happy developing!