Unreal Engine is a powerful and versatile game engine that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers a wide range of features and tools that make it an ideal choice for game developers, artists, and designers. However, with so many versions available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the various versions of Unreal Engine and help you determine which one is best suited to your needs.

Unreal Engine Versions

As of March 2023, there are currently six versions of Unreal Engine available:

1. Unreal Engine 5.0 – The latest version of the engine, released in December 2020, offers a range of new features and improvements over previous versions. These include real-time ray tracing, advanced animation tools, and improved performance.
2. Unreal Engine 4.26 – This version of the engine was released in October 2021 and includes new features such as improved support for virtual production, enhanced physics simulation, and better integration with cloud platforms.
3. Unreal Engine 4.25 – Released in July 2021, this version of the engine includes a range of improvements over previous versions, including enhanced graphics and animation tools, better support for VR development, and improved performance.
4. Unreal Engine 4.24 – This version of the engine was released in December 2020 and includes new features such as real-time ray tracing, advanced animation tools, and improved performance.
5. Unreal Engine 4.23 – Released in July 2021, this version of the engine includes a range of improvements over previous versions, including enhanced graphics and animation tools, better support for VR development, and improved performance.
6. Unreal Engine 4.22 – This version of the engine was released in December 1990 and includes new features such as improved support for virtual production, enhanced physics simulation, and better integration with cloud platforms.

Choosing the Right Version

When choosing which Unreal Engine version to download, there are a few key factors that you should consider:

• Your project requirements – Consider what specific features and tools you will need for your project. If you require real-time ray tracing or advanced animation tools, then Unreal Engine 5.0 may be the best choice.
• Your budget – Consider your budget when choosing which version of the engine to download. While the latest versions of the engine offer the most advanced features and tools, they also come with a higher price tag. Older versions of the engine may be more cost-effective.
• Your level of experience – Consider your level of experience with Unreal Engine when choosing which version to download. The latest version of the engine may have new features that require additional training or support, while older versions may be more familiar and easier to use.
• Compatibility with other software – Consider whether the version of Unreal Engine you choose is compatible with other software or assets you plan to use in your project. Some older versions of the engine may not be able to export to certain file formats or work with certain tools, so it’s important to check before making a decision.
• Support availability – Consider the level of support available for each version of the engine. The latest versions of the engine may have more resources and community support available, while older versions may have limited options.

In addition to these factors, you should also consider your specific project requirements and goals when choosing a version of Unreal Engine. For example, if you are working on a game that requires real-time ray tracing, then Unreal Engine 5.0 may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you are working on a virtual production project that requires support for cloud platforms, then Unreal Engine 4.26 may be more suitable.

Unreal Engine 5.0: What’s New?

Unreal Engine 5.0 was released in December 2020 and includes several new features and improvements over previous versions. Some of the key features include:

• Real-time ray tracing – This feature allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in games and virtual productions. It is particularly useful for creating immersive and interactive environments.
• Advanced animation tools – Unreal Engine 5.0 includes several new animation tools that allow for more precise and realistic movement of characters and objects. These include features such as motion capture, skeletal animations, and physics-based simulations.
• Improved performance – Unreal Engine 5.0 includes several performance improvements over previous versions, including faster rendering times and better support for large-scale environments.
• Better integration with cloud platforms – Unreal Engine 5.0 includes improved support for cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, making it easier to deploy and scale virtual productions.

Unreal Engine 4.26: What’s New?

Unreal Engine 4.26 was released in October 2021 and includes several new features and improvements over previous versions. Some of the key features include:

• Improved support for virtual production – Unreal Engine 4.26 includes several new features designed specifically for virtual production, including support for cloud-based rendering and improved integration with virtual reality platforms.
• Enhanced physics simulation – This feature allows for more realistic and interactive physics in games and simulations. It is particularly useful for creating dynamic and immersive environments.
• Better support for mobile development – Unreal Engine 4.26 includes several new features designed specifically for mobile development, including support for ARKit and ARCore.

Unreal Engine 4.25: What’s New?

Unreal Engine 4.25 was released in July 2021 and includes several new features and improvements over previous versions. Some of the key features include:

• Enhanced graphics and animation tools – Unreal Engine 4.25 includes several new graphics and animation tools that allow for more precise and realistic movement of characters and objects. These include features such as motion capture, skeletal animations, and physics-based simulations.
• Improved support for VR development – This feature allows for better integration with virtual reality platforms such as Oculus and HTC Vive. It includes new features such as support for hand tracking and improved performance.
• Better support for cloud platforms – Unreal Engine 4.25 includes improved support for cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, making it easier to deploy and scale virtual productions.

Summary

In conclusion, when choosing which version of Unreal Engine to download, it is important to consider your project requirements, budget, level of experience, compatibility with other software, and support availability. Each version of the engine offers a range of features and tools that may be suitable for different types of projects. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right version of the engine to help you create your next game or virtual production.