Unreal Engine

A high-end engine for realistic 3D games, with visual scripting.

  • Free
  • Jam-friendly

What it does

Unreal Engine powers many AAA games and is known for high-quality 3D rendering. Beginners can build gameplay with Blueprints, a node-based visual scripting system, before moving on to C++. It is free to use, with a royalty once a game earns over a set amount.

Highlights

  • Blueprints visual scripting and C++
  • High-end 3D rendering and lighting
  • Free Fab content and learning portal
  • Full engine source available on GitHub

Is it right for me?

Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Useful for
Indie developers, Students, Studios, Professionals
Game jams
A good fit — quick to pick up and use under time pressure.

Pairs well with

Fab

Game assets

Epic's marketplace for 3D models, materials and Unreal content.

  • Free + paid plans
  • Good for beginners

Blender

Art & graphics

A free, open-source suite for 3D modelling, animation and more.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Godot Engine

Game engines

A free, open-source engine for 2D and 3D games.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Bitsy

Game engines

Make tiny pixel-art exploration and story games in your browser.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners