Unreal Engine 4: How to Develop Your First Two Games Course Syllabus

Overview: This hands-on course guides beginners through the core workflows of Unreal Engine 4 by building two complete games from scratch. You'll progress through essential topics including editor navigation, level design, Blueprint scripting, character controls, AI behavior, visual effects, and UI creation. With over 6 hours of focused content, the course emphasizes practical, project-based learning to help you create polished interactive experiences. Each module builds on the last, culminating in a final project that combines all learned skills into a deployable game. Lifetime access allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit concepts as needed.

Module 1: Editor Essentials & Project Setup

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Installing Unreal Engine 4 and navigating the editor interface
• Organizing assets using the Content Browser
• Creating and configuring blank and template-based projects
• Managing scenes and understanding project structure

Module 2: Level Design & Environment Building

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Using BSP brushes for basic geometry and level blocking
• Sculpting terrain with landscape tools
• Placing foliage and setting up environmental workflows
• Applying textures, decals, and lighting for visual cohesion

Module 3: Blueprint Fundamentals

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Understanding Blueprint nodes and execution flow
• Creating variables, functions, and custom events
• Building reusable logic with function libraries
• Implementing an interactive door and light switch system

Module 4: Player Character & Controls

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Setting up a Character Blueprint
• Configuring input for keyboard/mouse and touch controls
• Implementing third-person and first-person camera systems

Module 5: Basic AI & Navigation

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Creating AI Controllers and Behavior Trees
• Setting up Blackboard assets for decision-making
• Generating NavMesh volumes for pathfinding
• Programming simple AI patrol logic

Module 6: Materials, Shaders & Visual Effects

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Building material graphs with parameters and masks
• Creating dynamic materials using Blueprint data
• Adding particle systems for visual effects
• Applying post-process volumes for atmosphere and mood

Module 7: UI & HUD with UMG

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Designing UMG widgets for health bars and menus
• Creating interactive crosshairs and HUD elements
• Binding widget variables to in-game Blueprint logic

Module 8: Packaging & Optimization

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Configuring build settings for Windows and mobile platforms
• Profiling performance using Stat commands
• Applying basic optimization techniques for smoother gameplay

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with navigating software interfaces
• No prior game development or coding experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Navigate the Unreal Engine 4 editor and manage project assets efficiently
• Design and build fully functional game levels using BSP and landscape tools
• Create gameplay mechanics using Blueprint visual scripting without coding
• Implement player controls, AI behavior, and dynamic environments
• Package and deploy interactive games to desktop and mobile platforms