This article was updated in 2026 by CTO expert of WhimsyGames.
KEY POINTS OF THE ARTICLE
- Introduction to Unreal Engine 5. This tool is most used by game makers, online artists, and movie makers.
- Highlights for Unreal Engine 5.1. This version brings new tools, adds more things you can do, and fixes many issues for online production.
- Unreal Engine 4 and 5 differ in several ways. UE5 supports up to 10 billion polygons, allowing for much larger and more detailed worlds than previous versions.
- UE5’s updated Lumen lighting system provides realistic, real-time lighting effects. In contrast, achieving similar results in UE4 requires more computing power.
- The new editor in UE5 offers improved plugin support and helps users work more efficiently.
- UE5 introduces new design tools and models, giving users more options and creative freedom.
- However, Lumen and Nanite in UE5 do not yet support virtual reality.
If you’re new to game development, the many software choices can feel overwhelming. Unreal Engine 5, released by Epic Games, brings new features for game developers, digital artists, and filmmakers. The latest version, Unreal 5.1, adds more tools, features, and bug fixes to improve virtual production. Unreal Engine is known for its impressive and realistic rendering. In this article, Whimsy Games compares Unreal Engine 4 and 5.
History and Evolution of Unreal Engine
The history and evolution of Unreal Engine trace back to its 1998 inception as a pioneering game engine developed by Epic Games. Originally created for the first-person shooter game Unreal, this engine showcased groundbreaking graphics rendering capabilities and set a new standard for game development. Over the years, Unreal Engine has gone through several iterations, each introducing innovative features and technologies. Unreal Engine 2 followed in 2002, expanding its reach to a broader range of genres, while Unreal Engine 3, launched in 2006, became famous for its remarkable visual fidelity and was widely adopted across the industry for both games and cinematic experiences. The transition to Unreal Engine 4 in 2014 marked a significant shift as Epic Games adopted a free-to-use model, enabling developers of all sizes to access high-quality tools without upfront costs. The latest iteration, Unreal Engine 5, was officially released in 2021, bringing cutting-edge advancements such as Nanite and Lumen that empower developers to create highly detailed worlds with dynamic lighting and enormous scalability. This evolution not only reflects the technological advancements of the gaming industry but also Epic Games’ commitment to supporting a creative community that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in game development.
If you are considering moving from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, consider the benefits, such as improved graphics, lighting, and scalability. These features can improve your project, but be sure to check for compatibility and migration challenges before switching.
Scripting Languages and Capabilities
One of the key differences between Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5 is the evolution of scripting languages and capabilities. In Unreal Engine 4, the primary language was Blueprint, a visual scripting system that allowed developers to prototype and build complex game mechanics without deep programming knowledge, while C++ was available for those looking to dive into more advanced functionality. However, Unreal Engine 5 significantly enhances this foundation by integrating additional programming paradigms, broadening the scope of development. With improved C++ support, developers now benefit from a more streamlined code management system and better performance optimization, which are essential for larger, more complex projects. Features such as the enhanced gameplay framework and collaboration with more advanced libraries allow developers to create more dynamic interactions and sophisticated gameplay experiences. The combination of these capabilities not only provides a more accessible entry point for budding developers but also equips seasoned programmers with the tools to push the limits of what can be achieved within the Unreal Engine ecosystem.
Marketplace and Ecosystem
Unreal Engine’s Marketplace and ecosystem have grown a lot, especially with Unreal Engine 5. The Marketplace offers thousands of assets like 3D models, textures, sound effects, and plugins that are easy to use in any project. These resources help both new and experienced developers work faster and improve their games or virtual productions. Tools like Quixel Bridge make it simple to use photogrammetry assets and speed up the art process. The Unreal community is active, with forums and events where developers share ideas and work together, driving innovation in game development.
Applications and Industry Usage
Unreal Engine 4 and 5 are used in many industries, not just gaming. Both engines help developers create immersive games, but Unreal Engine 5 offers even better visuals and detail. In film and animation, Unreal Engine is used for real-time rendering and virtual production, making it easier for filmmakers to plan scenes. Architects use it to present projects interactively to clients. Unreal Engine’s tools also support virtual and augmented reality, which are useful for training, education, and therapy. As more industries use these technologies, Unreal Engine’s flexibility and advanced features encourage innovation and creativity.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Unreal Engine 4 and 5 have earned major recognition in the gaming industry for their impact on game development and interactive experiences. Unreal Engine 5, especially with features like Nanite and Lumen, has won awards and praise for its design and performance. Developers appreciate its ease of use and the high quality it delivers. Many successful games have been made with these engines, strengthening Unreal Engine’s reputation and showing how it helps developers and artists achieve their creative goals.
Legal Aspects and Licensing
Understanding the legal aspects and licensing of Unreal Engine 4 and 5 is important. Both engines use a royalty-based model, so developers only pay royalties after reaching a certain revenue threshold. This approach makes high-quality game development accessible to both small and large teams. Unreal Engine 5 keeps many of the same principles as UE4 but updates some terms for today’s industry needs. Developers have a lot of freedom to use assets in commercial projects, but there are some restrictions on sharing certain content from the Unreal Engine Marketplace. It’s important for developers to know these rules to stay compliant and protect their work.
Unreal Engine 4 vs 5 on Older and Low-End Hardware
When comparing Unreal Engine 4 and 5 on older or low-end hardware, it’s important to look at performance. Unreal Engine 5 adds features like Nanite and Lumen for better graphics, but these may not work well on older systems. Unreal Engine 4 is better suited for lower-end hardware and offers smoother performance, even if it lacks the latest visual upgrades. Developers should consider these factors when choosing an engine, especially if they want their projects to run on a wide range of devices.
Transition Challenges: Migrating Projects from UE4 to UE5
Moving from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 comes with challenges. Developers need to adapt their projects to UE5’s new features and architecture, which can be quite different from UE4. For example, Nanite and Lumen require changes in how assets and lighting are managed. There may also be compatibility issues with custom scripts and plugins. Developers should test and adjust their projects to keep performance and visuals high. Knowing these challenges ahead of time helps teams prepare and make the most of UE5’s new features.
Unreal Engine 5 adds new features that improve realism and creativity, making it a major upgrade over Unreal Engine 4.
Unreal Engine 5 is a big step forward from Unreal Engine 4. It brings new features that improve realism, make game development easier, and expand what’s possible in interactive experiences.
Main Differences between Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5
Unreal Engine 4 and 5 are both powerful game engines, but UE5 offers features that improve the user experience. The main difference is how many polygons each can handle. UE5 supports up to 10 billion polygons, while UE4 handles only a few million. This allows for much larger and more detailed environments in UE5.
UE5: New Features
If you want to develop VR games or make movies, Unreal Engine is a top software choice. UE5’s new features offer smooth performance and impressive results, making game development more efficient and engaging. For example, the MetaHuman tool lets you easily create realistic characters, which is helpful for character artists or for adding non-playable characters to large game worlds. It also speeds up the animation process, making it faster and easier for everyone involved.
Lighting
Another major difference between UE4 and UE5 is the lighting system. In UE4, making lighting look realistic required extra steps, and the results were not always true to life. UE5 introduces Lumen, a system that creates real-time, natural-looking lighting by simulating how light actually moves.
Unreal Engine 5 has dynamic lighting enabled by default, so lights change naturally as objects move, creating lifelike scenes. In UE4, raytracing was available but harder to use. It required a powerful graphics card and CPU, and users needed to adjust settings and understand lighting in detail.
In UE4, adding lighting manually was only the beginning. Raytracing required a lot of computing power, so it was hard to use in games. With UE5’s Lumen, even newer computers can achieve realistic, real-time lighting effects similar to raytracing, updating as you play.
However, Lumen and Nanite in UE5 are not yet compatible with virtual reality.
User Experience and Interface
Unreal Engine 5 brings a major upgrade to the editor. While UE4 was visually appealing, it was designed about ten years ago. The new UE5 editor is modern, simple, and user-friendly. It features a Create tab, improved support for plugins like Quixel and Substance, a better launcher, and a new content browser for easier searching.
Most guides and information for UE4 still apply to UE5. There are some new features, and the interface looks more modern.
Modelling Tools
Another difference between Unreal Engine 4 and 5 is the addition of modeling, sculpting, and UV unwrapping tools in UE5. The new Modelling Mode lets users quickly customize models with different tools. Users also have access to Landscape, Foliage, Mesh Paint, Animation modes, and a brush editing mode for Mesh Paint.
At Whimsy Games, our team of experts has been working with Unreal Engine 5 since its early access. We have gained extensive knowledge of its advanced features to create visually stunning, engaging, and high-performing games.
FAQ
Unreal Engine 4 typically runs better on older hardware compared to Unreal Engine 5. UE5 introduces advanced features, such as Nanite and Lumen, which require more powerful systems. For those with limited resources, UE4 remains a more viable option for developing games without compromising performance significantly.
Unreal Engine 5 introduces several exciting features that set it apart from Unreal Engine 4. Here are some of the standout additions:
Nanite Virtualized Geometry: This groundbreaking technology enables artists to create incredibly detailed environments without worrying about polygon counts, delivering film-quality assets in real time.
Lumen Global Illumination: Lumen is a fully dynamic lighting solution that reacts to scene changes and simulates realistic lighting effects, enhancing overall visual fidelity.
MetaHuman Creator: This tool allows creators to easily design highly realistic digital humans with customizable features, making character creation more accessible and efficient.
World Partition System: This feature streamlines the process of creating vast open worlds by automatically dividing the game world into manageable sections, loading and unloading them as needed.
Improved Animation Tools: Enhanced animation workflows enable more intuitive rigging and blending of animations directly within the editor, resulting in smoother character movements.
Enhanced Audio System: Unreal Engine 5 includes new audio tools that enhance sound design capabilities, enabling more immersive audio experiences in games.
These features collectively elevate the development process and empower creators to push the boundaries of what’s possible in interactive entertainment!
Unreal Engine 5 builds on the graphical capabilities of its predecessor, Unreal Engine 4, elevating them to new heights. With features like Nanite, which enables incredibly detailed geometry and high-fidelity visuals without sacrificing performance, and Lumen for real-time global illumination, UE5 offers a more immersive, visually stunning experience. While UE4 was already known for its impressive graphics, UE5 offers enhanced realism, improved lighting effects, and greater overall visual fidelity. So if you’re looking to push the envelope on graphics quality, Unreal Engine 5 is definitely where it’s at!
