The Ultimate Unreal Engine 2D Game Development Course from Udemy

Welcome to The Ultimate Unreal Engine 2D Game Development Course.

This is the most comprehensive and effective course you'll ever find about making 2D and 2D/3D hybrid games with Unreal Engine 5.

Through teaching Unreal Engine on YouTube and also in person at a Japanese Game Dev school for the past couple of years I've gained an understanding of what students are really looking for and designed this course to teach you Paper 2D and PaperZD step by step in a structured manner.

If you're completely new to Unreal Engine you can check out the Unreal Engine 5 Crash Course which is included in one of the early chapters.

We'll start out slowly by making a one-button-minigame that teaches you about how to import sprites and use them in your scene. You'll also learn about project settings we need to adjust and about the enhanced input action system which we'll use throughout all of the other chapters in this course as well.

The second game will teach you all about using sprite sheets and how we can create flipbooks.

We'll also look at how to switch between the idle and run flipbook during gameplay and how to play footstep sounds on the correct animation frames.

Since we want the background to be dynamically adjustable I'll also teach you how we can use a background sprite in a blueprint, attach collisions to them and dynamically change them in the construction script depending on how long we want the stage to be.

The Third game is a classic platformer game and will be the first projects using the free PaperZD plugin to improve the workflow of making 2D games with Unreal Engine.

Here you'll learn how to set up an animation source and animation blueprint file with PaperZD and use them to create animation graphs and animation notifies.We'll also create enemies that can detect walls and ledges to change the direction they walk in and can interact with the player when being stomped on or touching the player character.

You'll also learn how to create a one-way platform that we can jump through form the bottom, but don't fall through from the top.

The forth game will combine all the things we've learned and will be the first 2D/3D hybrid game we create.

This means that our characters are 2D pixel art, however the backgrounds are 3D environments which allow us to make use of all of the amazing features of Unreal Engine.

For this game we don't only have platformer mechanics, but we'll also implement hitboxes, a stun system a damage system and many more things you'll need to know about for most of your games.

To lean into metroidvania mechanics we also create an unlockable sword throw ability, which allows you to stick swords into the wall and use them as platforms to reach higher areas.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to make 2d games with unreal engine 5
Create 4 awesome games of various genres
All about sprites, flipbooks, tile maps and tile sets
How to use the free paperzd plugin to enhance your 2d games
Unreal engine blueprints, starting from the basics up to intermediate usage

Set up animation trees and anim notifies for your 2d animations
Create 2d enemy ai using the ai controller and behavior trees
How to mix 2d sprites with 3d backgrounds to create 2d/3d hybrid games
How to polish up your game using hitstop, sprite shake, coyote time and jump buffering

How to make 2d games with unreal engine 5
Create 4 awesome games of various genres
All about sprites, flipbooks, tile maps and tile sets
How to use the free paperzd plugin to enhance your 2d games
Unreal engine blueprints, starting from the basics up to intermediate usage
Set up animation trees and anim notifies for your 2d animations
Create 2d enemy ai using the ai controller and behavior trees
How to mix 2d sprites with 3d backgrounds to create 2d/3d hybrid games
How to polish up your game using hitstop, sprite shake, coyote time and jump buffering

Syllabus

Understand what this course is about and how to effectively learn the material

Curriculum Overview

Why make 2D Games with Unreal Engine?

What version of Unreal Engine to use

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers core gameplay mechanics and animation as used in the industry

Taught by an experienced instructor at a Japanese Game Dev school and active on YouTube

Curriculum progressing from simple minigames to 2D/3D hybrid platformers supports new and intermediate learners

Provides hands-on experience in game development with 4 games across various genres

Introduces students to the free PaperZD plugin for enhanced 2D game development in Unreal Engine

Emphasizes polish and gameplay mechanics such as Coyote Time and Jump Buffering

Reviews summary

Comprehensive unreal engine 2d game development

According to students, this course is a highly effective and comprehensive introduction to Unreal Engine 5 for 2D game development. Learners particularly praise the practical, project-based approach, noting that they build four complete games throughout the curriculum. The instructor's clear explanations and step-by-step guidance are frequently highlighted, making complex topics like Paper 2D and PaperZD accessible. While primarily geared for beginners to intermediate users, some more experienced learners may find the initial pace slow. Overall, students appreciate the course's hands-on nature and its coverage of crucial aspects like Blueprints, animations, and even 2D/3D hybrid elements.

Instructor keeps the course updated for UE5.

"The instructor has been great at updating the course for newer Unreal Engine 5 versions, which is a huge plus."

"It's clear the course is actively maintained; I appreciate the effort to keep it current."

"Some sections have been updated to reflect changes in UE5, showing the instructor's dedication."

Well-suited for Unreal Engine beginners.

"As someone new to Unreal Engine, the crash course and the gradual introduction were incredibly helpful."

"This course is perfect if you're starting from scratch with UE, it holds your hand just enough."

"I found the initial pace very comfortable for a beginner; I didn't feel lost at any point."

Excellent coverage of PaperZD plugin for 2D games.

"Finally, a course that properly covers PaperZD! It makes 2D development in Unreal so much smoother."

"I learned so much about using Paper 2D and PaperZD; it demystified 2D game creation in UE for me."

"The course effectively demonstrated how to leverage the PaperZD plugin to create compelling 2D animations."

Hands-on projects reinforce learning effectively.

"Building the four games was the best way to learn. I actually have playable demos now!"

"I loved the practical assignments; it made the theoretical knowledge immediately applicable."

"The course structure around building actual games makes the learning process incredibly engaging and valuable."

Instructor provides clear, step-by-step explanations.

"The instructor explains concepts very clearly and logically, making it easy to follow along even for complex topics."

"I really appreciate the step-by-step approach; it never felt overwhelming, and I understood everything."

"His teaching style is fantastic, truly one of the best I've encountered in online courses. Very patient and thorough."

Initial sections may be slow for experienced users.

"While thorough, I felt some of the very early lessons were a bit slow, given my prior UE experience."

"If you've used Unreal before, you might want to skim the first few chapters as they cover basic navigation."

"For someone familiar with the engine, the initial setup felt a little drawn out, but it picked up quickly."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Ultimate Unreal Engine 2D Game Development Course with these activities:

Review Basic Unreal Engine Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation by reviewing the fundamental concepts of Unreal Engine.

Browse courses on Blueprints

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Review the Unreal Engine documentation on Blueprints
Create a simple Blueprint to practice your skills

Review Basic 2D Game Design Principles

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Sharpen your understanding of the core principles of 2D game design.

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Review articles or books on 2D game design
Analyze different 2D games to identify their strengths and weaknesses

Create a Collection of Resources on 2D Game Development in Unreal Engine

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Expand your knowledge base by compiling resources on 2D game development in Unreal Engine.

Browse courses on Resources

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Search for and gather resources on 2D game development in Unreal Engine
Organize the resources into a logical structure, such as by topic or skill level
Share your collection with others

Four other activities

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Implement Basic Enemy AI

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Enhance your ability to create engaging enemy AI by practicing with behavior trees.

Browse courses on Enemy AI

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Create a new enemy Blueprint
Add a Behavior Tree component to your enemy Blueprint
Create a simple behavior tree that controls the enemy's movement and attacks
Test your enemy AI in-game

Create a Simple 2D Platformer Game

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Put your skills to the test by creating a functional 2D platformer game.

Browse courses on 2D Platformer

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Design your game's levels
Create the level geometry and place obstacles
Implement the player character's movement and abilities
Add enemies and other gameplay elements
Test your game and make adjustments

Design and Implement a Level with Multiple Enemy Types

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Demonstrate your mastery of level design and enemy AI by creating a challenging and engaging level.

Browse courses on Level Design

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Sketch out a design for your level
Create the level in Unreal Engine, placing enemies and obstacles strategically
Implement the enemy AI for each type of enemy
Test your level and make adjustments as needed

Follow a Tutorial on Creating a 2D Metroidvania Game

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Expand your skillset by learning how to create a 2D metroidvania game.

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Find a tutorial on creating a 2D metroidvania game
Follow the tutorial step by step, paying attention to the details
Experiment with different techniques and mechanics

Career center

Learners who complete The Ultimate Unreal Engine 2D Game Development Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Developer

Game Developers use skills in computer science, design, and art to bring video game ideas into reality. This course would give you the skills needed to make 2D video games using Unreal Engine 5. You will learn how to use sprites, flipbooks, and Tile Maps to create game environments and characters. You will also learn how to use the PaperZD plugin to enhance your 2D games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Game Programmer

Game Programmers write code to implement the game's mechanics and bring game ideas to life. This course will teach you how to set up animation trees, anim notifies, and create 2D enemy AI using the AI Controller and Behavior Trees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Game Designer

Game Designers come up with the ideas and rules for video games, such as the game's story, characters, and levels. This course may be useful for Game Designers who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

UI/UX Designer

UI/UX Designers create the user interface for video games, making sure that the game is easy to play and enjoyable. This course may be useful for UI/UX Designers who want to learn how to create 2D game interfaces using Unreal Engine 5.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer

Technical Animator

Technical Animators create the animations for video game characters. This course may be useful for Technical Animators who want to learn how to create 2D animations using Unreal Engine 5.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Animator

Level Designer

Level Designers create the game's levels, including the layout, scenery, and objects. This course may be useful for Level Designers who want to learn how to create 2D levels using Unreal Engine 5.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Character Artist

Character Artists create the art for video game characters. This course may be useful for Character Artists who want to learn how to create 2D characters using Unreal Engine 5.

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Environment Artist

Environment Artists create the art for video game environments. This course may be useful for Environment Artists who want to learn how to create 2D environments using Unreal Engine 5.

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Technical Artist

Technical Artists bridge the gap between art and programming in video games. This course may be useful for Technical Artists who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write code to create software and applications. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Web Developer

Web Developers create and maintain websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses understand their needs and develop solutions to improve their operations. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn how to create 2D games using Unreal Engine 5.

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