Unreal Engine 5 appears to be setting new standards for realism, performance, and the depth of engagement we feel in video games.
The latest version of this game development engine created by Epic Games is equipped with cutting-edge technological features, like Nanite virtualized geometry and Lumen real 3D time dynamic global illumination, which enable ultra-realistic graphics and dynamic lighting effects.
And although stunning visuals don’t necessarily make a game good and appealing, it definitely delivers an experience that captures the imagination.
That's why in this post, we'll dive into those games made with the new Unreal Engine that want to create truly unforgettable experiences.
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What is a Game Engine?
But to understand what’s so great about it, it's essential to understand what game engines are.
A game engine is the underlying software framework that developers use to build and develop video games. Think of it as the foundation of a house; while you might not see it, it's what holds everything together.
From graphics and sound to physics and AI, the game engine contains multiple sub-systems and manages all the various components that make a game tick.
With advanced engines like Unreal Engine 5, developers can achieve unparalleled levels of detail and interactivity, elevating not just the visual aspect, but the overall gaming experience.
Games Confirmed to Use Unreal Engine 5
Here is a list of UE5 games that you'll definitely want to keep an eye on.
While some of these titles haven't been released yet, they all promise to tap into the engine's unprecedented levels of realism and engagement.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Release date: 2024
Genre: Action Adventure
Developers: Ninja Theory
Hellblade's sequel aims to use Unreal Engine 5 to deepen the game's dark, complex narrative world. Enhanced lighting and rendering will add an additional layer of psychological realism to this adventure game, setting new benchmarks for visual storytelling.
Tomb Raider
Release date: TBA
Genre: Adventure
Developers: Crystal Dynamics
The new Tomb Raider game may harness Unreal Engine 5’s graphics for even more detailed puzzles and more visually compelling landscapes. The engine will allow for nuanced environmental storytelling, making each locale a character in its own right.
The Matrix Awakens
Release date: 2021
Genre: Action
Developers: Epic Games
With the use of Unreal Engine 5's cutting-edge real-time rendering, The Matrix Awakens is set to offer gameplay that blurs the line between gaming and cinema. Think of it as a movie where you hold the controls, thanks to hyper-realistic environments and physics.
Redfall
Release date: 2023
Genre: Open World Shooter
Developers: Arkane Studios
Redfall aims to offer an open-world experience filled with supernatural elements. Unreal Engine 5’s advanced AI and lighting features creates evolving worlds and smarter, more reactive enemies.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2
Release date: 2024
Genre: First Person Shooter
Developers: GSC Game World
The eeriness of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone will be even more palpable thanks to Unreal Engine 5's realism-enhancing features. Expect to see incredible details in the environmental storytelling, making the post-apocalyptic setting feel alarmingly lifelike.
Quantum Error
Release date: 2023
Genre: Cosmic-Horror First Person Shooter
Developers: TeamKill Media
Unreal Engine 5 will be at the forefront of creating Quantum Error’s atmospheric gameplay. You can anticipate terrifyingly lifelike monsters and environments that add new dimensions to this cosmic survival horror game, making it more than just another shooter.
Mass Effect: Omega
Release date: TBA
Genre: Action RPG
Developers: BioWare
The next chapter in the Mass Effect saga will use Unreal editor to up the ante in both storytelling and combat. Advanced lighting and physics will make alien worlds and space battles more engaging than ever.
Echoes of the End
Release date: TBA
Genre: Adventure
Developers: Myrkur Games
As a narrative-driven adventure, Echoes of the End will use Unreal Engine 5 to deliver visually breathtaking landscapes and highly detailed facial animations. This will add a layer of emotional depth to the story, making each character interaction deeply meaningful.
Layers of Fear
Release date: 2023
Genre: Psychological Horror
Developers: Bloober Team
The next installment in the Layers of Fear series will utilize Unreal Engine 5 to further heighten the tension in its psychological horror settings. Advanced lighting and sound techniques create environments that feel intensely unsettling from start to finish.
Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate
Release date: 2024
Genre: RPG
Developers: Square Enix
Square Enix' Dragon Quest will employ Unreal Engine 5 to bring a whole new level of gaming world-building. Expect more interactive quests and a visually stunning environment that will make each journey feel like an epic adventure.
Ark 2
Release date: 2024
Genre: Survival
Developers: Studio Wildcard
Ark 2 plans to use Unreal Engine 5 for more lifelike ecosystems and advanced gameplay mechanics. Imagine more intricate food chains and survival dynamics, all realized with stunning visual fidelity.
Dreamhouse: The Game
Release date: 2024
Genre: Simulation
Developers: DeSand Game Studios
Dreamhouse will use Unreal Engine 5’s architectural rendering features to offer unprecedented detail in its build-and-design gameplay. The engine will make it possible to create your dream home down to the most minute details.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Release date: 2023
Genre: Action
Developers: Respawn Entertainment
This Star Wars title utilizes Unreal Engine 5 for its high-octane action sequences and lightsaber duels. The force-powered abilities feel more immersive and visually spectacular, bringing you closer to the Star Wars universe than ever before.
Fortnite
Release date: 2017
Genre: Battle Royale
Developers: Epic Games
Fortnite's transition to Unreal Engine 5 elevated its already captivating visuals and dynamic gameplay to unprecedented levels: richer environments, more interactive elements, and an overall smoother player experience.
Kingdom Hearts 4
Release date: TBA
Genre: Action RPG
Developers: Square Enix
With Unreal Engine 5, Kingdom Hearts 4 could take the series' signature blend of Disney charm and Square Enix adventure to new heights. Imagine worlds from Disney and Pixar brought to life with an incredible level of detail and realism, alongside real-time, human character movement and combat that feels more interactive and dynamic than ever.
Black Myth: Wukong
Year: 2024
Genre: Action RPG
Developers:
Black Myth: Wukong is an upcoming Action RPG that aims to bring the rich lore of the Monkey King into the realm of video gaming. Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, this game is set to offer a visually stunning world filled with intricate details, realistic textures, and dynamic lighting. The engine's capabilities will allow for highly immersive environments and intense, fluid combat mechanics, making the ancient mythical tale feel palpably real.
Project M
Year: TBA
Genre: Narrative Adventure with Quick Time Events
Developers: NCSOFT
Project M promises a cinematic, narrative-focused experience akin to the works of Quantic Dream like "Heavy Rain" and "Detroit: Become Human." The game aims for hyper-realistic graphics and incorporates NCSOFT's three-dimensional scanning technology, high-quality visual effects, and motion capture techniques to intricately render character expressions and movements. With a story centering on a man's quest for vengeance after his girlfriend's death, the narrative also hints at supernatural elements.
How to Get Started with Unreal Engine 5: Is It for Indie Game Devs?
These upcoming games sound great, but you might be thinking: is Unreal Engine 5 accessible to indie developers?
The answer is a resounding yes! Epic Games provides a range of tutorials, documentation, and community forums to help you get your feet wet.
Moreover, Unreal Engine 5 is free to use until your game succeeds, as licensing fees only kick in after your game earns a certain amount. This makes it a cost-effective solution for indie game developers looking to break into the market with high-quality titles.
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Enhancing User Experience During Gameplay
User experience is a cornerstone in modern gaming, and Unreal Engine 5 raises the bar significantly for game studios and indie developers.
Through high-quality visual fidelity and dynamic lighting effects, this new engine brings game worlds to life in a way that is almost uncanny. The engine's capabilities don't stop at just graphics; the robust physics and AI subsystems offer more interactive and responsive game worlds.
Whether you're a player seeking the next level of gaming or a developer aiming to deliver it, Unreal Engine 5 is paving the way for a new era of interactive entertainment.