Create Custom Characters with Unreal Engine

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Creating the Character Editor
3. Setting Up the Character Structure
4. Configuring the Hot Parts
5. Creating the User Interface
6. Rotating the Character with the Mouse
7. Updating the Character
8. Next and Previous Body Parts
9. Switching Genders
10. Playing the Game

Creating a Character Editor in Unreal Engine

In this tutorial, I will guide You on how to Create a character editor in Unreal Engine. With the character editor, you will be able to customize and modify the appearance of your character before starting the game. We will cover various aspects of creating the editor, including setting up the character structure, configuring the hot parts, creating a user interface, rotating the character with the mouse, updating the character, switching body parts, and playing the game. So, let's get started!

1. Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let's understand the purpose of the character editor. The character editor allows players to modify the appearance of their character. By using the editor, players can change the head, chest, hands, legs, hair, and beard of the character. It provides a user-friendly interface that enables easy customization.

2. Creating the Character Editor

To create the character editor, we will start by copying and pasting our third-person character. We will delete unnecessary elements from the character blueprint, such as event graphs, variables, and cameras. The basic character blueprint will serve as the foundation for our editor character.

3. Setting Up the Character Structure

Next, we will create two blueprint structures: "Body Part" and "Character Structure." The "Body Part" structure will have variables for the name, skeleton mesh, and static mesh of each body part. The "Character Structure" will include variables for the head, chest, hands, legs, hair, and beard. We will link these structures to the editor character blueprint to store the selected body parts.

4. Configuring the Hot Parts

In this section, we will configure the hot parts of our character. We will create an update character function that takes inputs for the head, chest, hands, legs, hair, and beard. This function will set the skeleton mesh and text for each body part. Additionally, we will set a re-init pose to ensure that the changes are applied correctly.

5. Creating the User Interface

To create the user interface, we will use the "Editor" widget. This widget will consist of text blocks and buttons for each body part. The text blocks will display the selected body part, and the buttons will allow users to navigate through the available options. We will also make the heart visible next to the character and enable mouse interaction.

6. Rotating the Character with the Mouse

To provide an interactive experience, we will implement character rotation using the mouse. We will create a tick event that checks for left mouse button presses. When the button is pressed, the character will rotate Based on the mouse's movement. This will allow players to view their character from different angles.

7. Updating the Character

In this section, we will update the character based on the selected body parts. We will create an update character function that takes inputs for the head, chest, hands, legs, hair, and beard. This function will set the corresponding skeleton meshes and update the text blocks to reflect the selected body parts. We will also save the character configuration using the game instance.

8. Next and Previous Body Parts

To provide options for selecting different body parts, we will implement next and previous functions. These functions will allow users to cycle through the available options for each body part. By clicking the next button, the next body part in the array will be selected. Similarly, clicking the previous button will select the previous body part.

9. Switching Genders

To add further customization options, we will implement the ability to switch between male and female genders. This will allow users to change the gender of their character. We will create functions for switching genders, which will update the gender text and invoke the update character function to reflect the changes.

10. Playing the Game

Finally, we will enable players to start the game with the created character. By clicking the play button, the level will be loaded, and the character will be set based on the selected body parts. This will provide a seamless transition from character customization to gameplay.

In conclusion, by following this tutorial, you will be able to create a character editor in Unreal Engine. The editor will allow players to customize and modify their character's appearance before starting the game. It offers a user-friendly interface, interactive character rotation, and options for selecting different body parts and genders. Start creating your own unique characters now!

Highlights:

• Customize and modify character appearance.
• User-friendly interface for easy customization.
• Interactive character rotation using the mouse.
• Next and previous options for selecting body parts.
• Switch between male and female genders.
• Seamlessly transition from customization to gameplay.

FAQ:

Q: Can I change the appearance of my character after starting the game? A: No, character customization can only be done in the character editor before starting the game.

Q: How many body parts can I customize? A: You can customize the head, chest, hands, legs, hair, and beard of your character.

Q: Can I switch between male and female genders? A: Yes, the character editor allows you to switch between male and female genders.

Q: Is the character editor user-friendly? A: Yes, the character editor provides a user-friendly interface that makes customization easy and intuitive.

Q: Can I rotate my character to view it from different angles? A: Yes, you can rotate your character using the mouse to view it from different angles.

Q: Can I save my character's appearance for future gameplay Sessions? A: Yes, the character editor allows you to save your character's appearance using the game instance.

Q: How do I start the game with my customized character? A: Simply click the play button in the character editor, and the game will start with your customized character.