Blueprints vs C++ - Which One Should You Learn in 2021?

Blueprints or C++? Or, better said, visual scripting or coding? Which one should you use? In this video, we will give that an answer.
This question is - perhaps - one of the most asked questions by beginners. Blueprints are a great system that can achieve a lot, and has been evolving a lot over the past few years, but can it really compete with C++? The "Blueprints vs C++" debate is not at all straightforward and there are many factors to consider, such as job opportunities. So, today, we'll go over what you should think about before choosing C++ or blueprints.
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Sources:
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Credits:
Getting started with Bolt in Unity! (Tutorial): • Getting started with B...
Introducing Bolt: Unity's new visual scripting tool | Unite Now 2020: • Introducing Bolt: Unit...
Intro to VisualScript in Godot 3.1: Beginner Programming Tutorial: • Intro to VisualScript ...
LITTLE NIGHTMARES II - Story Trailer | Gamescom 2020: • LITTLE NIGHTMARES II -...
Snake Pass - PlayStation Experience Trailer | PS4: • Snake Pass - PlayStati...
The Story of Snake Pass - Dev Diary | Sumo Digital: • The Story of Snake Pas...
Blueprints vs C++ - Which one YOU should LEARN and WHY in 2019 (old video): • Blueprints vs C++ - Wh...
Contribute with translated subtitles: amara.org/en/videos/Dnia33pje...

[@markwaterson6045]

My teacher told me I can't get a proper job where I live without knowing C++, and that my only option is low paying internet jobs. I've bee going crazy stressing out about it lol, you're a life saver! I didn't even search for this you just popped up. Subscribed, thanks for the quality content. Love the mix of design and technique in your channel.

[@NitrogenDev]

Although I am not speaking from experience, I am almost certain most studios don't hire exclusively for knowing C++, especially if you consider that one can learn C++ pretty quickly as long as their fundamentals are well-built. So, as long as you have your general knowledge checked, there shouldn't be any problem getting a job without knowing C++. Also, I think it's important to let you know that right now I am mostly focusing on design content, and only making technical tutorials if something truly interesting pops up.

[@markwaterson6045]

​@@NitrogenDev ​ Most game design videos are made by gamers I think. Knowing that you're going on UE4 and doing the dirty work as well makes your ideas about design have more weight. And no matter what I just found a small archive of very relevant tutorials :) Thanks for the answer on this & the C# question, I really appreciate it. Gonna start learning general C++ and taking it easy.

[@NitrogenDev]

@@markwaterson6045 Just make sure to go at your own pace. Good luck on your learning journey!

[@Chris_t0]

Ughh I've never seen a game studio hire someone for "blueprinting" experience. Your teacher is right for the most part.

[@AMIJOKETOYOU]

@@NitrogenDev which will be better c# or c++ , which one do you prefer ?

[@plagiats]

Any hobbyist watching this should start with blueprints, they are quite powerful. Move to C++ only when you're not the target audience for this video.

[@MaksKCS]

I started with coding and was extremely confused by the blueprints, you can do the same with with way less code.

[@lemns2707]

True

[@brusch1553]

@@MaksKCS same, I haven't dug into blueprints yet but it looks pretty confusing to me

[@BlazeZ__]

@@MaksKCS lol i took on unreal with blueprints and got confused and i left there after 2 years i took on unity and c# so as curiosity i went back and saw some blueprint tutorial and it was so crystal clear so i gonna pick c++ for sure

[@MaksKCS]

@@BlazeZ__ I read your comments twice and still couldn't figure it out

[@JustZiReacts]

Being completely new to game development and without any software background, blueprints really help out a lot. Do plan on learning C++ soon though.

[@NitrogenDev]

That is the right step. As a tip, I recommend starting with plain C++. Diving into Unreal's macro'ed C++ can look scary, so getting used it first is a good idea.

[@JustZiReacts]

@@NitrogenDev Thanks for the tip. 😃

[@markwaterson6045]

​@@NitrogenDev Do you think knowing C# intermediately will help me learn C++? Or should I wait a bit more if just started getting into UE4 recently? I'm comfortable with algorithms but I never really used any syntax other than C# and a tiny bit of python..

[@NitrogenDev]

@@markwaterson6045 Previous experience with other languages will certainly help you as long as learnt how to work with object-oriented programming concepts with them. As well, know algorithms will definitely come in handy.

[@Erik20766]

@@markwaterson6045 once you know one language well it's easier to learn more. You learn to see beyond syntax, and will recognize a lot of concepts. I've only looked at C# but it's looks similar to C++ in syntax.

[@wiiion1256]

First of all, Blueprints and C++ need to be used together. Not only C++ and not only Blueprints. Usually developer develop the main feature in C++ and create blueprints that the game designers can use to play around and change settings. This Is the right workflow.

[@GordonSeal]

There is no "right" workflow. Right is what works best for the developer and the goals of the project. Not every project needs c++, especially indie-games can and have been made with blueprints only.

[@ParadoxISPower]

​@@GordonSeal He is actually correct, the way unreal is designed so the correct workflow is c++ for the heavy lifting and blueprints for low priority systems, tweaks, materials and animation blueprints, 😂 blueprints run much slower and require more systems resources then cpp code, anyone who cares about performance does it the right way, you suffer from the delusion of thinking your opinions are facts, like most idiots. Do better.

[@mrcxx8694]

That's wrong. I'm fed up with this "use both" idea. I'm finding blueprints to be nothing but a right pain. They're more difficult to write and understand and the debugger doesn't work (the break points don't break for example). At the moment I'm trying to find out how to do practically everything in C++. The only one left is animation blueprints. Once I crack that in C++ bye bye nodes and wires. I currently have one that is causing me real problems - can't get it to work.

[@wiiion1256]

@@mrcxx8694 i get the what you are saying. But as a game designer why most likely not that deep into programming. If you do a project by yourself do it how you like. If not thing about that.

[@mrcxx8694]

@@wiiion1256 Er, well you don't need to be deep into C++ to be able to write a game in this engine. I'm reasonably "expert" and rarely have my skills tested.

[@NitrogenDev]

Hey! I hope you liked this video and found it helpful if you're planning to start with Unreal (or any engine, really) and wavering between the Blueprints system and C++! Although this isn't quite the type of video I have been making lately, I am trying to see how you react to Unreal Engine content compared to that, so there will be (just) a few more of Unreal-related videos. But if you're also interested in game design, I recommend hanging around for future design videos like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJypc4OXeaxgi80

[@cryptic7even881]

Straight to the point, nothing off-topic, time-saving and ofc a life saver. Love the content. Subscribed. Thank you for this

[@NitrogenDev]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this video! I also feel it's mandatory to let you know that I no longer make Unreal content. Instead, I learnt that I like game design, writing essays, and being creative, so I decided to fully switch to video essays about game design. I hope that's, too, something your interested in!

[@Recycledhero]

The last-minute of this video was some of the best advice I've heard for up-and-coming game devs. Learning blueprints first to understand* how the code works. Then, when it comes to writing the actual syntax of the code, you understand it more easily rather than from nothing. This kind of method/mindset would have made life so much easier when I was first beginning Unreal. Good stuff all around :D

[@conliviu]

That was a nice one! I think the subject is vast and this video may help people to figure out some stuff and make a decision. Good job, well done! 👍

[@NitrogenDev]

This certainly is a large subject that can be viewed from many perspectives. What I have talked about in this video is one of the many, and I'm looking forward to seeing what other people think about it.

[@vexanna5574]

I just found your channel and it is sooo helpful. Thank you very much.

[@NitrogenDev]

Really happy to hear!

[@vedas4life584]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@gokuvinod2850]

You have improved a lot 😉

[@lordkiller977]

Great info, dear. Than you so much!

[@oskarnopl6827]

Love your vids dude, you deserve millions of subs with such good content

[@NitrogenDev]

I appreciate that!

[@vrtex17]

What's not being talked about often enough: you can make a game in unreal engine without knowing c++ (if you're a stubborn masochist) but you can't make a game without knowing how to program. People often think (c++ is programming, while BPs are something different". Blueprints is programming, it's just that the language is funny looking. You still need to be aware of overarching structure of the game and how different systems interact with each other. C++ isn't programming, it's just a language. You don't need c++ to do programming, you can even program in scratch. Hell, you can even program on paper. But there's no compiler for programs written on paper.

[@bitffald]

Exactly, that's why this dude is plain wrong when he's saying that blueprint is easy, it's sure more intuitive than C++ But hell, it's visual C++ anyway!

[@sulphurous2656]

@@bitffald If BluePrints is a visual way of getting someone to become familiar with C++ syntax, then I don't think there should be any problem with using Blueprint when you're literally just starting out in a modern game engine like UE for the first time and just want to make a front end menu and a walking simulator ala Source SDK 2013.

[@F1ashingblade]

My first computer was a ZX spectrum and BASIC was painfully slow, so I used to write chunks of code in assembly language on paper, look up the machine code for each assembly language instruction, manually poke it into memory & run. If it worked then save to tape and move onto the next bit of code, if not then back to my hand written assembly language. After 2 weeks coding I'd managed to create a nice game menu. After this milestone I went back to 'Chuckie Egg' and that was the end of my attempt to code a Spectrum game in machine code. Just your comment 'no compilers for programs written on paper' made me think of this.

[@fog8786]

Not anymore.

[@Bankie666]

@@F1ashingblade How your comment takes me back! I wrote a 2 player split screen airplane game (kind of like the airplanes in Atari Combat), and wrote the whole thing (a few K in size) in a notebook before manually looking up and writing down the hex, then poking them all in. It took ages and 2 attempts but it worked. It's one of my greatest achievements but not something many people can really appreciate.

[@sambaoleck295]

Great video, that help a lot!

[@yuezhang5551]

Thanks a lot! solving my questions now

[@NitrogenDev]

Happy to help!

[@owencoopersfx]

Definitely agree. C++ handles everything more efficiently, so you make your base classes and functionality there, but then expose things that will require fine tuning to BP for faster and simpler iterating and testing. It’s utilizing what’s strong about each one in the proper place that makes Unreal’s toolset really shine.

[@radiospank]

i dont have any exp with unreal but this makes alot of sense to me as a programmer.

[@macchiatovfx8613]

As a beginner in game dev, I just went with what I was comfortable with, before starting with UE4, I didn’t have any prior programming experience but still loved UE because of what it’s capable of and Unity just didn’t click for me. And in terms of programming, I liked C++ way more than C#, while I do use both languages now, in the beginning I preferred C++ way more than C#. So I think in the end, just go with what you’re comfortable with and like best, don’t let the people saying “UE and C++ isn’t for beginners” get to you, if you want use UE and C++, use it.

[@NitrogenDev]

Great take on this matter.

[@madr3563]

I've been lookin for C++ & Unreal course

[@DimitryArsenev]

C# is awesome easy language.

[@PrismaticaDev]

100% agree with both systems working in parallel - I slap together a rough prototype that feels good using Blueprints, my lead developer takes that and re-writes it in C++ (whilst simultaneously removing my terrible programming habits) and then exposes variables/structs back to me in Blueprint, essentially creating a library of functions and classes that I can use to design the game and its world. A wise man once said; Chillin' out - take it slow Then you rock out the show You get the best of both worlds, Mix it all together and you know that it's the best of both worlds.

[@NitrogenDev]

That must be one of the worse parts about blueprints: it's so easy to get into bad habits with them because they're so easy and comfortable to use. But that workflow seems nice as you can focus on achieving something, while someone else focuses on optimizing it.

[@benedekudvardi1602]

Thank you so much, very useful!

[@NitrogenDev]

Glad to hear that!

[@offlinemoe]

You helped me a lot, thank you ❤️

[@NitrogenDev]

Happy to help!

[@ryanmartin6429]

Thank you for this. I'm a year late to it, but man, this is helpful, no matter how obvious it seems now.

[@kappakoi]

..🔥🔥😊a simple and "STRAIGHT" to the point explanation ......nothing verbose ........i love, love, love, love this video ...........thanks for taking the time to make it🔥🔥✨🔥🔥

[@PandaJackk]

Very informational video. For me it helped to understand the differences between the two languages. I am 23 and working in webdev rn but would like to move to doing something with games preferably. Never having used a graphical language, I was just confused what it brings to the table. Also really like you compared the salary's. Great video overall

[@dhruvrajsinhjadeja-vfxarti3085]

Thank you very so much for this info sir :)

[@papermillgames]

Blueprints 😍 Great video!

[@keithprice1950]

Use both. I found that when I was using Blueprints I was thinking about code. It actually helped me understand C++ better and reinforced my coding knowledge.

[@Gredran]

Thanks for the video! I notice that for Unreal, lots of the developers use blueprints, even Epic games themselves in their demos for even Fortnite features. This is opposite in Unity, at least right now. Maybe it’s because Bolt JUST started being a main part of Unity, and many got used to C#. I asked if Bolt was good in Unity and many said they were faster in C# but in Unreal, it seems more equal and even more use the blueprints. Maybe because more all around support? Great video though!

[@Thoriumus]

Blueprint is a integral part of Unreal. It's actually almost impossible to make a game without touching it. At the very least you will have your anim graph and material graphs. And thats why you see it used in every project.

[@Thoriumus]

@m o t i The idea was to make the engine more accessible to designers. Coders can create building blocks in C++ for designers to use in Blueprint. Especially map designers profit a lot from being able to quickly and easily script some logic. The other big plus is, that Blueprint does not require a long compilation and restart phase. You make your changes and you can immediately see the result. That makes it great for prototyping. Also as a coder i can prepare some blueprints for designers, and they can modify them to their needs. It's really a team tool.

[@Gehay]

Hello,thank you for the informative video!

[@NitrogenDev]

I'm happy to see that you enjoyed it.

[@thomaskojiabe7495]

Great video thank you a lot

[@bluestildawn3351]

Very helpful and informative. I am a designer so Blueprints it is! Great class!

[@yourmum69_420]

Wow, I learned how to use Blender a few years ago (not for 3d animation, but for video editing), and I used those nodes a LOT. There was a lot to learn and I had a lot of issues, but it was more that Blender's UI seemed unfriendly to me, and also my laptop at the time could not handle it at all. Learning what the nodes do and how to set them up, was fun and rather self-explanatory. I had no idea that anyone anywhere would consider doing that stuff as "coding", nor would they compare it to learning an actual programming language. And now the last few days I've been learning C#, which is actually a lot easier than I expected, but it's still a whole different beast than just playing around with nodes.

[@NitrogenDev]

Nodes can be very intimidating - they were for me when I started out. However, I've noticed that people quickly get used to it most of the time, particularly after getting the hang of the UI. At any rate, good luck learning C#!

[@quiskeya]

For me as artist, I love Blueprint. I even make my first little game, all in blueprints. I try to learn C++, but that thing is on another level. If it was easy like C#, I would still keep at it. That's why I plan to hire a C++ programmer in the future, to help me optimise my project and create plugins if needed.

[@NitrogenDev]

Indeed, C++ can be intimidating, which is one of the reasons I hoped Epic would implement something similar to C# in terms of complexity in Unreal 5, but that seems unlikely, seeing as they are doing their own scripting language.

[@hamud7708]

@@NitrogenDev Wait, will they also include C++ in UE5 or just their own scripting language? (btw what's the language going to be called?)

[@NitrogenDev]

@@hamud7708 From what I know it is called Verse, and I'm pretty sure C++ will still be an option in UE5, as well as blueprints.

[@Andredy89]

@@NitrogenDev is there a way to get UE5 beta or somth?))) Good news i hope) I basically know C# and way better know PHP, but when I opened scripts in C++ 2 days ago.... Anything but not C++ plz!

[@Thoriumus]

I don't think C++ is much more complicated than C#. If you are fine with C#, you should be fine with C++. Sure C++ is a deep rabid hole, but the reality is you don't have to dive that deep into it to use it with Unreal Engine. It's fairly high level actually because of all the libraries Unreal offers you, you don't need to do any memory management, etc. Also, pointers are a extremely simple concept. Don't get intimidated by them. Just take some time to understand them and you will start miss them in other high level languages, which don't offer pointers.

[@flaviocampos3581]

Blueprints are good if you have zero experience. Because you start to understand logic and stuff. But once you get the basics it is better to go learn C/C++ syntax so you can start to understand what is going on on the inside, once you mix the logic knowledge and the how to write the code, you will have more control on what to do. And once you are good, coding will be faster than BP. And every time a new feature comes will be easy to understand because you know coding, so you can get what is going on. And use it in the best way possible for you. Takes time but is worth.

[@mrclint7377]

Yeah, for me who just want to create in my spare time and maaaybe, someday, make a finished game I wont even bother with C++ for now.

[@flaviocampos3581]

@@mrclint7377 Fair enough

[@NitrogenDev]

For sure. The nice part about learning and understanding C++ is that you can even expand on the engine however you like in case you need something it doesn't offer out of the box. Also, C++ is particularly useful for creating, saving, and loading data and files generated at runtime.

[@ViDeTool]

takes too much time and its a lot of commitment when its not really necessary unless you are specialized on programming.

[@kermitdavis7452]

You can not use Unreal without using Blueprints and that is why Unreal is unusable for me as a C++ developer. C++ in Unreal is used to create blueprints not avoid them, Unreal engine basically mandates the use of blueprints for scripting.

[@bloodyhunter8056]

Thanks you 🙏

[@DARK_AMBIGUOUS]

I use Unity instead of Unreal Engine and instead of Blueprints, we have something called "Visual Scripting" and I learned how to make games with Visual Scripting but I quickly realized that games made with Visual Scripting run soooooo much worse. Each Visual Scripting unit is 190 times slower than C#. That means if you make a game that runs in 60 FPS made in C#, it will run at 0.3 FPS, or 3 seconds per frame if made in Visual Scripting. So I recommend using only C# or C++

[@soliderarmatang5664]

I learned a lot from this, thank you!

[@NitrogenDev]

No need to thank me, I am happy to see the video was useful!

[@crxptifyAF]

I plan on visual scripting because it’s similar to rec room circuits in which I’m familiar with

[@shapeletter]

Sounds like it could be useful to start with blueprint for almost every new feature and only implement it in C++ when necessary.

[@PanDiaxik]

I have some experience with C++ and I find it easier to write code in C++ then use blueprints. But no need for recompilations is great advantage

[@NitrogenDev]

Compilation time is certainly an important factor. I've heard a ton of Unity users tell me that the compilation time of C++ is a huge reason they're not using Unreal, so I can see this translating to blueprint users too.

[@levi83]

with blueprints you don't have to rebuild the whole project each time you're testing something.. with C++ you get more performance but will have to wait the project to compiile each time

[@prasannak1999]

LOL... XD Damn This Compromise...

[@GordonSeal]

The performance benefits with c++ is negligible, unless you build competitive multiplayer or high-level mathematics.

[@longuemire748]

Thank you, I've always heard that there is a risk of killing your computer with c++. For example if you create an array, c++ allocates space but does not handle overflow. Is this true?

[@necromansir6060]

Thanks

[@chadfranklin47]

Great video! But... what songs?

[@fdevstudio5692]

"documentation is your best friend" Good quote

[@264games2]

If you don't know BP's or C++ start with BP's to learn UE4 and work on the C++ in the background. If you try and learn C++ the same time you try and learn UE4 you will have a tough time.

[@juniorcomsono]

That's exactly what I've been through lately. I'm familiar with other languages like Python, but not C++ and I still need to learn UE. So I've just to get started first with BP

[@juniorcomsono]

@@TheZenytram definitely hahahaha

[@wiiion1256]

Don’t learn C++ for UE, learn C++ as it’s own thing. After that learn how to use C++ with UE

[@foresight9688]

i normally use unity when making games and i'm quite accustomed to the c# programming , i wanted to give unreal a try and just wanted to know if the c++ syntax is similar to c# cause i prefer writing out my code but i don't want to waste too much time learing an entirely new programming language from scratch

[@FoxoticTV]

Can you provide some resources for getting started in C++ Been using blueprints for over a year now, and ready to try more scripting

[@polyhally]

I personally believe it all comes down to preference. I prefer programming in a code editor, while creating shaders with blueprints. I have worked in probably 4 game engines and I by far prefer programming physically.

[@vicwaberub5297]

C++ and Blueprints are like Assembler and C++: Assembler is faster, but you can't see your assets live in action. Nobody want to compile his game hundreds of times for some little changes in the positioning of an asset ;-) Blueprints: - great to learn UE4 and his libraries - follow the data/asset approach (You see what you... do ;-) ) C++: - open the profiler and you find the bottlenecks of your Blueprints and now you implement it with C++ - create new low level Blueprints

[@NitrogenDev]

Just imagine the insanity of having to wait for every little change haha. Anyhow, that would be the gist of C++ vs blueprints in a highly-stripped down version.

[@user-sc5ee9lm9n]

Who are developing games in assembler nowadays? If it is, language will not be the future. But, Nod.

[@ParadoxISPower]

The Correct way is C++ and blueprints in tandem. A good developer will code the heavy systems incpp and do the tweaks and lighter stuff in blueprints i.e. UI etc, animation blueprints are a hybrid as you can code the interface to your character in cpp to improve performance, but the state machines are done inside the blueprints, C++ isn't difficult it just requires a time commitment to learn, and you're going to get addicted to it if you put in the time. Knowing how to use blueprints is essential to Unreal engine and the time you spend developing with them isn't wasted, especially if your an individual dev working without a team. Just keep on learning, never quit never quitting.

[@ninjasoraxx2]

There is a question that hasnt been asked from what I tried to research. I know you can use both blueprints and C++ in a single project and they are said to work hand in hand with each other. But, my question would be why or where would i need to use a language when a node covers an issue that would take 10s of lines of code to write and type to implement within gameplay? For example a weapons system you can create a Baseweapon Actor type, then have the functionality within that blueprint, then create children of that blueprint to different weapons each with their own functionality ie a pistol or rocket launcher or gun that shoots water or lazers (you get the point). what would be the purpose of implementing C++ when the system is already solved by Blueprints?

[@Mafla-pk8do]

I am a solo game developer, I have school and time really runs dry, I have an at least decen experience with Blueprints, while I tried to learn C++, and the best thing I managed to get to, was a printing program with the Sleep indicator, Now I will have 2 weeks of spare time bacause of holidays, and I will try to learn C++ a little more, though I will have to work on the aspects I already know, such as Blueprints, modeling, texturing (HELL), AI, animation and such

[@NitrogenDev]

I understand, from my own experience, how daunting it can feel to tackle multiple endeavours at once, especially when there also is one as complex as learning C++. It won't be easy, but as long as you focus and organise yourself, you have a good chance at progressing in everything.

[@vashisth_vks]

Can i use both c++ or c# and blueprint in single project in unreal engine

[@yadhuvtk]

Bro I need Your Help I trying to Make Simulation game in unreal for android But I'm Confused How to Create Touchable steering Wheel can you Help me ?

[@Nzzertral]

For an example of how not to use the blueprint system, Dead by daylight is a GREAT example. You can tell the games issues are rooted in the fact a lot of the bugs are hard coded into the game due to this blueprint system and it's not supposed to be able to handle what the game has become and all the content it now holds and it shows. especially on console

[@NitrogenDev]

I vividly remember playing that game on launch and finding lots of bugs, both small and game breaking. It's mind-boggling that they keep adding content in spite of their bugs.

[@Nzzertral]

@@NitrogenDev it still has tons of bugs and somehow got MANY licenses for it too. Recently they had added Resident Evil characters for people to play as and it made the game Almost unplayable for console players, but you can tell it all wasn't designed to hold all the content it does now

[@agrume_music]

I think learning the core programming language of an engine is the best way to adapt it to the game you wanna make. Developpers wanna maybe make some AAA type games, others, more indie, some would love to make fighting game or e-sport games. Each styles has their own way to work and, most importantly being optimized. For a AAA game, graphics are generally more important than performance as they consider gamers have the gears to make it work at its best. Generally they mix both C++ and blueprint to find a balance. Indies more go on some conceptual games, or if they are alone to code prefer 2D assets. They can use only blueprint for this. For fighting games and e-sport games, it's different. The games have to run really really smooth. So here C++ is strictly used to code it, blueprint can be used for animations and just for that. E-sport is not story telling, it's pure gameplay, so the game has to be really reactive

[@parv9294]

This is really good for beginners thanks bro 🚀😍 But can you tell where can I learn c++ advanced level

[@gavinp5940]

What is the performance difference with each system? And does hardware play a major role as well?

[@0CutieCat0]

There is a significant speed different between them. C++ is incredibly fast. However, if the game is small then it you won't notice massive difference.

[@omfgihopethisworks]

As a beginner in both game development and programming, should I start with Godot and GDScript to learn basics or should I go straight to blueprints in UE and later move on to C++. I feel in the long run, Unreal Engine is what I will focus on in my future career. Great video and thank you!

[@NitrogenDev]

If you're sure you want to use UE4 in the future, I would recommend starting directly with it. While Godot might come in handy to learn basics of scripting and design, Unreal can teach you that as well -- although in a slightly rougher manner.

[@unreallearninggg6508]

suggest some ue4 lectures please.. with c++

[@modistin3158]

Can you make a game by only useing blueprint? Or will it run to slow?

[@halfbakedproductions7887]

It's a tradeoff. Blueprint if you want spaghetti and poorer performance (Blueprints are run in a virtual machine of sorts). Also if you want real pain in different parts of the game communicating with each other - you wouldn't believe how fiddly it is to call a function in another Blueprint, or worse still, fire an Event. C++ if you want the performance, but you have to know the language (especially Epic's weird implementation of it) and spend time writing and debugging code. It's much easier to share data between different entities and call functions etc. Some complex tasks and features also aren't exposed in Blueprint and you have to use C++, but it's unlikely that an amateur or hobbyist would need those.

[@nahiansharif4200]

well... i know the basics of c++ that i learned from university course, but still i feel like i cant do a thingto get started for making games...i cant even make a basic UI... all i learned was data analysing stuff... there r not even huge numbers of tutorials for c++ how did u learn c++ for game purpose? awesome video tho

[@NitrogenDev]

In my case, it was a matter of trial and error until I partly understood how C++ works in Unreal. It really is all about getting the initial barrier, and then it will start to make more and more sense. Also, hot take: I don't recommend making UI in C++, it's just much easier to use blueprints and widgets for that.

[@vaibhavjaiswal799]

I want to learn C++ for Unreal but there are very few tutorial out there. If you have to start learning C++ for unreal from where will you learn, any tutorial to suggest.....please

[@igorthelight]

There is almost zero tutorial: * Learn Blueprints and hope that you could use C++ just by learning it (without special UE tutorials) OR * Use Godot or Unity instead

[@NitrogenDev]

Indeed, there aren't that many C++ tutorials out there, but from my experience, most of them will be at least a helpful starting point. A huge part of being able to use C++ in Unreal is knowing how to use C++ outside Unreal as well. If your foundation of C++ is solid, then using it in Unreal shouldn't be any harder than learning blueprints.

[@wiiion1256]

Learn C# or Java. Remove the idea of making a Game. Start making little simple programs an try every time something harder. If your think you are good one of these languages go down in c++ and do the same thing. If you than comfortable with the language you can start making games. As Tutorials I would recommend The Cherno C++ series. It’s not a „how to make a game in c++“ series it’s more like a how c++ works.

[@Cyberdemon1542]

What if as a designer you make the game sysems with blueprints and then you hire a programmer to write it for you?

[@NitrogenDev]

While that's double the work and a possible waste of money, it should yield the same result as writing it in C++ from the beginning.

[@kermitdavis7452]

Unreal's C++ is not standard C++. The people who are using C++ with Unreal are generally doing so to modify the actual Engine code not scripting in it. This is a downside of Unreal but it is not practical or even possible to avoid Blueprints as the Engine is directly linked to it.

[@kdexpressoo6023]

I knew that too. Its best if using the engine to look at both. Because it's runs calls from the source scripted engine. I'm not sure if the source can be edited by legal? I don't think so. Maybe not sure. Somewhere in their documentation.

[@clintmontgomery5645]

if you are already familer with a C language sintax like C# how difficult will the translation to C++ be and should I bother learning Blueprints?

[@NitrogenDev]

Although the C# syntax is similar to that of C++, they are vastly different languages. For instance, C++ uses two files to create a class instead of one. Though that's not to say knowing C# won't be helpful at all. However, I have very little experience with C#, so take what I said with a grain of salt. And yes, you should definitely learn blueprints!

[@alixey59]

Take C#, remove Garbage Collector, add some weird and clunky syntax like 'std::cout

[@wiiion1256]

@@alixey59 That thing with Garbage Collection is not right. In C++ you can instantiate object on the Heap and the Stack. Everything you do on the Heap you need to clean up after. The Object on the Stack deletes themselves after you get out of scope.

[@mouthpiece200]

My brother knows Blueprints and I want to join in and help him. Should I learn CC++ to give more variety to our skills or learn Blueprints so we're on the same page? We're gonna be making games.

[@ocean3291]

Can you do more c++ tuturials pls😁😁

[@NitrogenDev]

I have switched from making Unreal tutorials to making game design video essays, so I don't there will be many (or any at all) C++ tutorials from now on.

[@ocean3291]

@@NitrogenDev oh ok :(

[@VskutkuTrigen]

any good starting point for blueprint learning ? I dont care about c++ for now :D If I ever find stuff not working I will look more into that... not now tho sounds way harder than it needs to be :( :D

[@Andredy89]

find some course on UDEMY about BP

[@NitrogenDev]

I always recommend just using KZbin and the docs provided by Epic. Nowadays, I am pretty sure Epic made their own courses, so it may be worth giving those a try. Other paid courses may be helpful, but I think you should first try the free methods.

[@lumatozerpublishing1519]

ur da best bruh luv u maaaaaan

[@NitrogenDev]

Luv u too!

[@lumatozerpublishing1519]

@@NitrogenDev thanks omg! Thanks u won't believe am 13 My god I am making games in ue4 since 2 yrs but still liked to see ur as it was just to interesting Thanks bro

[@lumatozerpublishing1519]

U r da best man

[@millanferende6723]

What I would love to know... and if you could help me with that, that would be great: I have been studying Javascript, PHP and the likes for a while now and want to pursue a career in application/web development. Due to circumstances, I am working right now at my workplace with Unreal Engine and will also learn Blueprints (I started off in 3D). Will blueprints help me with Javascript and PHP by helping me understand best ways to layout classes? Or is it a complete waste of my time? Thank you advance!

[@NitrogenDev]

I don't know how helpful Blueprints will be to you in the long run, but I can't imagine it hurting your logic and thinking for other programming languages!

[@shmuelisrl]

I like the term spaghetti because I always like to call the lines noodles. I think that's the correct terminology

[@marvinmartin6246]

So the only real drawback to blueprints is a slight speed difference? And even then it can he improved. Clearly blueprints is better for beginners .

[@Hy1a_]

If I have a decent amount of both Java and Python experience, how challenging is it to learn C++?

[@benblaumentalism6245]

Is there a downside to nativizing Blueprint prior to packaging?

[@Thoriumus]

Some things may not work as expected when nativized. I don't have a lot of experience with it, so can't give you more precise information. You just need to carefully test if they behave the same nativized as in VM.

[@NitrogenDev]

The worst case possible is that compiling your code will not work as intended (or at all). That's why Epic recommends only partially nativizing blueprints that truly require it.

[@gargamel6480]

i tried normal coding in unity, after 2 week i was able to do a code to shot down my pc in notebook in batch code, dunno how ive get there

[@uchihagamer3986]

I want to learn C++ even tho I just started I want to get used to it and not changing to anything else but can you help me should I use it or should I use blueprint I am 15 btw so I am starting now so when i go to university it will be easier for me

[@teemuleppa3347]

my route was to first learn BPs and familirize myself with the UE while prototyping different silly things...then began learning c++ and i'm using both now...dont know if that's the good way to enter the world of unreal but it worked for me...i previously used unity if that matters

[@NitrogenDev]

From my experience, that's the standard way of doing it, which I myself have followed. Definitely a good way of learning Unreal!

[@owaiskorejo4471]

what did you use to learn c++?

[@NitrogenDev]

Mostly C++ docs and a few auxiliary sites like SoloLearn and GeeksForGeeks.

[@Tripeefy]

can you make mobile apps instead of a game with unreal engine? like there are menus for the game, now imagine there is no game and its just the menu and buttons.

[@musikalniyfanboichik]

wish someone made a proper video comparing bp vs cpp perfomance

[@NitrogenDev]

There's this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGiTaKVql9B9hbs and kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpi5mqt6nNGjh5Y videos. I suppose you have already watched these, but if my assumption is wrong, then I recommend giving them a watch. Alas, they don't go in-depth, but could give you an idea of how you could try this yourself.

[@musikalniyfanboichik]

@@NitrogenDev wow, thank you. i appreciate this. yes, i have watched these, i just didn't know if these videos are credible + relevant :) saw ppl complain in the comment section of the first one i believe.

[@seligfay7497]

There is an opinion that the blueprint slows down only before the game is packed. The packaged game works with the generated byte code and does not know anything about c++ and blueprint. Personally, I use it not because of the speed, but because sometimes the blueprint turns into real spaghetti and the text is perceived better. But sometimes blueprints help not to make a wall of text in c++.

[@NitrogenDev]

The way blueprints can end up looking is one of their worst downsides for the developer. Obviously, both have their uses, and I think that if something is more readable in the other language, then that's a valid reason to use it.

[@homersimpson5501]

Can you mix bp and c++ use in a single project on unreal?

[@halfbakedproductions7887]

Yes.

[@SmkAslt]

I think the better question is, "Which should you learn FIRST?" Both are necessary to make AAA quality games - which is what most indy game devs are looking to replicate with the unreal tool-set.

[@NitrogenDev]

For sure. In addition to being overall more performant, C++ enables you to create a lot of systems you that you couldn't through blueprints, both elements with AAA games need.

[@SmkAslt]

@@NitrogenDev yup. Too many people want to make games "with blueprints"....like that's not how it works haha you make SYSTEMS in c++, then modify and tie those systems to objects, the game world, other systems, etc with blueprints.

[@aerodanar]

I'm in a weird place where if I'm going to design an algorithm, I'm going to basically write it in sloppy C++ (because I've learned some basics from working with Arduinos). Meaning, I'll probably end up using code for more complex scripting, but for simple stuff (like simple materials) I'll probably stick to Blueprints. However, I am a little intimidated by all the Unreal-specific coding stuff I'll have to get used to in order to plug my algorithms in and have it actually work. They'd probably be a mess to create in Blueprints (specifically, right now I'm working on making a procedurally generated map, and there will be three levels of nested "for" loops).

[@NitrogenDev]

Definitely use C++ for procedural generation. You may see a lot of people use blueprints, too, but you might want to future-proof your system with C++ if you ever want to scale the map. Also, blueprints are perfect for tweaking materials and other details alike. There's no reason to complicate your setup with C++ where it's not necessary.

[@aerodanar]

@@NitrogenDev valid point. It seems to be harder to find good tutorials online for C++, though I imagine the algorithms will essentially be the same.

[@NitrogenDev]

@@aerodanar Definitely. Conceptually, algorithms do not change between languages. However, if a certain language doesn't have, say, a particular functionality that the algorithm needs, then it obviously won't work.

[@BlazeZ__]

what should choose i have some experience in unity and c# should i go with c++

[@NitrogenDev]

I believe so. With your previous experience, you might find it rather easy to get into C++. However, learning your way around blueprints is also important, so make sure to tackle those too sometime.

[@jeffsmith7803]

I took many years off coding games and recently got back into dev and used unreal engine 4/5 and from a background of coding blueprint wasnt easy to learn lol, but i learned it, i recently switched back to cpp and at first afraid i forgot it all, it just seem waaaay easier to use and understand. like you said blueprint is spaghettis lol

[@AleksanderFimreite]

This video went from informative to depressing quite quickly. I'm approaching the senior requirement. And the avrage senior programmer will be making 386% more salery than I do x)

[@NitrogenDev]

That is... indeed depressing. You probably have much more experience than me (I have never worked for somebody else yet), so I can't help you much haha.

[@AleksanderFimreite]

​@@NitrogenDev Sadly, as with most industries, there will have to be a tradeoff between company wealth and employee wage. Since I work for a small company it wouldn't really be fesible to run the company if they gave compeditive saleries right away. But it certainly makes one feel quite bad when one hear about what one is missing out on, reguardless.

[@AMIJOKETOYOU]

which will be better c# or c++ , which one do you prefer ?

[@NitrogenDev]

My experience with C# is little to none, so I'm can't give a proper opinion, but I would probably say C++ as it might teach you more low-level concepts than C#. However, I might be mistaken.

[@igorthelight]

C# pros and cons: + Easy to learn + Automatic memory management by using garbage collector + Understandable syntax + Easy to use standard libraries - Require CLR (basically a lightweight Virtual Machine) - Uses more RAM and CPU C++ pros and cons: - Hard to learn - Manual memory management (there are things that could help you) - Syntax is from 1970s +/- Good standard libraries but sometimes confusing + Don't require any Virtual Machine + Use less RAM and CPU and generally faster So my advise would be: for Desktop applications and small games use C#. For big games or big professional programs use C++ For creating drivers use C

[@ANASCGI]

i am student in computer science I am good in c++ I need to create games and i want to be stronger in c++ can you get me courses to learn about it

[@adocarpel7770]

I can't install Visual Studio 2015 in Unreal 4.10.4 Is for C++ programing (requisite)

[@yokidrift1720]

Learn both!

[@markbevan5771]

I find being time poor blueprints has been very helpful for me. Can you go more in depth on how the VM can slow down a game maybe some comparisons ?

[@NitrogenDev]

I don't think I'll make a video on that, but you can try it out yourself by writing the same piece of code in both C++ and blueprints, and measuring the time and - respectively - the time difference.

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

Someone already has.. the difference was negligible

[@shawanafawad200]

How to learn blueprint scripting and please share resources to learn it

[@imayavarambanramachandiran3704]

Learn in udemy courses gamedev team teach the blueprints

[@igorthelight]

Udeny or KZbin

[@imayavarambanramachandiran3704]

@@igorthelight Your wise but in Unreal engine website they provide documentation

[@shivamchaturvedi9721]

I have learned c++ quite a bit and I want to learn unreal engine , which way should I go know. thanks for help.

[@fifapesmobile4370]

BP

[@fernwaerts]

I would strongly suggest to start with blueprints to learn the core mechanics of the engine. Switching to C++ later on is easy, specially if you are familiar with C++.

[@NitrogenDev]

As fernwaerts mentioned, I think starting with blueprints will help you a great deal to get the ropes of the engine faster.

[@shivamchaturvedi9721]

Thanks

[@wiiion1256]

Both at the same time. Only that way you understand how to use the Engine at it’s fullest. And the most important read the official Documentation.

[@brandoncpt9982]

1:17 dying light lockpicking?

[@openroomxyz]

I know C#, and I am using Unity, now I am in the parth of learning Unreal, and I am thinking if I should or should not learn C++. I am awere how complex is C++, actually i am Unsure if anyone knows whole C++, the bibble book of C++ is 1000s of pages long. Maybe I am missing something.

[@hilaritytank]

Are blueprints good for getting any jobs?

[@NitrogenDev]

Although they alone may not be enough, they're handy in a lot of positions such as level/environmental designer, game designer, and maybe even for those that create in-engine tools to help developers. There are probably other jobs that may put blueprints to good use, but I think that changes with each workplace.