Which is better: Unreal Engine 4 or Unreal Engine 5?

If you’re considering using Unreal Engine for your next project, you may be wondering which version of the engine is best: Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) or Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). In this article, we will compare and contrast the two engines to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Overview

Unreal Engine 4 was released in 2013, while Unreal Engine 5 was released in 2019. Both engines have been updated with new features and improvements, but there are some key differences that you should consider before making a choice.

Features

Note: The following section is about the features of both Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5. We will compare them to help you decide which one to use for your next project.

Unreal Engine 4 (UE4)

Unreal Engine 5 (UE5)

Unreal Engine 5 has been optimized for better performance than UE4. It uses improved graphics rendering algorithms and supports DirectX 12, which is more efficient than DirectX 11 used in UE4. This means that UE5 can handle larger and more complex scenes without slowing down or crashing, making it a good choice for high-end games.

UE5 includes many new features that improve the graphics quality of your projects. For example, it has built-in support for ray tracing, which is used to create more realistic lighting and reflections in your scenes. It also supports global illumination, which simulates the way light bounces around a scene to create more realistic shadows and highlights.

UE5’s user interface has been completely overhauled compared to UE4. It is now more intuitive and easier to use, with many new features and tools that make it faster and easier to create your projects. For example, it includes a new content browser that allows you to easily find and import assets into your project.

UE5 has a larger and more active community than UE4, which means there are more resources available for developers. This includes a wide range of plugins, tools, and assets that can be used to create more complex and feature-rich projects.

UE5 is available for free, while UE4 requires a license to use. This makes UE5 a better choice for smaller projects or teams with limited budgets. However, if you need advanced features or support from the Unreal Engine team, you may need to purchase a license for UE4.

Summary

In conclusion, Unreal Engine 5 is the newer and more powerful version of the engine, with improved performance, graphics, user interface, ecosystem, and cost-free availability. However, if your project requires advanced features or support from the Unreal Engine team, UE4 may still be a good choice. Ultimately, the best engine for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.