Question: Can you develop in Unreal Engine without using Blueprints?

Answer

Yes, it is entirely possible to develop in Unreal Engine without using Blueprints. In fact, before the introduction of Blueprints, development was done primarily through C++ programming. Here's how you might approach this:

Understanding Unreal Engine C++: Unreal Engine uses C++ for its codebase, and developers can use the full power of the language to create games or interactive content. When developing without Blueprints, you would write all your gameplay logic, character behavior, and game systems directly in C++.

Setting Up a C++ Project: To create a new project without Blueprints, you simply select a 'Blank' template with 'No Starter Content' and choose 'With C++' instead of 'Blueprint' during the project setup in the Unreal Engine launcher.

Example of a Basic C++ Class:

#include "GameFramework/Actor.h"
#include "MyCustomActor.generated.h"

UCLASS()
class MYPROJECT_API AMyCustomActor : public AActor
{
    GENERATED_BODY()
    
public:    
    // Sets default values for this actor's properties
    AMyCustomActor();

protected:
    // Called when the game starts or when spawned
    virtual void BeginPlay() override;

public:    
    // Called every frame
    virtual void Tick(float DeltaTime) override;
};

AMyCustomActor::AMyCustomActor()
{
    // Set this actor to call Tick() every frame.
    PrimaryActorTick.bCanEverTick = true;
}

void AMyCustomActor::BeginPlay()
{
    Super::BeginPlay();
    
    // Initialization code here
}

void AMyCustomActor::Tick(float DeltaTime)
{
    Super::Tick(DeltaTime);
    
    // Game logic goes here
}

Advantages of Using C++ Over Blueprints:

• Performance: C++ can be more performance-oriented as it compiles to native code, whereas Blueprints are interpreted at runtime.
• Flexibility: Some tasks may only be achievable in C++ or are easier to implement in C++ than in Blueprints.
• Version Control: C++ code integrates better with version control systems like Git, making it more manageable for large teams.

Learning Resources: To develop without Blueprints, you should familiarize yourself with C++ and how Unreal Engine implements certain classes and patterns. The official Unreal Engine documentation and tutorials provide a comprehensive guide to get started with C++ in the engine.

Conclusion: Developing in Unreal Engine without Blueprints is not only feasible but also recommended for large-scale projects or when performance is critical. However, a combination of both Blueprints and C++ is often used, taking advantage of the rapid prototyping abilities of Blueprints with the efficiency and optimization of C++.