Game Modes

In Unreal Engine, Game Modes defines the rules, behavior, and mechanics of your game. It acts as the central controller for the game’s logic, determining things like player spawn points, scoring systems, and game objectives. Each level can have its own Game Mode, making it easy to customize gameplay across different parts of your project.

Setting Up a Game Mode

1. Create a Game Mode Blueprint:
   • Go to the Content Browser.
   • Right-click and select Blueprint Class.
   • Choose GameModeBase as the parent class and name it (e.g., “MyGameMode_BP”).
2. Assign the Game Mode to a Level:
   • Open the World Settings panel (found in the Window menu).
   • Under Game Mode Override, select your new Game Mode Blueprint.
   • This assigns your Game Mode to the current level.

Key Components of a Game Mode

1. Default Pawn Class:
   • This determines the type of character or object the player controls.
   • For example, you can assign a custom player character Blueprint to the Default Pawn Class.
2. Player Controller:
   • This handles player input and interaction with the game world.
   • You can create a custom Player Controller Blueprint to define unique input behavior.
3. Game State:
   • The Game State tracks information shared across all players, like the current score or game time.
   • Assign a custom Game State Blueprint to manage shared game data.
4. Player State:
   • The Player State tracks individual player information, such as health, score, or team affiliation.
   • You can customize the Player State Blueprint for specific gameplay needs.
5. HUD (Heads-Up Display):
   • This specifies the user interface the player sees, such as health bars, ammo counters, or timers.
   • Assign a custom HUD Blueprint to display game-specific information.

Customizing Game Logic

To customize your Game Mode, open the Event Graph of your Game Mode Blueprint. You can add logic for specific gameplay rules, such as:

1. Spawning Players:
   • Use the Spawn Actor from Class node to place players at specific locations when they enter the game.
   • Combine this with Player Start actors in your level to define spawn points.
2. Managing Game State:
   • Track variables like scores, rounds, or objectives.
   • Use the Game State or Player State to store and share this data.
3. Ending the Game:
   • Add logic to check win or lose conditions, such as reaching a score or completing an objective.
   • Trigger events like displaying a “Game Over” screen or transitioning to a new level.

Example: Basic Deathmatch Game Mode

1. Create a Game Mode Blueprint:
   • Name it “DeathmatchMode_BP.”
   • Assign a custom player character to the Default Pawn Class.
2. Track Player Scores:
   • Add a variable in the Game State to store player scores.
   • Update the score whenever a player defeats an enemy.
3. Win Condition:
   • In the Game Mode Event Graph, check if a player’s score reaches a certain value.
   • If true, display a victory message and restart the level or end the game.

Testing the Game Mode

After setting up your Game Mode, play the level to test it. Ensure the player spawns correctly, interactions work as intended, and game rules are applied. Adjust the Game Mode settings to refine the gameplay.

Game Modes are essential for defining the core mechanics of your game, and with custom logic, you can create unique and engaging experiences tailored to your vision.