Input Modifiers

Input Modifiers in Unreal Engine are used to adjust or modify the values of inputs before they are processed by your game. They are often used to scale, normalize, or customize input values, making them more suitable for your specific gameplay needs.

For example, Input Modifiers can adjust joystick sensitivity, invert axes, or limit input values to a specific range.

What Are Input Modifiers?

Input Modifiers act on the raw input data (e.g., joystick movement or mouse position) and change it based on specific rules. This modified value is then used to perform the corresponding action in the game.

Types of Input Modifiers

1. Scale
   This modifier multiplies the input value by a factor. For example, if the input value is 0.5 and the scale factor is 2, the final value becomes 1.0. This is useful for adjusting sensitivity, such as increasing how quickly a character turns.
2. Invert
   This modifier inverts the input value. For example, if the input is 1.0, it becomes -1.0. It is commonly used to invert camera controls, such as flipping the Y-axis for players who prefer “inverted” controls.
3. Clamp
   This modifier restricts the input value to a specified range. For example, if you set a range of -0.5 to 0.5, any input outside this range will be clamped to the nearest boundary.
4. Normalize
   This modifier scales the input to fit within a standard range, usually -1 to 1. It is useful for ensuring consistent behavior across different input devices.
5. Dead Zone
   This modifier ignores small input values, treating them as zero. It is often used with joysticks to prevent unwanted movement caused by slight stick drift.
6. Square to Circle
   This modifier converts square-shaped input patterns (common with joysticks) into circular ones. This is useful for smooth diagonal movements.
7. Exponential
   This modifier applies an exponential curve to the input, making small inputs less sensitive while allowing for larger, quicker movements. It is often used for precise aiming.
8. Custom Modifiers
   Unreal Engine allows you to create custom modifiers for unique gameplay needs. For example, you might create a modifier that amplifies input based on game speed.

Using Input Modifiers

1. Create an Input Action
   Define the action you want to modify, such as “Move” or “Aim.”
2. Assign Modifiers in Input Mapping Context
   Add one or more modifiers to the Input Action. For example, you can add a “Scale” modifier to adjust the speed of character movement.
3. Customize Modifier Settings
   Each modifier has properties you can adjust, such as scale factor, clamp range, or dead zone size.
4. Test and Refine
   Playtest your game to ensure the modifiers feel responsive and intuitive. Adjust the settings as needed.

Example Scenarios

• Character Movement: Use a “Scale” modifier to control how fast a character moves based on joystick input.
• Camera Control: Add an “Invert” modifier to flip the camera’s Y-axis for players who prefer inverted controls.
• Joystick Drift: Use a “Dead Zone” modifier to prevent unwanted movement caused by minor joystick drift.
• Precise Aiming: Apply an “Exponential” modifier to make small joystick movements more precise while allowing fast turning with larger movements.

Advantages of Input Modifiers

• Improved Control: Enhance the responsiveness and feel of player inputs.
• Customization: Allow players to personalize their input settings, such as sensitivity and inversion.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure consistent behavior across different input devices.

Input Modifiers are a powerful way to fine-tune and customize how inputs behave in Unreal Engine. They allow you to create smoother, more responsive controls that enhance the player’s overall experience.