Game development involves many moving parts to get a finished product. After all, it involves concept creation, storylines, character design, world design, building, testing, and finally, releasing. A huge part of this process is the game engine or the basic software you use to design your game.

Choosing the best game engine, especially when comparing Unity vs. Unreal Engine or UE5 vs Unity, can be stressful. But luckily, there are some good options available in this industry. There are two main competitors on the scene — Unreal Engine vs. Unity. Keep reading for the ultimate comparison between these two giants!

What Is Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine 4 was first released in 2014. Who uses Unreal Engine? Generally, larger AAA studios create games using Unreal Engine, often opting for the latest Unreal Engine 5 system requirements to ensure top-notch graphics and performance. Due to this, you can expect a steeper learning curve, and it requires knowledge of the more complex coding language, C++, for game development. In return, you get a great ability to scale and the best graphics currently possible when you create Unreal Engine games. You won’t be limited by much besides compatibility.

While Unity tends to get more customers for its 2D capabilities, Unreal has the Paper2D plugin, so you won’t be held back. Now, if you’re looking for 3D modeling software, we’ve got a great comparison for you!

The other consideration is that generally Unreal Engine can provide better graphics and visuals than Unity, particularly when comparing Unreal Engine 5 system requirements and graphics card needs to Unity engine specs. Unity and Unreal Engine are generally on the same level for animation and visualization, but more experienced users can enhance their creations' quality in Unreal Engine from a technical standpoint.

If you are new to Unreal Engine, you should definitely check out our list of learning tutorials to get started. Additionally, be aware of the top mistakes Unreal Engine beginners make so you can avoid common pitfalls early on. Understanding Unreal Engine requirements, especially for Unreal Engine 4 system requirements, is crucial for beginners.

For those who prefer the flexibility of working from anywhere, consider using Unreal Engine on a cloud computer to enhance your workflow. You can find this in our article Top Tutorials for Learning Unreal Engine 4. If you're working on complex projects, you might also want to explore how to create multiplayer Unreal Engine experiences.

• Compatibility: Windows 7 and up.

• System Requirements: Visual Studio 2017, 500 GB Solid State Drive, 8 GB RAM, Quad-core Intel or AMD processor - 2.5GHZ, and DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 compatible graphics card. These are the core game engine system requirements you'll need to run Unreal Engine 4 efficiently.

• Pros: High graphic quality, open-sourced, more scalable.

• Cons: More complex interface, uses C++, high minimum requirements for faster rendering in Unreal Engine.

• Price: Free, but 5% of earnings.

What Is Unity

Currently, Unity leads the market in game development. When it comes to Unity game development, you can easily create both 2D and 3D games, provided you meet the Unity engine system requirements. The interface works perfectly to guide beginners and requires little additional learning for pros. If you are starting out with these game engines, it may be easier to start with Unity and then work your way up to Unreal Engine if you so choose.

It even has tools to limit the amount of coding you need to do, and understanding the recommended specs for Unity can help you optimize your development process. The rest uses C#, which is familiar to most developers. When it comes to 2D, while both engines have the capability, Unity is generally considered more robust.

Who uses Unity? Unity is generally favored by indie developers, and many successful game development companies are using Unity to bring their creative visions to life. It also has a larger community, but both engines still have good-sized communities.

If you are new to Unity and looking to get started, you can see our top picks for learning tutorials in Unity in the post Top Tutorials for Learning Unity. Definitely worth a look for beginners!

If you're wondering how many GB Unity requires, it generally needs around 15-20 GB of disk space depending on the version and packages you install.

• Compatibility: Windows 7 and up, macOS High Sierra 10.13+, Linux Ubuntu 20.04/18.04/CentOS 7.

• System Requirements: Processor with x64 architecture, DirectX10 compatible graphics card. These Unity engine requirements ensure that your system can handle the software, but for more complex projects, knowing the Unity minimum specs and Unity system requirement details is important.

• Pros: Large community, beginner-friendly, cross-platform.

• Cons: Difficult to create big worlds, lower quality graphics.

• Price: Free unless annual revenue exceeds $100,000 (then it’s $35 per month and includes additional features).

Enhance Your Game Development Workflow with Vagon

Whether you're building immersive worlds in Unreal Engine or crafting innovative experiences in Unity, having the right hardware is crucial. Vagon’s high-performance cloud PCs offer the power and flexibility you need to meet the demanding system requirements of both engines. With Vagon, you can access top-tier specs directly from your browser, ensuring that your development process is smooth and efficient, no matter where you are. Try Vagon today and elevate your game development experience, whether you're just starting out or taking your projects to the next level.

This guide isn't enough for you, check Hackernoon's Unity vs Unreal Engine comparison.

FAQs:

1. What are the core system requirements for using Unreal Engine?

   • The core system requirements for Unreal Engine 4 include a Visual Studio 2017 installation, a 500 GB Solid State Drive, 8 GB RAM, a Quad-core Intel or AMD processor at 2.5GHz, and a DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 compatible graphics card. For Unreal Engine 5, it’s recommended to have higher specs, particularly for the graphics card, to maximize the engine’s potential.

2. How do Unreal Engine 5’s system requirements compare to Unity?

   • Unreal Engine 5 generally requires more robust hardware, especially for high-end graphics rendering, compared to Unity. Unity’s system requirements are more flexible, allowing for smoother performance on less powerful systems, particularly when working on 2D or simpler 3D projects.

3. Is Unity easier to learn than Unreal Engine?

   • Yes, Unity is often considered more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and the use of C#, which is easier for many developers compared to Unreal Engine’s C++. Additionally, Unity’s lower system requirements make it accessible to a wider range of developers.

4. What are the recommended specs for running Unity?

   • Unity runs best on a system with a processor that has x64 architecture, a DirectX10 compatible graphics card, and sufficient RAM. The recommended specs vary depending on the complexity of the project, but generally, Unity requires around 15-20 GB of disk space and a decent processor and GPU for optimal performance.

5. Can I switch from Unity to Unreal Engine easily?

   • Transitioning from Unity to Unreal Engine can be challenging due to differences in their interfaces and programming languages. However, with a good understanding of each engine’s system requirements and features, the switch can be manageable, especially for experienced developers.

6. Which engine is better for high-end graphics: Unreal Engine or Unity?

   • Unreal Engine, particularly Unreal Engine 5, is better suited for high-end graphics and visually intensive projects, thanks to its advanced rendering capabilities. Unity, while versatile, generally doesn’t match the graphical power of Unreal Engine but is more accessible for simpler projects and those with less demanding system requirements.