At Epic Games’ State of Unreal 2022 event, the highly anticipated Unreal Engine 5 was unveiled to all game developers, marking a significant milestone in gaming technology. This cutting-edge engine supports a variety of games, spanning both major titles and indie projects. Unreal Engine 5 brings groundbreaking advancements in geometry, lighting, and animation, promising to redefine the gaming experience.
The reveal of Unreal Engine 5 initially occurred at the Summer Game Fest in 2020, where it demonstrated its capabilities running on the PlayStation 5, showcasing an unprecedented level of detail that captivated both developers and players alike.
Since the start of 2023, several enticing Unreal Engine 5 games have launched, each highlighting the engine’s groundbreaking features. As the industry continues to shift towards Unreal Engine 5, the groundwork laid in these upcoming projects promises a fascinating future for gaming, with more titles expected to roll out in 2024 and 2025. It’s noteworthy that developers of all calibers are harnessing Unreal Engine 5 to bring diverse game genres to life.
Updated on January 15, 2025, by Mark Sammut: Recently added to the article are the titles: Project Tower and The Wayward Realms.
2021 & 2022 Unreal Engine 5 Games
Lyra
| Developer | Epic Games |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC |
| Release Date | April 5, 2022 |
| Video Footage | State Of Unreal 2022 Showcase |
Lyra marks an innovative approach to multiplayer gaming, serving as both a game and a foundation for new creators to begin their journey with Unreal Engine 5. While it can be seen as a generic online shooter, its underlying potential lies in its customizability, as developers can utilize Lyra to design and develop their own unique projects. Epic emphasizes that Lyra is a “living project,”implying ongoing enhancements and features that will support new creators exploring the engine’s functionalities.
Fortnite
With the launch of Chapter 3 in December 2021, Epic Games confirmed the game’s transition to Unreal Engine 5. While Fortnite was never initially seen as a graphical powerhouse, this transition has led to substantial improvements in its visual fidelity. Chapter 3 offered moderate enhancements, yet Chapter 4 showcased a leap in graphical quality made possible by the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5.
The Matrix Awakens
| Developer | Epic Games |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Release Date | December 9, 2021 |
| Video Footage | Trailer |
Released alongside The Matrix Resurrections, The Matrix Awakens serves as a tech demo that illustrates the immense potential of Unreal Engine 5. Collaborating with The Coalition, Epic’s project allows fans to immerse themselves in iconic scenes from the original films, albeit primarily through quick-time events. Despite its brevity, this demonstration effectively showcases the capabilities of UE5 and remains available for free to owners of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Note: The Matrix Awakens has been removed from its original distribution platforms.
Cepheus Protocol
Having spent nearly two years in early access, Cepheus Protocol, a real-time strategy game, began its transition to Unreal Engine 5 in 2022. This upgrade has significantly enhanced its visuals, even though expectations should be tempered since it remains an indie title. Drawing inspiration from classics like Company of Heroes, Cepheus Protocol has received generally favorable reviews on Steam as players appreciate its commitment to quality over quantity. A full release date has yet to be announced.
SurrounDead
One of the earliest adopters of Unreal Engine 5, SurrounDead is an early access survival game with a strong following on Steam. The active development team consistently releases updates, indicating that the project is progressing well.
While open-world survival games are common, few indie titles explore this genre in fully realized 3D environments. For players interested in immersive zombie-infested worlds, SurrounDead comes highly recommended.
I Am Jesus Christ: Prologue
| Developer | SimulaM |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC |
| Release Date | December 1, 2022 |
| Video Footage | Official Trailer |
Initially dismissed as a novelty concept, I Am Jesus Christ: Prologue by SimulaM is more than just a light-hearted venture. This free-to-play demo showcases an RPG that revolves around its titular character, intertwining fantasy elements using miracles and historical locations. The potential for a full version appears promising, setting the stage for exploring religious narratives through interactive storytelling.
The Bus
| Developer | TML-Studios |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC |
| Release Date | December 14, 2022 (UE 5 Upgrade) |
| Upgrade Notice | The Bus Update Phase 2.0 |
The Bus has spent considerable time in early access since March 2021, with generally positive feedback within this niche genre. Competing against established titles like Bus Simulator 21, TML’s game stands out due to its upgraded visuals. The latest transition to Unreal Engine 5, on December 14, 2022, markedly improved the game’s aesthetics, effectively bringing a new level of realism and detail to the simulated city of Berlin. However, as the game remains in early access, potential players are encouraged to watch gameplay videos to gauge whether the current state aligns with their expectations.
2023 Unreal Engine 5 Games
Only Up!
Only Up! is an intriguing case in the gaming landscape. While various listings appear on platforms like Steam and PlayStation, these versions are not the original released in May 2023. The initial installment gained momentum on Twitch due to its steep difficulty and engaging content, but its reputation suffered in the aftermath, ultimately leading to its removal from Steam by the developers. As it stands, there are currently no valid means to purchase the game.
Layers Of Fear
The third entry in Bloober Team’s horror trilogy launched in June 2023 as a comprehensive remaster, encompassing elements from the original 2016 Layers of Fear and its sequel. This new edition includes not only remastered visuals but also fresh content, particularly the **Lighthouse Chapter**. Players assume the role of the Writer, guiding them through a new narrative designed to unify the overarching storylines. With this complete remaster constructed entirely in Unreal Engine 5, all horror enthusiasts should find this title to be a worthy investment.
Outliver: Tribulation
While AAA titles often dominate discussions, Unreal Engine 5’s accessibility empowers indie developers significantly. Outliver: Tribulation is a compact Souls-like shooter reminiscent of Remnant 2, debuting in the same month. However, what distinguishes it from typical fare is its inspiration from African mythology, offering a distinctive setting and narrative perspective.
Synapse
Exclusively available on PlayStation VR2, Synapse serves as a visually stunning first-person shooter that illustrates Unreal Engine 5’s adaptability in VR environments. Its visuals, while not groundbreaking, effectively complement the engaging gameplay, creating a captivating virtual reality experience.
Remnant 2
Although not the first Unreal Engine 5 game to appear, Remnant 2 stands as one of the earliest titles to fully realize the engine’s capabilities. Building on its predecessor, Remnant: From the Ashes, this sequel integrates procedurally generated elements into its gameplay, ensuring diversity in each playthrough. This complexity does affect visual consistency, but Remnant 2 generally shines in aesthetic quality, especially in its art and visual effects. Emphasizing UE5’s Nanite technology enables enhanced geometric detail throughout the game, setting a new standard for visual fidelity.
Dark and Darker
Dark and Darker presents a free-to-play experience that merges dungeon exploration with RPG elements. While it has attracted attention with its PvPvE mechanics, players should note that the free version comes with significant restrictions. While single-player options exist, successful play is typically reliant on team strategies to overcome challenges.
Immortals Of Aveum
Published by EA, Immortals of Aveum marked Ascendant Studios’ debut in the AAA space. This magical action shooter uniquely substitutes traditional firearms with spellcasting, dividing its magic into three distinct types. Players will find themselves embroiled in fast-paced combat, supported by an intricate storyline that melds narrative depth with dynamic gameplay. While the initial reception was mixed, this innovative twist on the shooter genre warrants attention from players interested in new experiences.
Deceit 2
Deceit 2, a free-to-play sequel to the well-received 2017 original, invites players into a social deduction setting. In this 2023 iteration, participants must identify the traitor among them while traversing an increasingly dangerous environment. Despite not maintaining the level of success of its predecessor, the sequel offers a refined approach, with enhanced graphics highlighting the evolution of the franchise’s style and gameplay.
Overpass 2
This iteration stands as one of the first titles to unveil Unreal Engine 5’s potential for revolutionizing the racing genre. Overpass 2’s visuals promise a significantly enhanced experience, especially regarding vehicle and track design. Although it remains to be seen if it leaves a lasting impression, fans of rally racing may find it appealing.
Slender: The Arrival (Update)
In a timely and unexpected arrival, Blue Isle Studios announced a significant 10-year anniversary update for Slender: The Arrival, coinciding with the game’s revised edition on Unreal Engine 5. The update seamlessly reinvigorates the old title with decidedly fresh aesthetics. Alongside this, S: Lost Chapters was also teased, although its use of UE5 remains uncertain.
Lords Of The Fallen
Surprising the community, the Soulslike genre is at the forefront of Unreal Engine 5 development with titles like Remnant 2 and Lords of the Fallen leading the charge. Lords of the Fallen notably excels in visual accomplishments, showcasing cutting-edge graphics that put it among the most aesthetically pleasing games released in recent times. Despite mixed feelings surrounding its core mechanics, including combat and boss fights, it still offers players countless hours of exploration and engagement within its expansive fantasy world.
Stray Souls
With the backdrop of a typical small town, Stray Souls draws inspiration from various horror influences, delivering creepy sequences amplified by Unreal Engine 5’s technological prowess. While the initial concept is intriguing, criticisms regarding bugs and overall gameplay experience have made it challenging to recommend broadly, even to horror aficionados.
Ark: Survival Ascended
Following a tumultuous journey leading to its official launch, ARK: Survival Ascended has finally entered early access. This major update revitalizes the visuals substantially, positioning it as the definitive version of ARK. This revamped title includes comprehensive expansions and quality-of-life improvements, although it has released in an unfinished state, urging prospective players to understand that further refinements are still forthcoming.
This Bed We Made
Though relatively lesser-known than other upcoming Unreal Engine 5 games, This Bed We Made shines as an early masterpiece for the technology. Set in the Clarington Hotel during the 1950s, players will assume the role of a maid turned detective, exploring the hidden aspects of her guests’ lives. The game intertwines a captivating narrative with a stunning visual aesthetic, merging realistic design with stylized choices that enhance the overall experience.
RoboCop: Rogue City
Drawing inspiration from the original RoboCop trilogy, Rogue City is a visceral first-person shooter aiming to provide an authentic experience reflective of the source material. Gamers experience the role of RoboCop, maneuvering through a variety of chaotic scenarios.
The linear missions notwithstanding, the game shines during its expansive open sections set in New Detroit, which emphasize exploration and intriguing side quests.
How much error?
Despite a wealth of potential, Quantum Error falls short in both narrative and gameplay execution. While it presents an intriguing horror premise, its graphics do not stand out as exceptional. Its role as a showcase for Unreal Engine 5 still holds promise for future improvements within the horror genre.
Mortal Online 2
After initially launching on Unreal Engine 4 in January 2022, Mortal Online 2 transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 on November 28, 2023, marking its place as the first MMORPG to utilize this engine. Star Vault’s immersive MMO is characterized by its complexity and difficulty, catering to hardcore players who relish in fielding PvP conflicts amid a perilous world.
2024 Unreal Engine 5 Games (Confirmed Release Dates)
Tekken 8
The latest addition to the famed Tekken series was unveiled during Sony’s State of Play event in September 2022. With Tekken 7 being a contenders’ favorite, utilizing Unreal Engine 4, Bandai Namco aimed to push boundaries with Tekken 8 by upgrading to Unreal Engine 5. This shift is particularly visible in the game’s announcement trailer, highlighting the evident benefits.
The development team confirmed that Tekken 8 is being entirely constructed from the ground up in UE5, including new character designs. Additionally, the demo released toward the end of 2023 showcased snippets from various game modes, characters, and stages, underscoring its intensive combat mechanics and visually enhanced graphics.
Silent Hill: The Short Message
With its return on the horizon, Unreal Engine 5 quickly became the go-to engine for Silent Hill games. Silent Hill: The Short Message marked the horror series’ significant re-entry after nearly ten years, offering a free-to-play experience on the PlayStation Store. Despite several positives, its reception has been lukewarm, with critiques surfacing around the protagonist and narrative themes. Nonetheless, passionate fans of the franchise may find value in an otherwise brief journey.
Nightingale (Early Access)
This early access survival title unveils a distinctive steampunk aesthetic that captures player anticipation. However, its launch was marred by connection issues, affecting both solo and co-op experiences. Despite these setbacks, Nightingale’s potential shines through as a glorious testament to Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities, despite its indie backing.
Incursion Red River (Early Access)
Currently in early access, Incursion Red River functions as a cooperative extraction shooter, aspiring to carve its niche amidst competition akin to Escape from Tarkov. Yet, as the game is a work in progress, it may lack content, though the developers are diligently working on improving it.
Dead By Daylight
Dead by Daylight predates the launch of Unreal Engine 5, having achieved significant success through previous iterations in Unreal Engine 4. In 2024, the game underwent a migration to UE5, hoping to leverage its advanced capabilities for the title’s continued evolution.
Players are well acquainted with what to expect from Dead by Daylight, with the creators frequently releasing new content packs introducing both survivors and killers, maintaining its ongoing popularity.
Everspace 2
Initially launched in 2023 across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, Everspace 2 previously used an earlier version of Unreal Engine. With success among a dedicated community, a roadmap for future updates has been established by the developers.
On April 29, 2024, Everspace 2’s Incursions update marked a substantial content addition and performance upgrade, coinciding with the project’s transition to UE5.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
While not the initial title to illustrate the potential of Unreal Engine 5, Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 could currently serve as its best showcase. This sequel exemplifies high production values, presenting realistic animations that could easily be mistaken for live-action.
Although the game’s duration is expected to be approximately 10 hours, its captivating landscapes, intense combat, and a compelling narrative that intertwines conventional storytelling with introspective moments promise an engaging experience.
Serum
A game currently in early access, Serum excels as a first-person survival experience focused on crafting serum concoctions. Players navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape brimming with mystery while managing time and resources to gather materials for this fundamental lifeline.
Serum appears ambitious, with the early access version already offering substantial content and showcasing the core gameplay mechanics.
MultiVersus
Having undergone a successful open-beta phase preceding its full 2024 launch, MultiVersus stands at the intersection of familiar and new. The final version intends to introduce innovative mechanics, including PvE content that was absent in earlier iterations, while retaining a strong focus on multiplayer elements.
Confirmation of MultiVersus utilizing Unreal Engine 5 came as a pleasant surprise. Acclaimed mostly for its realistic visual capabilities, its use in a colorful, character-rich fighting game offers a refreshing change of pace.
Still Wakes The Deep
From the creators of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs comes Still Wakes the Deep, a first-person horror game set on an oil rig. The realistic visuals rendered possible through Unreal Engine 5 serve to immerse players in an unusual yet grounded setting that juxtaposes natural and supernatural threats.
Stripping players of weapons and abilities, this survival horror experience challenges them with a simplistic protagonist whose only hope for survival relies on clever thinking and strategic planning.
Riven
Initially released in 1997, Riven, a spiritual successor to Myst, benefitted from an Unreal Engine 5 remake in June 2024. This remodel allows for a more interactive experience, granting players the freedom to navigate through the game’s atmospheric realms. While it may not generate as much buzz as other UE5 titles, Riven remains a worthwhile exploration for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the genre.
The First Descendant
Debuting at Gamescom 2022, The First Descendant showcased breathtaking visuals that garnered immediate interest. This third-person shooter combines thrilling cutscenes and in-game footage to introduce its sci-fi universe, featuring exoskeleton-clad heroes facing various threats.
Although the game faced a mixed response upon launch, critical feedback highlighted elements like microtransactions and progression issues, while praising its captivating gameplay and art direction, further adorning this visually stunning free-to-play project.
Stormgate
Founded by former Blizzard developers, Frost Giant Studios is making waves with its debut title, Stormgate. This free-to-play real-time strategy game captures a future where demonic forces invade Earth through mysterious portals, urging players to adapt and combat these threats. Featuring a vibrant aesthetic, the game emulates a balance between accessibility and profound gameplay depth, including a cooperative PvE mode where players team up against challenging AI adversaries.
Creatures Of Ava
An open-world game titled Creatures of Ava immerses players in a natural, vibrant world brimming with unique fauna. This project promises not only an engaging gameplay experience but also an evocative narrative that engages players through exploration and interactions in a beautifully crafted environment.
Black Myth: Wukong
Since its reveal in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has maintained its status as a highly anticipated title, adapting the beloved epic Journey to the West. Its visuals showcase remarkable detail paired with captivating boss battles. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth continues to excite gamers eager to see further gameplay reveals.
Smite 2
Titan Forge’s sequel, Smite 2, stands to be a landmark entry in the MOBA genre, potentially being the first UE5 title in this space. While closely mirroring its predecessor, it remains to be seen how the community responds to this sequel amidst existing players’ loyalty to the original game.
Beyond the enhancements in graphics, it is unclear if the upcoming title will introduce significant gameplay changes. More information is expected as the August 2024 launch date approaches.
Squirrel With A Gun
Squirrel With A Gun presents a whimsical approach to gaming, inviting players to control an armed squirrel in a vibrant sandbox world. Developed by Dan DeEntremont, the game features a trust system in which NPCs react differently based on the squirrel’s actions, alongside gun-based puzzles requiring precision and skill. Its humorous premise and playful gameplay mechanics are likely to attract a diverse audience.
Satisfactory
Initially designed in an earlier version of Unreal Engine, Satisfactory transitioned to UE5 ahead of its full 1.0 launch. Renowned for its expansive crafting and factory-building mechanics, the game continues to flourish since its early access days. Players engage deeply with elements of building and managing factories in a visually appealing and immersive environment.
Enotria: The Last Song
Inspired by Italian folklore, Enotria: The Last Song offers unique vistas and fresh mechanics in the Soulslike genre. Players will encounter a mask system allowing shifts in roles, alongside options to customize loadouts. The distinct focus on environmental storytelling and character-driven narratives has garnered a moderately favorable reception so far.
Frostpunk 2
Expanding upon its predecessor’s legacy, Frostpunk 2 integrates survival and strategy, requiring players to balance managing a settlement amid various external threats, from nature to human politics. Along with a single-player campaign, players can engage in the Utopia Builder mode, allowing more control over customizing experiences.
Echo Point Nova
This exciting evolution of Severed Steel explores a mission-based FPS in an open-world context. This innovative setting provides players with the freedom to complete objectives stylistically while retaining a lean campaign format. With stunning visuals and robust gunplay, Echo Point Nova sets the stage for a memorable multiplayer experience.
The Forever Winter
Available in Steam Early Access, The Forever Winter takes players into the realm of PvE extraction shooters, immersing them in an atmospheric, cooperative experience. Casting players as scavengers who face ominous forces, this game promises to provide a genuinely intense gameplay experience in a dark, urban fantasy setting.
Until Dawn
Originally a PS4 exclusive, Until Dawn now embraces a new life through its Unreal Engine 5 remake for PS5 and PC. The visually enriched experience breathes new life into a classic, balancing high-quality graphics with the game’s excellent narrative structure.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
After a long, quiet period, Konami officially announced the Silent Hill 2 Remake development in October 2022, designating Bloober Team to oversee the project. As one of the most critically acclaimed psychological horror titles, the expectations for modernization are extensive. Alongside visual enhancements using Unreal Engine 5, changes to gameplay mechanics remain to be seen.
Off The Grid
Off The Grid made a surprising entrance into early access on PC and PS5, contributing to the oversaturated battle royale genre in a conventional yet engaging manner. While the game carries familiar mechanics, it distinguishes itself with dynamic visuals and robust gameplay, all under the framework of an active development phase.
MechWarrior 5: Clans
Returning from its storied legacy, the MechWarrior franchise offers a seamless introduction into 2024’s MechWarrior 5: Clans. Built to welcome new players with comprehensive onboarding, it delivers immersive mech-driven warfare alongside visually impressive designs, ensuring that the series retains its reputation.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead
This stealth horror title rooted in the popular A Quiet Place franchise tasks players with navigating a perilous world while maintaining silence. While divisive, it presents interesting gameplay mechanics that challenge players to approach scenarios with caution and strategy.
No More Room In Hell 2
Having garnered attention for its co-op horror survival format, No More Room In Hell 2 offers thrilling zombie encounters among multiplayer sessions. The long-awaited sequel entered early access on October 22, 2024. While initial reception was tepid, it remains hopeful for future improvements as it continues development.
Rivals Of Aether 2
Set to enrich the arena fighting genre, Rivals of Aether 2 seeks to follow MultiVersus into Unreal Engine 5 territory. While the roster may not feature as many prominent characters, it serves as a captivating alternative within its genre, providing similar enjoyable mechanics and stylistic charm.
Maximum Football
While overshadowed by titles like Madden, Maximum Football offers players an alternative, particularly with its shift to Unreal Engine 5 and a free-to-play model. The upcoming iteration aims to create a more immersive football experience, but its past entries have struggled to leave a meaningful impact on players.
Entering early access on Steam on November 7, 2024, this new chapter in the series aims to elevate its standing among sports titles.
Lego Horizon Adventures
In a refreshing twist, Lego Horizon Adventures reimagines the setting of Horizon Zero Dawn into a charming Lego world, filled with vibrant aesthetics and imaginative characters. While visuals are frequently praised, gameplay and mechanics have sparked mixed reactions, leading to an exciting yet controversial reception.
Supervive
Through its unique blend of genres, Supervive’s recent closed beta showcased significant attention, capturing a new audience with its blend of MOBA, battle royale, and hero shooter elements. The excitement generated stems from its vibrant aesthetics, dynamic characters, and fast-paced gameplay, while its full release is anticipated to widen its appeal across various player demographics.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Having showcased stunning visuals during its reveal at E3 2021, STALKER 2 stands as one of Microsoft’s premier titles designed around Unreal Engine 5. As it ventures into an expansive open-world structure, it’s anticipated to boost performers while presenting a richer gameplay experience, potentially revitalizing interest in the franchise.
Delta Force
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