So you wonder what are the top games made in Unreal. Well, who wouldn’t? When it comes to game development tools, the Unreal Engine is often considered one of the best along with Unity and Godot.
Created by the visionary minds at Epic Games, this cutting-edge software has become the go-to choice for studios worldwide, enabling them to bring their most ambitious and groundbreaking visions to life.
With its unrivaled graphics capabilities, user-friendly tools, and unmatched flexibility, the Unreal Engine has become the driving force behind some of the most popular, immersive, and visually stunning games of the modern era. From non-stop action to complicated story-based games, this technological wonder can handle it all with ease, pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve.
Sure, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, but the proof lies in the incredible games themselves – masterpieces that have delighted millions of players throughout the years, transported them to awesome virtual worlds, and delivered unforgettable experiences unlike any other.
So, in this article, we will dive into some of the top games made in Unreal Engine, showcasing its amazing potential as a game development environment!
Read as well: Why mobile developers are porting games to PC and consoles
What are the top games made in Unreal?
By the way, a disclaimer: this list is by no means exhaustive and objective.
Fortnite (2017), by Epic Games
What started as a quirky battle royale experiment quickly became a global phenomenon, transcending the realm of gaming and cementing itself as a cultural icon. Fortnite’s ingenious blend of building mechanics and intense last-player-standing action took the world by storm, and the Unreal Engine was instrumental in bringing this revolutionary experience to life.
Despite hosting dozens of players simultaneously in a constantly shrinking arena, the game engine kept the chaos running with no hiccups, ensuring a seamless and thrilling gameplay experience.
From the vibrant, cartoonish visuals to the dynamic building mechanics and the most random crossovers ever, every aspect of Fortnite showcased how powerful Unreal Engine was, further cementing its place as one of the best.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019), by Respawn Entertainment
For Star Wars fans, Jedi: Fallen Order was a dream come true – an opportunity to step into the shoes of a Jedi and experience the iconic universe like never before. As a Padawan on the run from the Empire, players wielded lightsabers, harnessed the power of the Force, and cracked ancient mysteries, all while the Unreal Engine brought the beloved Star Wars setting to life with breathtaking realism.
From the stunning visuals that faithfully recreated iconic locales to the realistic physics that governed every lightsaber duel, Jedi: Fallen Order was a masterclass in immersive worldbuilding, made possible by the Unreal Engine’s cutting-edge capabilities. Cinematic storytelling, dynamic combat, and a true sense of being a part of the Star Wars world – this game delivered it all, and then some, deserving its place in the top games made in Unreal.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017), by Ninja Theory
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice wasn’t just a game, it was a profound exploration of mental health and the human psyche, brought to life with an unparalleled level of technical and artistic mastery. Following Senua, a Pict warrior, players embarked on a harrowing journey through a dark world inspired by Norse folklore and Celtic culture filled with nightmarish visions and challenging puzzles.
Unreal Engine’s true potential was on full display, delivering awesome visuals, atmospheric audio design, and realistic character animations that contributed to an emotionally resonant, haunting, and deeply immersive experience. Hellblade pushed the boundaries of what games could achieve, both in terms of storytelling and technical excellence, and the Unreal Engine was one of the driving forces behind this masterpiece.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020), by Square Enix
For decades, Final Fantasy VII has held a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide, and Square Enix’s highly anticipated remake lived up to the hype – and then some. Powered by Unreal Engine, this reimagining of the beloved classic brought the iconic story into the modern era with jaw-dropping graphics, revamped gameplay mechanics, and an unparalleled level of detail and fidelity.
From the vibrant, neon-drenched streets of Midgar to the dynamic real-time combat encounters that kept players on the edge of their seats, every aspect of Final Fantasy VII Remake was a testament to the engine’s capabilities.
Borderlands 3 (2019), by Gearbox Software
The Borderlands franchise has always been known for its addictive looter-shooter gameplay loop and distinct cel-shaded art style, but Borderlands 3 took things to a whole new level, and the Unreal Engine was instrumental in making this happen.
With its stunning visuals, chaotic action sequences, and an utterly absurd amount of weapons and gear, which were procedurally generated, Borderlands 3 delivered an experience that was equal parts beautiful and endlessly replayable.
The Unreal Engine’s power allowed Gearbox Software to push the boundaries of what cel-shaded graphics could achieve, resulting in a visual masterpiece that blended vibrant colors, tiny details, and explosive combat with seamless fluidity.
Whether players were exploring the vast, eccentric world of Pandora or engaging in hectic battles against hordes of enemies, the game’s technical feats are undeniable thanks to the Unreal Engine’s diverse set of features.
Valorant (2020), by Riot Games
Valorant is a free-to-play tactical shooter that quickly became prominent in the competitive gaming scene.
The game emphasizes precise aiming, strategic teamwork, and unique character abilities, providing much more depth than your usual shooter game. Set in a near-future Earth, players choose from a roster of “agents” with skills that can aid their team in eliminating the opposing side.
For a game made with Unreal Engine, its graphics may not be so impressive relative to other games in this list, but they still look great while being extremely performant on low-end rigs.
Valorant features detailed character models, neat maps with destructible environments and opportunities for tactical plays, and a focus on clear visibility for competitive play. The engine allows for quick reflexes and precise gunplay to be rewarded, making for a highly competitive and engaging experience.
Riot’s shooter’s success goes beyond the engine, though: the well-balanced character abilities, strategic map design, and free-to-play model all contribute to its massive player base and thriving esports scene.
Endling – Extinction is Forever (2022), by Herobeat Studios
This game takes a more narrative-driven approach, placing players in the role of the last mother fox on Earth. Endling explores themes of survival, loss, and the impact of humanity on the natural world, where players must guide the mother fox as she hunts for food, protects her kits from various dangers, and teaches them essential skills for survival.
Unreal Engine allows Endling to present a beautiful yet harsh world. The environments are detailed and atmospheric, with lush forests contrasting with the encroaching human settlements. The animation of the fox and her kits is particularly impressive, conveying a conflicting sense of vulnerability and determination.
However, Endling’s emotional impact comes from its story and mechanics. The looming threat of extinction and the difficult choices players must make create a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
Top games made in Unreal: closing thoughts
As these modern masterpieces have demonstrated, the Unreal Engine is more than just a game development tool, it’s an unstoppable force that has reshaped the way we create and experience games. From its capability to provide breathtaking visuals, great performance, and a big blank canvas to build on, Unreal Engine has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of interactive entertainment.
All in all, whether you’re a seasoned developer, an aspiring game creator, or just a gamer, Unreal Engine allows you to bring your wildest dreams to life. As the gaming industry continues to grow at surprising rates, one thing is certain: Unreal Engine is a name you will hear for many years to come, delivering innovation and unforgettable experiences for billions of gamers worldwide.
But what if you could push the boundaries even further?
At Main Leaf, we’re a team of game development experts passionate about helping others bring their ideas to life. We offer a variety of services, like game design, asset creation, animation, blockchains, and even game development solutions tailored to your needs – we can create games from the ground up just for you.
Now you know the top games made in Unreal – so contact us right now to be, who knows, a part of this list. See how we can help you turn your vision into something real!