Fortnite Creative/ UEFN

Using Verse in UEFN: A Quick Beginner’s Guide

Learn the basics of using Verse to create custom gameplay mechanics in your Fortnite projects.

Published

4 months ago

September 3, 2024

Dragon

Using Verse in UEFN: A Quick Beginner’s Guide

Verse is the powerful scripting language integrated into Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), enabling developers to create custom gameplay mechanics and interactive experiences. Whether you’re new to programming or just new to Verse, this guide will help you get started with the basics. By the end, you’ll have the foundational knowledge needed to begin scripting your own Fortnite experiences.

1. What is Verse?

Verse is a high-level, object-oriented programming language designed specifically for UEFN. It allows you to create complex behaviors and interactions in your Fortnite projects by writing custom scripts. Verse is particularly powerful because it integrates seamlessly with the UEFN environment, allowing you to manipulate game elements directly within your code.

Verse is designed to be easy to learn for beginners, while still offering advanced features for experienced programmers. Its syntax is clear and concise, making it a great starting point for those new to coding.

Resources:

Verse Documentation – Official Epic Games documentation for Verse.
Verse API Reference – Comprehensive guide to all available Verse functions and classes.

2. Setting Up Your First Verse Script

To start coding in Verse, you first need to create a Verse script within your UEFN project. Here’s how to get started:

Create a New Verse Script: In UEFN, navigate to the Verse Explorer,click the name of your project, right-click, and select “Add new Verse File to Project”. Choose “Verse Device” and name your script something relevant to its function, like “my_first_script” Now click Create. This will create a Verse file with a simple print code template already in place.
Open the Verse Editor: Find the link named “Verse” which is located between Tools and Build and click on it. In the drop down menu, click “Build Verse Code” Now click on the Verse button with the green check mark located between the Fab and Launch Session buttons. This will open up your Verse Editor. On the left hand side, look for your device called: “my_first_script” and click on it.

Understand the Structure: A basic Verse script consists of classes, functions, and variables. Here’s a simple example to get you started:

my_first_script := class(creative_device):

    # anything with an # represents a comment and is ignored when the        
    # code runs.
    # The function below runs when the game starts

    OnBegin<override>()<suspends>: void =

        Print("Hello, World!")
        Print("2 + 2 = {2 + 2}")

In this example, we define a class: my_first_script that inherits from creative_device. The OnBegin function runs when the game starts and prints a message to the print log. You may wonder why it is important to print messages to the log.

Why Printing Messages to the Log is Important

Printing messages to the log is a fundamental practice in programming, especially when developing in environments like Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) using Verse. Here’s why it’s so valuable:

Debugging and Troubleshooting: When you’re writing code, it’s common to encounter issues or unexpected behaviors. By printing messages to the log, you can track the execution flow of your program. For instance, if your script isn’t behaving as expected, inserting print statements at critical points in your code allows you to see if certain functions are being called or if variables hold the values you expect. This makes it much easier to identify where things might be going wrong.

Monitoring Game Events: In a complex game environment, many events happen simultaneously. Printing messages to the log helps you monitor these events in real-time. For example, you can log when a player interacts with an object, when an enemy is spawned, or when a level is loaded. This real-time feedback is crucial for understanding how your game mechanics are working under different scenarios.

Performance Tracking: Besides debugging, print statements can be used to monitor the performance of your game. For instance, you can log the time taken by certain functions to execute or how often a specific event occurs. This information is valuable for optimizing your game’s performance, ensuring that it runs smoothly even with complex scripts and multiple players.

Communication Between Team Members: When working in a team, logging messages can serve as a form of communication. For example, if a particular function or script isn’t behaving correctly, you can log detailed messages that describe what the code is supposed to do versus what it’s actually doing. This information can then be shared with other team members to help diagnose and fix issues more efficiently.

Ensuring Code Logic: As your scripts become more complex, it’s easy to lose track of the logic flow. By printing messages at key points, you can confirm that your code logic is working as intended. For example, if you have multiple conditions or loops, logging each step ensures that your code is following the correct path and making the right decisions.

3. Understanding Verse Syntax and Concepts

Before diving deeper into coding, it’s essential to understand some basic Verse concepts:

Classes and Objects: Verse uses classes to define objects. A class is like a blueprint for creating objects. In the example above, my_device is a class.
Functions: Functions are blocks of code that perform a specific task. The OnBegin function in our example runs when the game starts.
Variables: Variables are used to store data. For example, you could define a variable to store a player’s score.
Events: Verse allows you to respond to events, such as a player interacting with an object. This is done through event binding, which we’ll cover shortly.

Tip: Consistency in naming conventions and proper indentation are critical in Verse to ensure your code is readable and maintainable. Follow a standard coding style to avoid errors and improve collaboration.

4. Debugging and Testing Your Verse Code

Testing your Verse scripts is crucial to ensure they work as expected. UEFN provides several tools to help you debug and refine your code:

Print Statements: Use Print() statements to output messages to the console, which is helpful for tracking the flow of your program and identifying issues.
Breakpoints: You can set breakpoints in your Verse code to pause execution at specific points, allowing you to inspect variables and the state of your game.
Live Testing: Run your game in UEFN to see your scripts in action. Make sure to test various scenarios to ensure your script handles all possible player interactions.

Tip: Regularly save and back up your scripts to avoid losing your work. Use UEFN’s built-in version control features to manage changes and collaborate with others.

6. Expanding Your Knowledge

As you become more comfortable with Verse, you can start exploring more advanced topics, such as:

Concurrency: Learn how to manage multiple tasks simultaneously using Verse’s concurrency features.
Custom Events: Create your own events and bind them to specific actions in your game.
Complex Gameplay Logic: Dive deeper into creating complex gameplay mechanics, such as inventory systems or AI behavior.

Additional Resources

To continue learning and improving your Verse scripting skills, explore the following resources:

Verse API Reference – Dive deeper into the available functions and classes in Verse.
Epic Developer Community(EDC) – Join the community to discuss ideas, ask questions, and share your projects.
UEFN Documentation – Access comprehensive guides and tutorials for Unreal Editor for Fortnite.
The Creative Blok Discord – Join new verse learners in our discord and join up for weekly community tutorials!

Verse is a versatile and powerful scripting language that opens up endless possibilities for your Fortnite projects. By learning the basics, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging and interactive gameplay experiences. Keep experimenting, learning, and expanding your knowledge, and you’ll soon unlock the full potential of Verse in UEFN.

Happy Developing!

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Streamlining Seasonal Projects: A Quick Guide to Project Production Workflow in Fortnite Creative and UEFN

This guide will walk you through strategies to optimize your workflow, avoid common scheduling delays, and offer a practical timeline for creating seasonal maps like Christmas, Halloween, and Summer-themed experiences in UEFN and Fortnite Creative.

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2024

Dragon

Streamlining Seasonal Projects: A Quick Guide to Project Production Workflow in Fortnite Creative and UEFN | The Creative Blok

Creating and managing a project production workflow is crucial for the timely release of Fortnite Creative maps, especially for seasonal events and Epic Picks features. This guide will walk you through strategies to optimize your workflow, avoid common scheduling delays, and offer a practical timeline for creating seasonal maps like Christmas, Halloween, and Summer-themed experiences in UEFN and Fortnite Creative.

When developing Fortnite Creative projects, especially those intended for seasonal events like Christmas, Halloween, or Summer, managing your production workflow is crucial to ensure timely releases and avoid submission delays. If you’re aiming for high-visibility features like Epic Picks or other showcases, timely submission is even more important, as Epic Games often reduces their working hours during major holidays. This article provides a quick roadmap to help streamline your workflow, avoid common pitfalls, and deliver polished, timely seasonal maps.

Key Tips for Effective Workflow Management for UEFN and Fortnite Creative

Start Early and Plan Ahead:
The key to a successful seasonal project is starting early. It’s not just about finishing the map; it’s about creating enough time for testing, iteration, and refinement. Planning months in advance allows you to accommodate unexpected delays, such as asset creation or coding issues, while also ensuring that there’s ample time for feedback and testing. A well-structured timeline also allows you to align your efforts with Epic Games’ submission deadlines for maximum visibility.
Be Mindful of Epic’s Holiday Schedule:
Epic Games’ office hours are reduced during major holidays, and their review and approval process for seasonal maps can slow down significantly. For this reason, you should always aim to submit your maps well before holiday periods, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. By submitting early, you avoid the risks associated with delayed reviews and missed opportunities for promotion, particularly with events like Epic Picks. Epic will usually post their vacation times in their Official Discord Announcement Channels
Implement Revision Control:
For larger teams working on seasonal projects, managing revisions and collaborating on changes can become chaotic without proper version control. Unreal Engine’s Revision Control system allows you to keep track of changes made by various team members and revert to previous versions when necessary. This tool can also help you avoid the “lost work” scenario and ensure all team members are on the same page.
Leverage Templates and Pre-Built Assets:
UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite) offers several templates and assets that you can use as a foundation for your seasonal projects. For instance, the Santa’s Toy Factory template for Christmas maps can save you time by providing pre-built structures and features that you can customize. The use of templates helps to streamline development, reduce workload, and allow you to focus on unique features that will set your map apart.
Optimize for Player Engagement:
Seasonal maps should prioritize player engagement and fun. Incorporate unique mechanics, seasonal aesthetics, and interactive elements that resonate with the community. For example, you could create special holiday-themed rewards, minigames, or limited-time events. Pre-game lobbies are an excellent place to test these features, as they provide immediate player feedback, which is crucial for refining gameplay.

Recommended Seasonal Project Timeline for UEFN and Fortnite Creative

Managing UEFN and Fortnite Creative seasonal projects requires precision and timing. The following timeline provides a structured approach to ensure you’re always ahead of schedule. Keep in mind that these dates may vary slightly depending on the scope of your project and any specific community events you want to tie into.

Season	Ideal Start Date	Testing Phase	Submission Deadline
Christmas	August-September	October-November	Early December
Halloween	May-June	July-August	Early September
Summer Themes	February-March	April-May	Early June
Spring Events	December-January	February	Early March
New Year	October-November	December	Mid-December

Christmas (August-December): Start planning and developing in August or September to allow ample time for testing by October or November. Submit by early December for Epic Picks consideration.
Halloween (May-September): Begin work in May or June, with testing and refining completed by July or August. Submissions should be in early September to ensure timely promotion.
Summer Themes (February-June): Plan and create early, starting in February or March, with testing completed by April or May. Submit by early June for maximum visibility before the summer season begins.
Spring Events (December-March): Start in December or January, with testing completed by February. Submit by early March to catch spring-themed gameplay interest.
New Year (October-December): New Year-themed maps can begin in October and should be fully tested by December. A mid-December submission ensures it’s ready for the New Year celebrations.

Free Project Planning Spreadsheet for UEFN and Fortnite Creative

We’ve created a Google spreadsheet to help you easily organize your projects for the New Year!

You can access it for free using the link here: TCB PROJECT PLANNING SPREADSHEET

How to Edit and Save this Spreadsheet:

To Edit and Save this Spreadsheet to your Google Drive:

> Go to File
> Make a Copy

This will save it to your google drive and allow you to make edits.

Best Practices for Seasonal Map Design in UEFN and Fortnite Creative

To ensure your map aligns with the seasonal theme while offering a high-quality experience for players, consider the following design best practices:

Embrace the Theme Fully:
Seasonal maps should immerse players in the holiday spirit. From festive visual elements like Christmas trees, pumpkins, or fireworks, to sound effects and themed gameplay mechanics, your map should reflect the essence of the season. Pay attention to small details like lighting, props, and music to create an atmosphere that draws players in.
Balance Customization and Accessibility:
While it’s important to customize your map with seasonal assets, don’t forget to maintain accessibility for all players. Ensure that gameplay mechanics, such as movement or combat, are intuitive and easy to understand, especially for new players. Consider adding seasonal difficulty adjustments to cater to a wide range of skill levels.
Playtest Frequently:
The playtesting phase is crucial for identifying issues and refining gameplay mechanics. Engage your community early on, and host beta tests or pre-launch events to gather player feedback. Use these insights to adjust gameplay, fix bugs, and fine-tune map features. Remember, iterative feedback ensures your map is polished and enjoyable.
Optimize Performance:
Seasonal maps often feature unique assets and effects that can impact performance. Test your map on various hardware platforms to ensure smooth performance, especially if you’re targeting a broader audience. Minimize unnecessary assets, optimize your textures, and ensure that your map’s size doesn’t cause loading delays or performance drops.

Set Dedication to Create Well-Structured Production Timelines In UEFN and Fortnite Creative

Effective project planning, timely production, and a focus on community engagement are essential for success in Fortnite Creative. By adhering to a well-structured timeline, utilizing Unreal Engine tools, and embracing seasonal themes, you can streamline your workflow and ensure that your projects are submitted on time for seasonal events. With the right preparation, your map can stand out during key periods like Christmas, Halloween, and Summer, potentially earning features like Epic Picks.

Remember, the earlier you begin, the more room you have for creativity, testing, and adjustments.

All

Effective Strategies to Reduce High Ping in Fortnite

Discover practical methods to lower high ping in Fortnite, enhancing your gaming experience and minimizing lag.

Published

1 month ago

November 19, 2024

Dragon

Effective Strategies to Reduce High Ping in Fortnite

Experiencing high ping in Fortnite can significantly disrupt your gameplay, leading to frustrating lag and input delays. High ping is caused by delays between devices communicating with gaming servers, resulting in input lag and performance issues. Several factors contribute to high ping, including network congestion, physical distance from the server, and hardware limitations. Understanding these causes and applying the right solutions can help restore a smooth gaming experience.

Understanding High Ping in Fortnite

Ping, measured in milliseconds (ms), represents the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the Fortnite servers and back. A lower ping indicates a faster connection, while a higher ping results in noticeable delays during gameplay. Several factors can contribute to high ping, including network congestion, physical distance from the server, and hardware limitations.

Common Causes of High Ping

Network Congestion: Multiple devices using the same network simultaneously can consume bandwidth, leading to increased ping. (esportsdriven.com)
Distance from Server: Connecting to a server located far from your geographical location can result in higher ping due to the increased travel time for data. (esportsdriven.com)
Hardware Limitations: Outdated or low-performance hardware, such as routers and network adapters, can also contribute to high ping. (lagofast.com)
Background Applications: Programs running in the background, especially those that use the internet, can increase your ping. (drivereasy.com)

Can Your Teammates Affect Your Ping?

Yes, having someone in your game lobby who is connected to a different server or has a poor internet connection can affect your ping.

Different Server Locations: If one player is connected to a server located far from you (for example, you’re in North America and they’re in Europe), it can increase the overall latency for everyone in the lobby. Fortnite typically tries to match players with servers closest to them geographically to minimize lag. However, if there’s a player on a far-off server or in a region with poor server connectivity, it can cause the game to prioritize that server or struggle to find an optimal connection, resulting in higher ping for everyone involved.
Bad Connection or “Bar D” Connection: If a player has a poor or unstable internet connection (often represented by a “Bar D” or similar warning), it can cause issues for other players in the lobby as well. A player with a poor connection may experience packet loss or lag spikes, which can create delays in data transmission. Since Fortnite synchronizes all players’ actions in real-time, issues with one player’s connection can have a cascading effect on the others. The game might try to compensate for these issues by increasing the ping for everyone in the lobby, leading to a more frustrating experience for all players.

Effective Solutions to Reduce High Ping

Use a Wired Connection: Connecting your device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable can provide a more stable and faster connection, reducing ping. (lagofast.com)
Close Background Applications: Ensure no other applications are consuming bandwidth while you are playing Fortnite. (lagofast.com)
Update Hardware and Software: Regularly update your router’s firmware and your device’s network drivers to ensure optimal performance. (prosettings.net)
Select the Appropriate Server: Choose a Fortnite server that is geographically closest to you to minimize latency. (esportsdriven.com)
Restart Your Network Devices: Rebooting your modem and router can resolve temporary network issues and improve performance. (drivereasy.com)
Disable Proxy Servers: If you’re using a proxy server, try disabling it as it might contribute to high ping. (drivereasy.com)
Use a VPN: If you’ve tried all the fixes above but nothing seems to work, consider using a VPN. A paid and reliable VPN usually delivers better and more stable performance during peak hours, improving your overall gaming experience. (drivereasy.com)

When to Seek Professional Assistance for High Ping

If, after implementing these solutions, you continue to experience high ping, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional. Persistent high ping could indicate issues with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or require advanced troubleshooting.

By understanding the causes of high ping and applying these strategies, you can enhance your Fortnite gaming experience, ensuring smoother and more responsive gameplay.

Helpful Resources:

Avast Academy: Why Is My Ping So High? How to Reduce Ping & Latency
Fortnite Support – Epic Games: Understanding latency or ping in Fortnite
Driver Easy: Fortnite high ping | Quickly & Easily!
LagoFast: Why is My Ping So High in Fortnite? Causes and Solutions
Esports Driven: How to Fix High Ping Issues in Fortnite
Gamers Wiki: Why is my ping on Fortnite so high?
Fortnite Tracker: Get zero ping in Fortnite (ping optimization guide)
ProSettings.net: How to Lower Ping in Fortnite
Valibyte: Fortnite Lag: How to Fix High Ping and Reduce Lag on Fortnite
Avast Academy: Why Is My Ping So High? How to Reduce Ping & Latency

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5 Great Ways to Use the Analytics Device

Discover how the Analytics Device in Fortnite Creative can elevate your maps by providing insights into player behavior, detecting bugs, and encouraging updates. Learn best practices and common pitfalls in using this powerful tool.

Published

1 month ago

November 12, 2024

Dragon

The Analytics Device in Fortnite Creative and UEFN offers creators invaluable insights into how players engage with their maps. By tracking in-game events, player actions, and various gameplay metrics, this device enables you to make data-driven decisions that can enhance the quality, performance, and appeal of your creations. From adjusting game mechanics based on player preferences to identifying underutilized features, the Analytics Device offers a clear path to map improvement and player retention.

Benefits of Using the Analytics Device

The main advantage of using the Analytics Device is the depth of insight it provides. You can monitor data on player interactions, time spent in different parts of your map, and specific in-game actions taken by players. For example, if you notice players frequently abandoning a particular section of the map, it could signal an area for optimization. Additionally, analytics allow you to understand which features players find most engaging, informing you on where to focus future development efforts.

This device also serves as an early detection system for bugs or gameplay issues. By monitoring abnormal patterns—such as players getting stuck in specific areas or certain triggers failing to activate—you can proactively address issues before they become problematic. In the fast-evolving landscape of Fortnite Creative, where updates and new content are frequent, having a data-backed approach to map improvements keeps your creation relevant and engaging.

Examples of Effective Use

Some popular examples of the Analytics Device’s application include monitoring players’ interaction with specific devices or tracking progress in complex puzzles or parkour sections. In team-based maps, it can track how well balanced teams are by monitoring player positions and interactions. This data can reveal if one team has an unintended advantage due to the map’s design, enabling you to refine the layout for better balance.

Consider using analytics to observe XP distribution in your map if you’re also using the Accolade Device. By monitoring where players are most active and how frequently they earn XP, you can fine-tune accolade rewards to ensure they match the map’s pacing and prevent players from grinding XP in unintended ways.

Reading Analytics for Better Decisions

Analytics can provide a range of actionable insights. Look for patterns like high-traffic areas, abandoned zones, and high-failure points within challenges. This data informs you about the map’s flow and the effectiveness of your gameplay elements. It’s also helpful to analyze event frequency data, as overly frequent events may indicate players are exploiting or overusing certain areas. Additionally, watch for spikes in failure points or bottlenecks that could indicate challenging or unclear sections, which might benefit from rebalancing or additional guidance for players.

Here are 5 Great Ways to Use the Analytics Device in Fortnite Creative:

Monitor Player Pathing and Movement Patterns
Use the Analytics Device to track where players spend the most time on your map. Analyzing these “hotspots” helps you understand which areas are popular and engaging and which may be ignored. If players are skipping parts of the map, consider revising those areas to make them more appealing or essential to gameplay.
Track Challenge Completion Rates
For maps with challenges, puzzles, or parkour sections, use the Analytics Device to measure completion rates. If players are frequently failing a particular section, it may indicate the challenge is too difficult or unclear. Adjusting these areas based on analytics can improve player satisfaction and retention.
Analyze Game Balance in Team-Based Modes
In team games, you can monitor data on team locations, resource usage, and time spent in combat zones. This insight helps identify if one team has an unintentional advantage due to map design, allowing you to make adjustments that create a more balanced and fair experience.
Optimize Accolade and XP Distribution
When using the Accolade Device in combination with the Analytics Device, track how frequently players earn XP in different map sections. This data helps balance the placement of accolades, ensuring rewards are earned naturally through gameplay rather than in overly repetitive areas, which can prevent XP farming and enhance the experience.
Detect Potential Bugs and Unusual Behavior
The Analytics Device is great for identifying potential bugs. If players are repeatedly leaving an area prematurely or encountering unexpected behavior, the analytics data may signal an issue. This allows you to test and fix bugs before they become major frustrations for players.

Each of these methods leverages analytics to make your map more engaging, fair, and enjoyable, while giving you clear feedback for future updates and improvements.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While the Analytics Device is a powerful tool, it’s essential to use it responsibly. According to Fortnite’s Creator Guidelines, creators should not use analytics in a way that collects or misuses player data. Any implementation of analytics should respect player privacy and be geared solely towards improving the gameplay experience. Avoid collecting excessive data on individual players or using analytics in a way that could feel invasive.

Lastly, avoid relying solely on analytics without player feedback. While data provides a broad view of player behavior, direct feedback can give you more nuanced insights. Combining both allows for well-rounded improvements.

Learn More

If you’re interested in diving deeper into how to use the Analytics Device, explore more on Fortnite Creative’s official documentation Using Analytics Device in Fortnite Creative.
With proper use of the Analytics Device, you can transform your map from a basic design to an optimized experience that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.

The Analytics Device is more than just a data tracker; it’s a key component in creating dynamic, engaging, and successful maps. By making data-informed adjustments and respecting player experience, you can ensure your creations stay relevant, fun, and rewarding for players.