Switching game engines isn’t just a technical move — it’s a strategic one. For Unity developers migrating to Unreal Engine, one of the most pressing questions is: what should be built in Blueprint and what belongs in C++?
If you’re facing that decision, the answer isn’t black and white. It depends on your team’s skills, your project’s scope, your performance targets, and even how your original Unity project was structured. Let’s break down the factors and give you a decision-making framework that doesn’t just make sense — it makes progress.
Why You Shouldn’t Pick Just One
Unreal Engine is built to support both Blueprint and C++, not force you into a corner. Blueprint excels at rapid iteration and ease of use. C++ offers full control, performance, and portability. The real power comes when you mix them — letting each shine where it’s strongest.
Think of it like this:
- Use Blueprint when you’re tweaking values, building visual logic, or prototyping gameplay.
- Use C++ when you’re building core systems, handling performance-critical logic, or need engine-level access.
You’re not choosing sides. You’re creating balance.
Key Considerations When Migrating
Here’s how to make the right calls during your migration from Unity to Unreal:
1. Your Team’s Technical Experience
- If your team has junior developers or designers, Blueprints offer a lower barrier to entry.
- If you have seasoned engineers or experience with Unity’s C# backend, C++ will feel more familiar and powerful.
2. Content Volume vs. Functionality Complexity
- Blueprints shine when you have lots of similar objects or gameplay elements that need tuning and iteration.
- C++ is better when you’re building complex systems that need to scale and be maintained over time.
3. Performance Requirements
- Fast-paced games (e.g., action, VR) that demand 60+ FPS benefit from using C++ for core systems.
- For less performance-sensitive projects (e.g., turn-based or narrative-driven games), Blueprints might suffice in many areas.
4. Source Control & Workflow
- Blueprints don’t merge well. If you have a large team working in parallel, C++ provides better version control and collaboration support.
Thinking in Unity? Translate It Smartly
Not everything has to be rebuilt from scratch.
If your Unity project used:
- Nested prefabs → Blueprints might feel more natural.
- Visual scripting tools (like Bolt) → Unreal’s Blueprint system offers a smoother mental model.
- Heavy data tweaking → Blueprint properties can be exposed from C++, giving the best of both worlds.
Also, keep in mind that C++ is more portable across Unreal Engine versions, making it a smart choice if you’re thinking long-term or multi-project.
Best Practices for Migration
- Start with Performance Needs – Design for performance early; retrofitting it later is painful.
- Audit Your Team – Know who’s comfortable where, and plan tasks accordingly.
- Centralize Tuning – Don’t scatter variables across multiple Blueprints and code. Make them accessible and organized.
- Think Future-Proof – Will your next game benefit from reusing this system? If yes, C++ might be the right choice.
- Blueprint-C++ Harmony – Write reusable C++ nodes that your designers can use in Blueprint. Let tech and design collaborate smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The real magic of Unreal Engine lies in its flexibility. Blueprint vs C++ isn’t a battle — it’s a blend. When migrating from Unity, lean on the similarities where they exist, and embrace the new tools where they offer clear advantages.
Make your decisions based on your team, game, and long-term goals, and you’ll end up with a more maintainable, performant, and agile project.