If you’re diving into Unreal Engine 5.4, one of the standout experimental features is UE5 Character Mover, a groundbreaking rework of the traditional Character Movement Component. Designed to simplify movement mechanics while boosting flexibility, UE5 Character Mover 2.0 is set to revolutionize gameplay design by enhancing physics, animation, and networking capabilities.

Here’s what makes UE5 Character Mover a game-changer:

  1. Supports All Actor Classes:
    Unlike the Character Movement Component, which is restricted to Character classes, Mover 2.0 works with any Actor class.
  2. Streamlined Networking:
    Built-in rollback network model ensures smooth, synchronized gameplay, even for networked physics simulations.
  3. Customizability:
    Highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom movement modes and animations.
  4. Improved Physics Integration:
    Enhanced physics simulation eliminates the need for workarounds like “Simulate Physics,” making mesh and collision behavior consistent.
  5. Collision Flexibility:
    Move beyond capsule collision—design box, sphere, or custom collision shapes to suit vehicles, animals, or other non-humanoid entities.

How to Use UE5 Character Mover 2.0

To get started with Character Mover, follow these steps:

  1. Enable the Plugin:
    Launch Unreal Engine and turn on the “Mover” plugin under Plugins Settings.
    Optional plugins like “Mover Examples” provide sample levels, and “Mover Tests” offer testing tools for advanced use.
  2. Inherit Mover Classes:
    For rapid implementation, inherit the MoverExamplesCharacter class included in the Mover Examples plugin.
    Alternatively, use MoverComponent to attach movement capabilities directly to any Actor class.
  3. Explore Mover Modes:
    Character Mover introduces unique movement modes like Follow Path, Follow Spline, and Physics-Driven Modes. These can be customized to include only the features your project requires.

What Makes UE5 Character Mover 2.0 Unique?

Physics Enhancements

  • Physics are now seamlessly integrated with movement. Features like Enable Physics Prediction and Enable Physics Resimulation ensure consistent and natural interactions with the environment.
  • Example: Characters can slide on slopes or push each other dynamically—something previously difficult without custom setups.

Collision Freedom

  • Move away from capsule-only collision and create characters with rectangular, spherical, or any other shape. This flexibility opens the door for unique entities like vehicles or quadrupedal characters.

Network Synchronization

  • The rollback model ensures that physics interactions stay consistent across clients, correcting discrepancies in real time.

Examples of Mover 2.0 in Action

The “Mover Examples” plugin includes several pre-made levels to showcase its features. Here’s a glimpse:

  1. L_BasedMovement:
    • Demonstrates basic movement on steep and gentle slopes, with trajectory history tracking for rollback support.
  2. L_PhysicsSimulatedCharacter:
    • Highlights physics-based interactions, including slope sliding, character pushing, and network synchronization.

Why UE5 Character Mover 2.0 is the Future

UE5 Character Mover 2.0 isn’t just an update—it’s a complete overhaul of movement mechanics in Unreal Engine. By prioritizing flexibility, extensibility, and seamless networking, it offers developers a powerful tool to create complex, physics-driven gameplay. Whether you’re building networked multiplayer games or experimenting with unconventional character designs, Character Mover 2.0 makes movement more accessible and efficient.

Final Thoughts

While still in the experimental phase, UE5 Character Mover 2.0 is poised to replace the traditional Character Movement Component in the future. Its modular design, customizability, and physics-focused enhancements provide a fresh approach to character movement.

Whether you’re developing a fast-paced action game, a physics-based puzzle platformer, or a networked multiplayer experience, UE5 Character Mover 2.0 offers the tools you need to innovate. Keep an eye on future updates, as this feature evolves and solidifies its place in Unreal Engine’s ecosystem.

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