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Improving unreal engine's stiff fps movement mechanics

A growing coalition of gamers is criticizing Unreal Engine's default first-person shooter (FPS) movement for being stiff and unresponsive. This backlash is prompting discussions among developers about the need for refined mechanics in upcoming games.

By

Lucas Meyer

Aug 25, 2025, 07:42 PM

Updated

Aug 28, 2025, 12:49 PM

2 minutes needed to read

An indie game screen showing FPS movement gameplay in Unreal Engine with visible clunky controls

The Current Landscape of FPS Movement

Gamers have spotlighted titles such as Kletka, Escape the Backrooms, and Dark Hours, where movement feels cumbersome. In contrast, Payday 3 and Abiotic Factor showcase more fluid mechanics. This disparity raises questions about whether developers should stick with Unreal's default framework or create an entirely new system.

Community Perspectives on Movement Mechanics

  1. Inherent Simplicity

    An emerging sentiment is that FPS movement mechanics are fundamentally simple, with only a handful of variables influencing behavior. Developers have stated, "FPS movement is very simple in general, so youโ€™re only dealing with a handful of parameters that dictate the behavior."

  2. The Call for Alternatives

    Some players recommend using movement systems from other projects, like Project Borealis, suggesting that existing alternatives could enhance FPS gameplay.

  3. The Custom Solution Debate

    The discourse includes a call for expert players to share improved default values for movement physics. One user noted it would be beneficial if experienced players could provide adjustments to enhance gameplay.

"It actually would be cool if someone with a lot of experience with FPS's could provide better default values," one commenter remarked.

The Custom Movement System Argument

While many recognize the constraints of default templates, users advocate for custom tuning, focusing on modifying acceleration and speed settings. One user remarked, "The base player movement component is pretty dang good 99% of the time. You gotta get it dialed in."

Future Development Trends

As discussions evolve, developers could see up to 60% of independent creators opting for custom movement systems shaped by player input. This could potentially redefine gameplay experiences as user feedback becomes integral to game design.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Criticism of default movement mechanics remains strong within the gaming community.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Community members are calling for insights from seasoned players for improved movement settings.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ An increasing number of developers might lean towards custom systems based on user feedback.

Ignoring the request for change could hinder the evolution of FPS mechanics in Unreal Engine, as gamers continue to demand innovative solutions that enhance overall gameplay.