Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, is one of the most popular and powerful game engines in the world. Known for its stunning graphics, versatile toolsets, and scalability, Unreal Engine has been the backbone of countless successful games across a wide range of genres. From indie hits to blockbuster franchises, many of the games you know and love owe their existence to Unreal Engine.

1. Fortnite (2017)

• Developer: Epic Games
• Genre: Battle Royale / Survival
• Platforms: PC, Consoles, Mobile

One of the most popular games in the world, Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon that needs no introduction. Built by Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine, Fortnite leverages the engine’s capabilities to deliver smooth gameplay, vibrant graphics, and frequent updates that keep the game fresh. The game’s success is a testament to Unreal Engine’s power and flexibility, particularly in handling massive multiplayer environments and cross-platform play.

2. Gears of War Series (2006 – Present)

• Developer: Epic Games, The Coalition
• Genre: Third-Person Shooter
• Platforms: Xbox, PC

The Gears of War series is one of the most iconic third-person shooters, known for its intense action, cover-based combat, and cinematic storytelling. The franchise started with Unreal Engine 3 and has since evolved, with the latest titles using Unreal Engine 4. The engine’s ability to deliver detailed environments, realistic character models, and fluid animations has been crucial in creating the gritty, immersive world of Gears of War.

3. Bioshock Infinite (2013)

• Developer: Irrational Games
• Genre: First-Person Shooter
• Platforms: PC, Consoles

Bioshock Infinite is celebrated for its compelling narrative, intricate world-building, and stunning visuals. Set in the floating city of Columbia, the game used Unreal Engine 3 to bring its unique, steampunk-inspired world to life. The engine’s capabilities allowed the developers to create vast, detailed environments and deliver a visually stunning experience that complements the game’s deep storytelling.

4. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) (2017)

• Developer: PUBG Corporation
• Genre: Battle Royale
• Platforms: PC, Consoles, Mobile

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) was one of the pioneers of the battle royale genre, setting the stage for many games to follow. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, PUBG features large-scale maps, realistic environments, and intense multiplayer gameplay. The engine’s ability to handle vast, open-world environments and support up to 100 players in a single match was key to PUBG’s success.

5. Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)

• Developer: Square Enix
• Genre: Action RPG
• Platforms: PlayStation, PC

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a modern reimagining of the classic 1997 RPG, rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 4. The engine was instrumental in bringing the beloved world of Midgar to life with stunning graphics, detailed character models, and dynamic lighting effects. The game combines traditional JRPG elements with real-time combat, showcasing Unreal Engine’s versatility in handling complex game mechanics.

6. Street Fighter V (2016)

• Developer: Capcom
• Genre: Fighting
• Platforms: PlayStation, PC

Street Fighter V is one of the leading titles in the fighting game genre, known for its fluid animations, detailed character designs, and competitive gameplay. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game benefits from the engine’s robust graphics capabilities and smooth performance, ensuring that each match looks and feels responsive. Unreal Engine’s flexibility also allows for regular updates, adding new characters, stages, and features.

7. Ark: Survival Evolved (2017)

• Developer: Studio Wildcard
• Genre: Action-Adventure / Survival
• Platforms: PC, Consoles, Mobile

Ark: Survival Evolved is an open-world survival game that drops players into a prehistoric environment filled with dinosaurs and other creatures. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, Ark features expansive, detailed environments and a robust ecosystem where players must gather resources, build shelters, and tame creatures to survive. The game’s success highlights Unreal Engine’s strength in creating large, interactive worlds with complex AI systems.

8. The Outer Worlds (2019)

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Genre: Action RPG
• Platforms: PC, Consoles, Switch

The Outer Worlds is a critically acclaimed RPG that combines deep narrative-driven gameplay with vibrant, stylized visuals. Built with Unreal Engine 4, the game allows players to explore multiple planets with diverse environments, all rendered in a distinctive art style. The engine’s flexibility in handling both open-world exploration and complex dialogue systems made it the perfect choice for The Outer Worlds.

9. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)

• Developer: NetherRealm Studios
• Genre: Fighting
• Platforms: PC, Consoles

Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest entry in the legendary fighting game series, known for its brutal combat, stunning visuals, and intricate character animations. Developed using Unreal Engine 3, the game pushes the boundaries of what the engine can do, delivering high-fidelity graphics, fluid gameplay, and detailed environments. The game’s use of Unreal Engine highlights the engine’s capability to deliver top-tier visual quality in fast-paced, competitive settings.

10. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)

• Developer: Ninja Theory
• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Platforms: PC, Consoles

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a visually stunning action-adventure game that tackles themes of mental illness with sensitivity and depth. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game is known for its lifelike character animations, thanks to the engine’s advanced facial capture technology. The atmospheric environments and immersive audio design are also standout features, showcasing Unreal Engine’s power in delivering a deeply emotional and cinematic experience.

Unreal Engine has powered some of the most iconic and successful games across a wide range of genres. From the battlefields of Fortnite to the mythical landscapes of Hellblade, the engine’s versatility, power, and scalability have made it a top choice for developers worldwide.

Whether you’re playing a fast-paced fighting game, exploring an open-world RPG, or diving into a battle royale, there’s a good chance that Unreal Engine is behind the scenes, delivering the stunning visuals, smooth gameplay, and immersive experiences that make these games so unforgettable. As the engine continues to evolve with new technologies like Unreal Engine 5, we can expect even more groundbreaking games in the years to come.