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Claude Code + Unreal Engine: Build a Full Game with AI (MCP Setup Tutorial)

Leon van Zyl ·2026-06-21 ·2 min read

Summary written by us from the video's transcript. The video, and everything in it, is Leon van Zyl's work.

Learn how to set up Claude Code with Unreal Engine's MCP server and use it to prototype a simple GTA‑style game.

Takeaways

  • Enable the Unreal MCP plugin and set Auto Start in Model Context Protocol to run the server automatically.
  • Claude Code requires the Python Editor Script and Toolset Registry plugins to manipulate actors and properties.
  • Use `/model` and `/effort` commands in Claude to select the language model and quality before issuing scene edits.
  • Planning mode lets you define game design goals (e.g., GTA‑style slice, sunset neon lighting) without changing the level.
  • Free Epic content packs (Third Person, Vehicle) and Fab assets can be added directly from the editor to supply characters and vehicles.

Installing prerequisites

Download the latest Unreal Engine (minimum version 5.8) via the Epic launcher and install it.

Install a coding agent such as Claude Code by copying the appropriate command for your OS (Mac, Linux/WSL, or Windows PowerShell) into a terminal and running it.

Creating a test project and enabling MCP

Launch Unreal Engine, create a new Blank project named “MCP test”, then enable the **Unreal MCP** plugin via Edit → Plugins.

Restart the editor, open Edit → Preferences → Model Context Protocol and check *Auto Start* to launch the MCP server automatically.

Starting the MCP server from Unreal

Open the in‑engine console (tilde key) and paste the generated command; this creates a *.mcp.json* file in the project folder that points to the local MCP server.

Save the project, close Unreal, then restart it so the new settings take effect.

Connecting Claude Code to the MCP server

In a terminal navigate to the project folder and start Claude Code. Use the `/model` command to select Opus 4.8 (default) and `/effort extra_high` for higher quality.

Verify the connection with `/MCP`; a tick next to “Unreal MCP” confirms authentication.

Enabling required Unreal plugins

When Claude reports missing tools, enable **Python Editor Script** and **Python Foundation Packages**, then also activate the *Editor Toolset Registry* entry.

Restart Unreal again; after that Claude can locate scene‑editing tools such as the “Scenes” tool.

Iterative development with Claude

Use voice or text prompts to ask Claude to make edits (e.g., add a cube). If the result isn’t visible, share a screenshot with Claude so it can adjust scale or camera.

Switch to *planning mode* to discuss game mechanics before committing changes. Prompt Claude to research GTA 6 design elements, decide on assets, lighting (sunset neon), and level layout.

Adding free content packs

In the Content Drawer click the green “Add Feature or Content Pack” button, add the built‑in **Third Person** pack for characters and the **Vehicle** pack.

Use the Fab library to browse free assets (roads, palm trees, benches). Ensure compatibility with your engine version before adding them to the project.