Unreal Engine 5was first introduced back in 2020, but it wasn’t until 2023 that players began seeing the first results of games tapping into the potential of this groundbreaking technology. As expected, some of the initialgames powered by Unreal Engine 5weren’t as impressive as the engine’s tech demos, likeThe Matrix Awakens. However, as time passes, we’re seeing more and more games with visuals that push the boundaries of what was previously possible. This is especially the case withBlack Myth: Wukong.
From highly detailed, uncompressed models and geometry powered by Nanite to photorealistic lighting driven by Lumen, each new game using the engine continues to raise the bar for visual fidelity on modern hardware. Here are some of the best games that utilize the power of Unreal Engine 5.
Immortals of Aveumwas among the first games powered by Unreal Engine 5 to bet heavily on visuals, and from that standpoint, this original,magic-infused FPS delivered. While the colorful particle effects and chaotic on-screen action might distract players from appreciating the intricate environmental details, the sheer fun of the combat makes this game worthwhile.
The story and characters inImmortals of Aveummay not be the strongest, but the game presents a brand-new world with enough creativity to make it a respectable debut for the studio. Unfortunately, the game’s commercial failure led to significant challenges for Ascendant Studios, putting its future in jeopardy.
Lords of the Fallenhad a rocky start, launching with a host of frustrating technical issues like constant stuttering. However, after several months of updates and improvements, it has become a somewhat overlooked yet great soulslike with several standout features — most importantly, much better overall performance. Thegame’s detailed graphics, already highly praised at launch, deliver a unique dark fantasy world filled with interconnected locations, hidden spots, and shortcuts.
As a soulslike,Lords of the Fallendistinguishes itself with innovative mechanics, such as the exploration of two parallel worlds, and fresh takes on throwables, magic, and customizable checkpoints that players can place as needed.
RoboCop: Rogue Citywas one of the first Unreal Engine 5-powered titles to truly captivate players with its visuals in 2023, especially with its realistic Lumen global illumination, reflections, and highly detailed Nanite geometry. By leveraging the engine’s best features to maximum effect, the environments of Detroit inRoboCop: Rogue Citylook stunningly realistic, making the game a favorite for screenshot artists.
As a game,RoboCop: Rogue Citymarked another significant achievement for Teyon, solidifying the studio’s reputation for successfully reviving retro movie franchises in gaming. The gameplay is fun, brutal, and authentic to theRoboCopfranchise, making it a must-play for any fan.
Layers of Fearserves as a comprehensive remake of the original game and its sequel, providing the best way to experience this horror series today. With fully updated visuals, a brilliantly recreated atmosphere, outstanding binaural sound, and new content added to both stories, this remake stands as Bloober Team’s finest work to date, showcasing the studio’s talent for creating deeply disturbing and immersive experiences.
The studio will have another opportunity to demonstrate its prowess later this year with thehighly anticipatedSilent Hill 2remake, also developed in Unreal Engine 5. Until then, horror game fans shouldn’t overlook this title.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Edenis an action-adventure game inspired byGod of War, with a strong emphasis on story and character development. The visuals are predictably impressive, featuring detailed character models, expressive facial animations for the main cast, and breathtaking landscapes of the Frontier.
The game combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving with a significant focus on the detective aspects of being a ghost exorcist, offering a balanced mix of these elements. The story inBanishersis surprisingly lengthy, delivering a variety of thrills and difficult choices for players who connect with its setting and characters.
While some might argue thatBrothers: A Tale of Two Sonsdidn’t necessarily need a modern remake, both fans and newcomers may appreciate experiencing this emotional story with all-new Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals. Enhanced graphics are certainly a plus, but the true strengths of the game lie elsewhere: it’s a rich adventure filled with unique interactions and gameplay mechanics that evolve just as players become accustomed to them.
The story is another standout, delivering deeply emotional moments that may catch some players off guard. Additionally, the game can be played in couch co-op with a friend, making for an even more engaging experience.
The Finalstook the gaming community by storm, attracting hundreds of thousands of players even during its beta phase in late 2023. While the game’s impressive visuals likely contributed to its popularity, it’s the destructible environments that truly set this free-to-play competitive shooter apart from the competition. The combat in the game is extremely dynamic and unpredictable, capable of generating plenty of unforgettable moments.
ThoughThe Finalsmay not be the most played game in its genre today, it has managed to retain a steady player base, drawing thousands of players daily for months. With future updates, it has the potential to experience another surge in popularity.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2is arguably the best-looking and technically impressive game mentioned in this article, showcasing almost photorealistic graphics that were previously unimaginable. Thanks to the game’s focused scope (around eight hours of gameplay) and relatively confined environments, every detail is polished to near perfection — from the rugged landscapes surrounding Senua to the subtle expressions on characters' faces, visible not just in cutscenes but during actual gameplay as well.
While the sequel might not capture the same emotional depth and intimacyas the original, it delivers a pure cinematic experience, pushing the limits of modern gaming technology.
Remnant 2may not be the best showcase of Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities, but it never aimed to be. Instead, the sequel builds on everything players loved about the originalRemnant: From the Ashes, offering one of the most unique soulslike-shooter hybrids on the market today. Shooting feels very fun inRemnant 2, especially given how drastically each exotic weapon differs from other guns.
With its procedurally generated environments, hidden secrets, rewarding exploration, rich itemization, and robust co-op gameplay,Remnant 2is an exciting game to immerse yourself in. It offers plenty of surprises and challenging bosses to conquer.
This ambitious action-RPG with soulslike elements has already garnered praise from critics. Many have hailed it as one of the best non-FromSoftware soulslikes, comparable to beloved titles likeLies of P. It is also one of the most visually impressive games of 2024, achieving world-class standards in art and presentation by fully utilizing Unreal Engine 5’s features to bring its vision of Eastern mythology to life.
With stunning, high-detailed graphics, engaging combat, challenging bosses, intriguing characters, and a wealth of content to explore,Black Myth: Wukonghas proven to be one of the strongest debuts in recent memory.
