Epic Games Launcher + Unreal Engine 5
The actual editor and engine that compiles, renders and packages your game. Install it yourself using your own Epic account.
Open official download / guideSet up your creator workstation.
You install and license these tools yourself. Duke organizes production in the browser and connects to your Windows Unreal machine for compilation, rendering and packaging.
Visual Studio + Game development with C++
The compiler turns C++ into executable game code. Select MSVC x64/x86, a compatible Windows SDK, and Visual Studio Tools for Unreal Engine. Use the toolchain required by your installed UE version.
Open official download / guideUnreal hardware & toolchain requirements
Confirm your CPU, GPU, RAM and compiler version before building. The browser cannot replace a suitable Windows engine machine.
Open official download / guideBlender
Clean meshes, UV maps, rigs and animations; inspect generated 3D assets before importing.
Open official download / guideGit
Version source files and recover earlier code changes.
Open official download / guideAudacity
Edit dialogue, music loops and effects; export 16-bit PCM WAV for native import.
Open official download / guideThen connect Unreal to Duke.
- Install UE5 from Epic Games Launcher. Match the compiler and Windows SDK to your installed engine version.
- Open the studio → Produce game → engine controls → Connect Unreal machine.
- Extract the private connection ZIP on that Windows machine and run
Start-Duke-Engine.cmd. - Wait for the machine to report ready. The checks determine readiness; the checklist alone does not.
- Build a first playable slice. Duke queues it; your machine compiles, imports, cooks, packages and launches it.
- Play the standalone package and record controls, objectives, visuals and performance before release.
Keep your connection file private. Mobile devices can plan and review; native Unreal builds require the paired engine machine.