Guides
Start typing to search…

Web Porting in Unreal

Quick Guide: Porting Unreal Engine Games to HTML5/WebGL/WASM/WebGPU (2025)

Porting your Unreal Engine game to web platforms is possible. However there are a few limitations which can make it a challenge! Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the process, highlighting key constraints and opportunities.

1. Understand the Current State of Unreal Web Export

  • Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) does not include built-in HTML5/WebGL export. Official support was dropped after UE4.24, so exporting to the web now requires community tools, workarounds, or custom solutions[4].
  • WebGPU and WASM are emerging options. Community projects and third-party efforts are experimenting with running UE5 in browsers using WebGPU and WASM for better performance and modern graphics features, but these are still experimental.

2. Key Constraints and Challenges

  • No One-Click Export: Unlike Unity, UE5 lacks a direct “Export to Web” button. You’ll need to rely on community-maintained builds, custom scripts, or adapt your project for compatibility[4].
  • Rendering Limitations: Advanced UE5 features like Nanite and Lumen are not natively supported in browsers. You may need to adjust or disable these features for web builds[4].
  • Performance Considerations: Browsers have stricter memory and performance limits than desktop platforms. Optimize assets, reduce texture sizes, and simplify shaders for smoother web experiences.
  • Manual Asset and Code Adjustments: Some engine features, plugins, or blueprints may not work as expected. Be prepared for hands-on debugging and adaptation[4].

3. Rising Opportunities

  • Modern Web APIs: WebGPU and WASM enable near-native performance and advanced rendering in browsers, opening new possibilities for high-fidelity web games.
  • Community Innovation: The Unreal community is actively working on web export solutions. Forums, GitHub projects, and Discord channels are great places to find the latest tools and advice[4].
  • Skill Growth: Porting to the web is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Unreal’s architecture, asset pipelines, and cross-platform development.

4. Brief Step-by-Step Porting Outline

  1. Start with a Clean UE4/UE5 Project:
    If upgrading from UE4, use the built-in migration tools and follow Epic’s migration guide for best results[1].

  2. Research Community Solutions:
    Look for up-to-date guides and tools in Unreal forums and GitHub for HTML5/WebGL/WebGPU export[4].

  3. Adjust Project Settings:

    • Disable or replace unsupported features (like Nanite and Lumen).
    • Optimize assets: reduce texture and mesh complexity.
    • Use compatible plugins and libraries.

  4. Build and Test Frequently:
    Use Emscripten or other community tools to compile your project for the web. Test early and often in multiple browsers.

  5. Iterate and Optimize:
    Profile performance and memory usage. Make incremental improvements for smoother gameplay and faster load times.

  6. Leverage Remote Control (Optional):
    Unreal’s Remote Control API can help automate and test aspects of your project from a web interface, even if full game export isn’t possible yet[6].

5. Conclusion

While porting Unreal games to the web is not “plug-and-play,” it’s absolutely achievable with persistence and creativity. The web platform is evolving fast, and your project could be at the forefront of the next wave of browser-based games. Stay active in the community, share your findings, and celebrate each milestone!

Tip: "Don’t just do a 1:1 port. Use this opportunity to enhance visuals, gameplay, and fidelity. Nanite is perfect for static meshes, especially in large environments. Use retargeting for animations to make the most out of old and new skeletons."[5]

You’ve got this—happy porting!

Sources

Updated about 1 month ago