How do I install UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5?

Copy the stdio config for Cursor, Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or VS Code on this page. It uses the publisher's install, not a PlugMCP proxy.

Does UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5 need an API key?

No required environment variable is listed on this record.

What transport does UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5 use?

UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5 runs locally over stdio.

When was UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5 last checked?

Last checked 2026-11-09. Control the Unreal Engine 5 editor from any MCP client: Blueprints, materials, Niagara.

UnrealMCP — AI Bridge For Unreal Engine 5 MCP server

UnrealMCP — AI Bridge for Unreal Engine 5

Control the Unreal Engine 5 editor from Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, or any MCP client. Build materials, wire Blueprint graphs, author Niagara systems, spawn actors, edit data tables and profile performance, all by asking for it. 288 commands across 15 categories, no leaving your terminal.

This is the community edition

It is stable and feature complete for what it covers. It is not abandoned, and it is not in active development either: new subsystem work now goes into CodeFizz Editor Agent, the maintained commercial build. Everything here keeps working, issues still get read, and the MIT licence is permanent.

If you want Control Rig, PCG, Sequencer, Mutable, Procedural Vegetation, audio and MetaSounds, Behavior Trees and EQS, or packaged binaries for UE 5.6 / 5.7 / 5.8, that lives in Pro.

Community edition vs Pro

	Community (this repo)	CodeFizz Editor Agent (Pro)
Commands	288	900+
Categories	15	28
Engine support	Build it yourself	5.6, 5.7, 5.8
Blueprints, Materials, Niagara, StateTree	Yes	Yes, and deeper
Control Rig, PCG, Sequencer	No	Yes
Mutable, Procedural Vegetation	No	Yes
Audio, MetaSounds, Sound Cues	No	Yes
Behavior Trees, EQS	No	Yes
Insights profiling	Basic	Full trace analysis
Install	Clone, build, configure	One command, no compiler needed
Updates	Community pace	Shipped continuously
Support	GitHub issues	Priority, private Discord

See the full command list → · Docs · 3 day free trial

Already on UE 5.8? Epic now ships a first-party MCP server in 5.8 (Experimental, localhost only). It is worth trying before you buy anything. This repo and Pro both also cover 5.6 and 5.7, which Epic's does not.

Two ways to use this repo

	CLI	MCP Server
Install	`npm install -g unrealcli`	`pip install unrealmcp`
Dependencies	None (single binary)	Python 3.10+
Works with	Claude Code (via Bash)	Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Gemini CLI, Rider, Zed, Amazon Q
Protocol	Direct TCP	MCP over stdio

Both talk to the same C++ plugin inside the editor. Use whichever fits your workflow, or both.

Quick Start

Option A: CLI (Recommended for Claude Code)

# 1. Install
npm install -g unrealcli

# 2. Go to any UE5 project and install the plugin
cd YourProject/
ue-cli init

# 3. Open the editor, then verify
ue-cli health_check

That's it. No Python, no config files, no MCP setup.

Option B: MCP Server (For Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)

# 1. Clone the plugin into your project
git clone https://github.com/aadeshrao123/Unreal-MCP.git Plugins/UnrealMCP

# 2. Install the Python MCP server
pip install unrealmcp

# 3. Add to your AI tool's config (see MCP Setup section below)

How It Works

                    ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
                    │         Unreal Engine 5 Editor            │
                    │                                          │
                    │   C++ Plugin (UnrealMCPBridge)           │
                    │   TCP server on localhost:55557           │
                    │   288 commands: materials, blueprints,   │
                    │   niagara, statetree, actors, data       │
                    │   tables, profiling, and more            │
                    └──────────────┬───────────────────────────┘
                                   │ TCP/JSON
                    ┌──────────────┴───────────────────────────┐
                    │                                          │
          ┌─────────┴─────────┐              ┌─────────┴──────────┐
          │   CLI (ue-cli)    │              │  MCP Server        │
          │   Go binary       │              │  Python (unrealmcp)│
          │   Direct TCP      │              │  stdio → TCP       │
          │                   │              │                    │
          │  Claude Code      │              │  Cursor, Windsurf, │
          │  (via Bash tool)  │              │  VS Code, Rider... │
          └───────────────────┘              └────────────────────┘

The C++ plugin runs inside the editor and exposes 288 commands over TCP. The CLI and MCP server are two different front doors to the same plugin.

CLI Reference

Installation

# From npm (recommended)
npm install -g unrealcli

# Or download binary directly from GitHub Releases
# https://github.com/aadeshrao123/Unreal-MCP/releases

Platforms: Windows (x64), macOS (Intel + Apple Silicon), Linux (x64 + ARM64)

Setup

# Navigate to your UE5 project
cd MyProject/

# Install the C++ plugin (one-time)
ue-cli init
# → Creates Plugins/UnrealMCP/ with C++ source
# → Patches .uproject to enable the plugin
# → Open editor to compile, then you're ready

# Verify everything works
ue-cli doctor

Usage

# Every command follows this pattern:
ue-cli <command> [--flag value]

# Examples:
ue-cli health_check
ue-cli find_assets --class-type material --path /Game
ue-cli spawn_actor --name MyCube --type StaticMeshActor --location "[0,0,100]"
ue-cli get_data_table_rows --data-table-path /Game/Data/DT_Items
ue-cli save_all

# For complex params, use --json:
ue-cli build_material_graph --json '{"material_path":"/Game/M_Test","nodes":[...],"connections":[...]}'

# Or pipe from stdin:
echo '{"material_path":"/Game/M_Test","nodes":[...]}' | ue-cli build_material_graph --json -

Help & Discovery

# See all commands grouped by category
ue-cli --help

# See flags for a specific command
ue-cli find_assets --help

# Dump all commands with descriptions, flags, and examples (for AI assistants)
ue-cli list_commands

Global Flags

Flag	Description
`--port <int>`	TCP port override (default: auto-discover from port file)
`--timeout <int>`	Timeout in seconds (default: 30, large ops: 300)
`--json <string>`	Full params as JSON string (use `-` for stdin)
`--version`	Print version

Key Commands

Assets

ue-cli find_assets --class-type material --path /Game/Materials
ue-cli list_assets --path /Game --class-filter blueprint
ue-cli get_asset_properties --asset-path /Game/Materials/M_Base
ue-cli import_asset --source-file "C:/Art/texture.png" --destination-path /Game/Textures
ue-cli save_asset --asset-path /Game/Materials/M_Base
ue-cli save_all

Blueprints

ue-cli create_blueprint --name BP_MyActor --parent-class Actor
ue-cli add_component_to_blueprint --blueprint-path /Game/BP_MyActor --component-class StaticMeshComponent
ue-cli add_event_node --blueprint-name BP_MyActor --event-name BeginPlay
ue-cli compile_blueprint --blueprint-name BP_MyActor
ue-cli read_blueprint_content --blueprint-path /Game/BP_MyActor

Materials

ue-cli create_material --name M_Red --path /Game/Materials
ue-cli build_material_graph --material-path /Game/Materials/M_Red \
  --nodes '[{"type":"Constant3Vector","pos_x":-400,"properties":{"Constant":"(R=1,G=0,B=0)"}}]' \
  --connections '[{"from_node":0,"to_node":"material","to_pin":"BaseColor"}]'
ue-cli create_material_instance --parent-path /Game/Materials/M_Base --name MI_Red

Data Tables

ue-cli get_data_table_schema --data-table-path /Game/Data/DT_Items
ue-cli get_data_table_rows --data-table-path /Game/Data/DT_Items
ue-cli add_data_table_row --data-table-path /Game/Data/DT_Items --row-name CopperOre \
  --data '{"DisplayName":"Copper Ore","StackSize":100}'
ue-cli update_data_table_row --data-table-path /Game/Data/DT_Items --row-name CopperOre \
  --data '{"StackSize":200}'

Actors & Level

ue-cli get_actors_in_level
ue-cli spawn_actor --name MyCube --type StaticMeshActor --location "[0,0,100]"
ue-cli spawn_blueprint_actor --blueprint-path /Game/BP_MyActor --location "[500,0,0]"
ue-cli find_actors_by_name --pattern "Light"
ue-cli get_world_info
ue-cli take_screenshot

Performance Profiling

# Record → Stop → Analyze
ue-cli performance_start_trace --channels "cpu,gpu,frame"
# ... play the game ...
ue-cli performance_stop_trace
ue-cli performance_analyze_insight --query diagnose
ue-cli performance_analyze_insight --query flame --count 20
ue-cli performance_analyze_insight --query search --filter "ConveyorProcessor"

Enhanced Input

ue-cli create_input_action --asset-path /Game/Input/IA_Jump --value-type Boolean
ue-cli create_input_mapping_context --asset-path /Game/Input/IMC_Default
ue-cli add_key_mapping --context-path /Game/Input/IMC_Default --action-path /Game/Input/IA_Jump --key SpaceBar

Niagara VFX

# Create a system from an emitter template, then tweak it
ue-cli create_niagara_system --asset-path /Game/VFX/NS_Sparks \
  --template "/Niagara/DefaultAssets/FX_Sparks.FX_Sparks"
ue-cli get_niagara_system_info --asset-path /Game/VFX/NS_Sparks
ue-cli set_niagara_module_input --asset-path /Game/VFX/NS_Sparks \
  --emitter-name Sparks --stack SpawnStack \
  --module-name "Spawn Rate" --input-name SpawnRate --value 250
ue-cli compile_niagara_system --asset-path /Game/VFX/NS_Sparks

# Spawn it in the level
ue-cli spawn_niagara_effect --asset-path /Game/VFX/NS_Sparks --location "[0,0,200]"

StateTree

# Create a StateTree, add a state with a task, compile
ue-cli create_statetree --asset-path /Game/AI/ST_Enemy
ue-cli add_statetree_state --asset-path /Game/AI/ST_Enemy --state-name Patrol
ue-cli add_statetree_task --asset-path /Game/AI/ST_Enemy \
  --state-name Patrol --task-type "MassEnemyNestPatrolTask"
ue-cli add_statetree_transition --asset-path /Game/AI/ST_Enemy \
  --from-state Patrol --trigger OnEvent --event-tag "Enemy.SeePlayer"
ue-cli compile_statetree --asset-path /Game/AI/ST_Enemy

Mass Config Traits (Surgical Editing)

# Modify a single trait property without touching the rest of the trait array
ue-cli get_mass_config_traits --asset-path /Game/Mass/Enemy_Config
ue-cli set_mass_config_trait_property --asset-path /Game/Mass/Enemy_Config \
  --trait-class MassMovementTrait --property-name MaxSpeed --property-value 600

Widgets (UMG)

ue-cli get_widget_tree --widget-blueprint-path /Game/UI/WBP_HUD
ue-cli add_widget --widget-blueprint-path /Game/UI/WBP_HUD --widget-class TextBlock \
  --parent-widget-name RootCanvas --widget-name TitleText \
  --widget-properties '{"Text":"Hello World"}'

Diagnostics

# Check entire setup
ue-cli doctor

# Output:
#   [ok] Project            MyProject/MyProject.uproject
#   [ok] Plugin directory   Plugins/UnrealMCP/ exists
#   [ok] Plugin source      Source/UnrealMCPBridge/ exists
#   [ok] UProject entry     UnrealMCP plugin listed and enabled
#   [ok] Port file          port 55557
#   [ok] TCP connection     Connected to 127.0.0.1:55557
#   [ok] Health check       Bridge is responsive
#   All checks passed. ue-cli is ready to use.

MCP Server Setup

For AI tools that use the Model Context Protocol (Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, etc.).

Requirements

Unreal Engine 5.7 (tested on 5.7, may work on earlier 5.x versions)
Python 3.10+
UE5 Plugins (enabled automatically by the .uplugin):
- PythonScriptPlugin
- EditorScriptingUtilities
- EnhancedInput

Install

pip install unrealmcp

Setup Script (Alternative to Manual Config)

The setup script installs the unrealmcp pip package and creates the MCP config for your AI tool automatically.

Windows:

cd Plugins\UnrealMCP
install.bat

macOS / Linux:

cd Plugins/UnrealMCP
bash install.sh

The script asks where to create the MCP config:

Scope	What it does	When to use
Project	Creates config next to your `.uproject`	Only want UnrealMCP in this project
Global	Creates config in your user folder	Want UnrealMCP in all projects

Configure Your AI Tool

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unreal": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unreal": {
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

{
  "servers": {
    "unreal": {
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unreal": {
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unreal": {
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

{
  "servers": [
    {
      "name": "unreal",
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  ]
}

{
  "context_servers": {
    "unreal": {
      "source": "custom",
      "command": { "path": "unrealmcp" }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unreal": {
      "command": "unrealmcp"
    }
  }
}

All 288 Commands

Category	Count	Highlights
Core	2	health_check, execute_python
Asset Management	16	find/list/import/duplicate/rename/delete/save
Blueprints	22	create, compile, variables, functions, graph nodes
Materials	35	create, build_material_graph, material functions, Substrate
Data Tables	8	full CRUD on rows + schema introspection
Data Assets	12	data assets + surgical Mass Config trait editing
Actors & Level	19	spawn, transform, properties, screenshot
Enhanced Input	21	actions, mapping contexts, triggers, modifiers
Widgets — UMG	11	widget tree, add/move/rename, slot props
Niagara VFX	96	systems, emitters, stack bindings (nested), scratch pad authoring, graph CRUD, DI member functions, source-menu discovery
StateTree	33	states, tasks, evaluators, transitions, conditions, bindings
Performance Profiling	3	record .utrace + smart analysis (diagnose/spikes/flame)
Debug

Core (2)

Command	Description
`health_check`	Verify the bridge is running
`execute_python`	Run arbitrary Python in the editor

Asset Management (16)

Command	Description
`find_assets`	Search Asset Registry by class/path/name
`list_assets`	List assets in a directory
`get_asset_info`	Asset metadata
`get_asset_properties`	All editable properties
`set_asset_property`	Set a property
`find_references`	Find dependents/dependencies
`import_asset`	Import external file (PNG, FBX, etc.)
`import_assets_batch`	Batch import
`duplicate_asset`	Copy to new location
`rename_asset`	Rename/move (auto-fix references)
`delete_asset`	Delete (checks references)
`save_asset` / `save_all`	Save dirty assets
`open_asset`	Open in editor
`sync_browser`	Navigate Content Browser
`get_selected_assets`	Currently selected assets

Blueprints (22)

Command	Description
`search_parent_classes`	Find valid parent classes
`create_blueprint`	Create from any parent class
`compile_blueprint`	Compile
`read_blueprint_content`	Full structure readout
`analyze_blueprint_graph`	Graph analysis
`add_component_to_blueprint`	Add component
`create/get/set_blueprint_variable`	Variable management
`set_blueprint_variable_properties`	Modify variable settings
`create/delete/rename_blueprint_function`	Function management
`add_function_input/output`	Function parameters
`get_blueprint_function_details`	Function inspection
`get/set_blueprint_class_defaults`	CDO properties
`add_blueprint_node`	Add graph node (23+ types)
`add_event_node`	Add event (BeginPlay, Tick, etc.)
`connect_blueprint_nodes`	Wire nodes together
`delete_blueprint_node`	Remove node
`set_blueprint_node_property`	Edit node properties

Materials (35)

Command	Description
`create_material`	Create with blend/shading mode
`create_material_instance`	Create with parameter overrides
`build_material_graph`	Build complete node graph atomically
`get_material_info`	Inspect properties/params/textures
`set_material_properties`	Bulk-set material properties
`add/delete/move/duplicate_material_expression`	Manage nodes
`connect_material_expressions`	Wire nodes
`set_material_expression_property`	Set node property
`disconnect_material_expression`	Break connection
`layout_material_expressions`	Auto-layout
`recompile_material`	Force recompile
`get_material_errors`	Compilation errors
`get/set_material_instance_parameter`	MI parameter overrides
`list_material_expression_types`	Discover node types
`get_expression_type_info`	Node pins & properties
`search_material_functions`	Find Material Functions
`validate_material_graph`	Diagnose issues
`trace_material_connection`	Trace data flow
`cleanup_material_graph`	Remove orphaned nodes
`add_material_comments`	Comment boxes
`create/get_material_function`	Material Function management
`build_material_function_graph`	Build MF graph
`add/set_material_function_input/output`	MF pins

Data Tables (8)

Command	Description
`get_data_table_schema`	Column names and types
`get_data_table_rows` / `get_data_table_row`	Read rows
`add_data_table_row`	Add with initial data
`update_data_table_row`	Partial update
`delete_data_table_row`	Delete row
`duplicate_data_table_row`	Copy row
`rename_data_table_row`	Rename row

Data Assets (12)

Command	Description
`create_data_asset`	Create any UDataAsset subclass
`get/set_data_asset_property(ies)`	Read/write properties (single or batch)
`list_data_assets`	Browse by path/class
`list_data_asset_classes`	Discover all loaded UDataAsset subclasses
`get_property_valid_types`	Valid dropdown values for a property slot
`search_class_paths`	Find class paths
`get_mass_config_traits`	Inspect all traits on a Mass Entity Config asset
`add_mass_config_trait`	Append a new trait to a Mass Config (non-destructive)
`set_mass_config_trait_property`	Surgical in-place edit of a single trait property — never replaces the Traits array
`remove_mass_config_trait`	Remove a single trait by index or class without affecting siblings

Actors & Level (19)

Command	Description
`spawn_actor`	Spawn built-in actor types
`spawn_blueprint_actor`	Spawn BP actor
`spawn_actor_from_class`	Spawn from class name
`get_actors_in_level`	List all actors
`find_actors_by_name`	Search by name pattern
`get_actor_properties`	Read actor properties
`set_actor_transform`	Set location/rotation/scale
`delete_actor`	Remove from level
`get_selected_actors`	Viewport selection
`get_world_info`	Level info
`set_static_mesh_properties`	Mesh assignment
`set_physics_properties`	Physics config
`set_mesh_material_color`	Material color
`apply_material_to_actor/blueprint`	Apply material
`get_actor/blueprint_material_info`	Material slots
`get_available_materials`	List materials
`take_screenshot`	Capture viewport

Enhanced Input (21)

Command	Description
`create_input_action`	Create UInputAction
`get/set_input_action_properties`	Action properties
`add/remove_input_action_trigger`	Action triggers
`add/remove_input_action_modifier`	Action modifiers
`list_input_actions`	Browse actions
`create_input_mapping_context`	Create UInputMappingContext
`get_input_mapping_context`	Read mappings
`add/remove/set_key_mapping`	Key bindings
`add/remove_mapping_trigger/modifier`	Per-mapping overrides
`list_input_mapping_contexts`	Browse contexts
`list_trigger_types` / `list_modifier_types`	Discover types
`list_input_keys`	Valid key names

Widgets — UMG (11)

Command	Description
`get_widget_tree`	Widget hierarchy
`add_widget`	Add to parent
`remove/move/rename/duplicate_widget`	Widget operations
`get/set_widget_properties`	Widget properties
`get/set_slot_properties`	Layout slot properties
`list_widget_types`	Available widget classes

Niagara VFX (96)

End-to-end Niagara authoring — read the full stack, mutate any binding (top-level or nested), author scratch-pad dynamic inputs from scratch, spawn arbitrary graph nodes including data-interface member functions, and discover every valid option the editor's dropdowns expose. Built on Niagara's exported ViewModel / Stack Graph APIs with safe replication of non-exported helpers.

Systems

Command	Description
`create_niagara_system`	Create from emitter template or empty
`get_niagara_system_info`	System metadata, emitters, parameters
`list_niagara_systems`	Browse Niagara systems by path
`delete_niagara_system`	Delete a system
`compile_niagara_system`	Force recompile
`set_niagara_system_property`	Set top-level system property
`get_niagara_system_errors`	Compilation errors / warnings
`get_niagara_particle_stats`	Per-emitter particle stats
`get/set_niagara_playback_range`	Preview playback range

Emitters

Command	Description
`get_niagara_emitters`	List emitters in a system
`add_niagara_emitter`	Add from template
`remove_niagara_emitter`	Remove an emitter
`duplicate_niagara_emitter`	Copy emitter with new name
`reorder_niagara_emitter`	Change emitter index
`set_niagara_emitter_property`	Set emitter property
`get_niagara_emitter_attributes`	Particle attributes (Position, Velocity, etc.)

Modules (Spawn / Update / Render stacks)

Command	Description
`get_niagara_modules`	List modules in any stack
`add_niagara_module`	Add module from script asset
`remove_niagara_module`	Remove a module
`set_niagara_module_enabled`	Enable/disable a module
`reorder_niagara_module`	Reorder within stack
`get_niagara_module_inputs`	Inspect module inputs with current values
`set_niagara_module_input`	Set literal value (auto-routes Module.* inputs to rapid-iteration; supports nested dot-paths like `"Spawn Count.int32001"`)
`set_niagara_dynamic_input`	Replace input with a dynamic input function (nested-path aware)
`set_niagara_curve`	Set curve points on a curve input
`get_niagara_module_versions`	List script versions

Stack Input Binding Loop

Command	Description
`get_niagara_module_input_binding`	Resolve mode (Default/Local/Linked/Dynamic/Data/Expression) + target + recursive children for every input in one call
`clear_niagara_module_input`	Reset an input (or nested path) to default — equivalent to "Reset to Default" in the stack UI
`list_niagara_input_source_menu`	Reproduces the editor's source dropdown — engine dynamic-input assets + scratch-pad DIs + link parameters grouped by namespace

Parameters & Bindings

Command	Description
`get_niagara_user_parameters`	List User-namespace parameters
`add_niagara_user_parameter`	Add a User parameter
`set_niagara_user_parameter`	Set a User parameter value
`remove_niagara_user_parameter`	Remove a User parameter
`link_niagara_parameter`	Bind module input to a parameter (supports nested dot-paths)
`get_niagara_rapid_iteration_parameters`	RI param introspection
`set_niagara_rapid_iteration_parameter`	Set RI param value
`list_niagara_available_parameters`	Enumerate well-known + user + scratch-pad-scoped parameters

Renderers

Command	Description
`add_niagara_renderer`	Add Sprite/Mesh/Ribbon/Light renderer
`remove_niagara_renderer`	Remove a renderer
`get_niagara_renderer_info`	Renderer summary with per-binding detail (binding_name + bound_variable + type + dataset_variable)
`get_niagara_renderer_properties`	Full renderer property dump
`set_niagara_renderer_property`	Set renderer property
`set_niagara_renderer_binding`	Bind renderer attribute to particle data

Scratch Pad — CRUD & Apply

Command	Description
`create_niagara_scratch_pad_module`	Create per-emitter scratch module (module / dynamic_input / function)
`list_niagara_scratch_pad_modules`	List scratch pads on a system
`duplicate_niagara_scratch_pad_module`	Duplicate with new name
`rename_niagara_scratch_pad_module`	Rename in-place
`delete_niagara_scratch_pad_module`	Remove from system
`apply_niagara_scratch_pad`	Commit edit-copy → asset (Apply button)
`apply_and_save_niagara_scratch_pad`	Apply + save asset (Apply & Save button)
`create_niagara_module_asset`	Create reusable standalone Niagara Module Script asset

Script Properties (Details Panel)

Command	Description
`get_niagara_script_properties`	Read Category, Description, Keywords, ModuleUsageBitmask, ProvidedDependencies, RequiredDependencies, LibraryVisibility, bDeprecated, bExperimental, NumericOutputTypeSelectionMode, ScriptMetaData, ConversionUtility
`set_niagara_script_properties`	Batch-set any subset (supports `TArray<FName>` like ProvidedDependencies and `TArray<FNiagaraModuleDependency>`)

Script Parameters (Input / Output)

Command	Description
`list_niagara_script_parameters`	Inputs + outputs on a scratch pad / standalone script
`add_niagara_script_parameter`	Add input or output parameter with any registered type (incl. data interfaces)
`remove_niagara_script_parameter`	Remove — cascades to Map Get / Map Set pin cleanup automatically
`rename_niagara_script_parameter`	Rename across asset + edit-copy graphs

Graph Introspection

Command	Description
`get_niagara_graph_nodes`	List every node with `verbosity` (summary/connections/full) + `type_filter` + `name_filter`. Three resolver modes: scratch pad, emitter stack graph, standalone script
`get_niagara_node_info`	Deep single-node inspect by `node_index` / `node_class` / `node_id` with pin layout, links, and type-specific fields (`op_name`, `function_script`, `hlsl_preview`, `input_name`/type)
`trace_niagara_connection`	BFS upstream/downstream with `pin_name` filter — see the dependency chain without dumping the whole graph
`validate_niagara_graph`	Classify orphaned / dead-end / missing-input nodes (skips `+Add` placeholders)

Graph Node CRUD

Command	Description
`add_niagara_graph_node`	Spawn Op / FunctionCall / DataInterfaceFunction / ParameterMapGet / ParameterMapSet / Reroute / Input node. DI member functions (e.g. `Array.Length`) use `UNiagaraDataInterface::GetFunctionSignatures` — same path as the right-click "Functions" submenu
`delete_niagara_graph_node`	Delete by index or GUID, mirrors on asset + edit-copy

Pin Management

Command	Description
`add_niagara_map_get_pin`	Add a typed output pin to a Map Get (e.g. `Module.MyParam` as Vector)
`add_niagara_map_set_pin`	Add a typed input pin to a Map Set (e.g. `Particles.Velocity`)
`add_niagara_node_pin`	Add a pin to any UNiagaraNodeWithDynamicPins-derived node
`rename_niagara_node_pin`	Rename a pin on a dynamic-pin node
`remove_niagara_node_pin`	Remove a dynamic pin
`connect_niagara_pins`	Wire two pins with UEdGraphSchema_Niagara::TryCreateConnection validation
`disconnect_niagara_pins`	Break a pin connection

Custom HLSL

Command	Description
`set_niagara_scratch_pad_hlsl`	Write HLSL source into the scratch pad's Custom HLSL node (creates pins as needed)
`add_niagara_custom_hlsl_input`	Add an input pin to a Custom HLSL node
`add_niagara_custom_hlsl_output`	Add an output pin to a Custom HLSL node
`rename_niagara_custom_hlsl_pin`	Rename a pin (also rewrites `{PinName}` references in the HLSL body)
`remove_niagara_custom_hlsl_pin`	Remove a pin

Events & Simulation Stages

Command	Description
`add_niagara_event_handler`	Add event handler stage
`add_niagara_simulation_stage`	Add simulation stage
`get_niagara_event_handlers`	Inspect handlers on emitter

Level Spawning

Command	Description
`spawn_niagara_effect`	Spawn at world location
`control_niagara_effect`	Activate / deactivate / restart
`add_niagara_component`	Add NiagaraComponent to a Blueprint
`get_niagara_actors`	Find spawned Niagara actors

Discovery (zero-guess authoring)

Command	Description
`list_niagara_modules`	All available Niagara module scripts
`list_niagara_emitter_templates`	Emitter templates
`list_niagara_data_interfaces`	Available data interfaces (DI_*)
`list_niagara_data_interface_functions`	Member functions on a DI class (Array.Length, Array.Get, etc.) — pass result to `add_niagara_graph_node(node_type="DataInterfaceFunction")`
`list_niagara_parameter_types`	Parameter type registry
`list_niagara_node_types`	Spawnable node classes with pin schema
`get_niagara_node_type_info`	Pin schema for a node class or script asset
`search_niagara_functions`	Find Niagara script assets by usage + name
`get_niagara_schema_actions`	Full graph right-click menu — same source the editor uses. Returns `op_name` / `function_script` / `input_name` for direct use with `add_niagara_graph_node`
`describe_niagara_type`	Type query — `FNiagaraTypeRegistry` types + UEnum / UScriptStruct reflection fallback for script-property enums and custom types
`get_niagara_data_interface_schema`	Walk a DI class's editable property schema
`find_niagara_scratch_pad_usage`	Reverse lookup — where is this scratch pad referenced?
`resolve_niagara_built_in_dynamic_input`	AssetRegistry scan for engine-shipped DI scripts (no more hardcoded paths)

StateTree (33, NEW)

Read and author StateTree assets — states, tasks, evaluators, transitions, conditions, parameters, and bindings. Schema-aware: works with both StateTreeSchemaBase and Mass schema variants.

Reading

Command	Description
`get_statetree_info`	Asset summary (schema, states, evaluators)
`get_statetree_full_info`	Full recursive dump (states + tasks + transitions + bindings)
`get_statetree_states`	List all states (flat)
`get_statetree_state`	Single state details by ID/name
`get_statetree_node`	Inspect any node (task/evaluator/condition)
`get_statetree_evaluators`	Global evaluators
`get_statetree_global_tasks`	Global tasks
`get_statetree_parameters`	Tree parameters
`get_statetree_bindings`	All property bindings
`get_statetree_transition_targets`	Valid transition targets for a state
`search_statetree_nodes`	Search nodes by name / type

Authoring

Command	Description
`create_statetree`	Create new StateTree asset
`set_statetree_schema`	Set schema (e.g. Mass schema)
`add_statetree_state`	Add a state (parent or root)
`add_statetree_task`	Add task to a state
`add_statetree_evaluator`	Add global evaluator
`add_statetree_global_task`	Add global task
`add_statetree_condition`	Add enter / transition condition
`add_statetree_transition`	Add transition (event / completed / delegate)
`add_statetree_parameter`	Add tree parameter
`add_statetree_binding`	Bind property between nodes
`compile_statetree`	Compile after edits

Modification

Command	Description
`set_statetree_state_property`	Edit state property
`set_statetree_node_property`	Edit task / evaluator / condition property
`set_statetree_transition_property`	Edit transition property
`set_statetree_color`	Set state color

Removal

Command	Description
`remove_statetree_state`	Remove a state
`remove_statetree_node`	Remove a task / evaluator / condition
`remove_statetree_transition`	Remove a transition
`remove_statetree_binding`	Remove a binding
`remove_statetree_parameter`	Remove a parameter

Discovery

Command	Description
`list_statetree_node_types`	All available task / evaluator / condition types
`list_statetree_enum_values`	Enum values for property dropdowns

Performance Profiling (3)

Command	Description
`performance_start_trace`	Start recording .utrace
`performance_stop_trace`	Stop and auto-load
`performance_analyze_insight`	Smart analysis (diagnose, spikes, flame, hotpath, search, histogram, etc.)

Debug (2)

Command	Description
`set_mcp_debug`	Enable token tracking
`get_mcp_token_stats`	Token usage stats

Usage Examples

These work with both the CLI and MCP server. With the CLI, the AI calls ue-cli via Bash. With MCP, the AI calls tools directly.

Create a Material

Create a red metallic material at /Game/Materials/M_RedMetal
with roughness 0.3 and metallic 1.0

The AI will call create_material, then build_material_graph to wire up constant nodes to Base Color, Metallic, and Roughness pins.

Spawn Actors

Spawn 5 point lights in a circle around the origin at height 300

The AI will call spawn_actor with actor_type: "PointLight" five times with calculated positions.

Blueprint Creation

Create a Blueprint actor called BP_HealthPickup based on Actor,
add a Sphere Collision component and a Static Mesh component,
set it up so on BeginOverlap it prints "Health Picked Up"

The AI will use create_blueprint, add_component_to_blueprint, add_event_node, add_blueprint_node, and connect_blueprint_nodes.

Profile Performance

Start a performance trace, play for 10 seconds, stop it,
then diagnose the bottlenecks

The AI will call performance_start_trace, wait, performance_stop_trace, then performance_analyze_insight with query: "diagnose".

Data Table Management

Show me the schema of DT_Items, then add a new row called
"IronIngot" with StackSize 100

The AI will call get_data_table_schema, then add_data_table_row with the appropriate data.

Configuration

Custom Port

Add to Config/DefaultEngine.ini:

[UnrealMCP]
Port=55557

Environment Variable

# Force a specific port (overrides port file)
set UNREAL_MCP_PORT=55560

Multiple Editor Instances

Each editor picks a unique port automatically. The CLI and MCP server read the port from Saved/UnrealMCP/port.txt. Use --port flag or UNREAL_MCP_PORT env var to target a specific instance.

Architecture

Plugin Structure

Plugins/UnrealMCP/
├── UnrealMCP.uplugin              # Plugin manifest
├── cli/                            # Go CLI source (ue-cli)
│   ├── cmd/                        # Command definitions (288 commands)
│   ├── internal/bridge/            # TCP client
│   ├── internal/project/           # Plugin embedding & project detection
│   └── npm/                        # npm package wrapper
├── unrealmcp/                      # Python MCP server
│   ├── _tcp_bridge.py              # TCP communication
│   └── tools/                      # Tool modules (one per category)
├── Source/UnrealMCPBridge/         # C++ editor plugin
│   ├── Public/                     # Headers
│   └── Private/                    # Implementation + command handlers
└── .github/workflows/release.yml   # CI: builds + GitHub Release + npm publish

Communication Protocol

TCP with length-prefix framing:

[4 bytes: big-endian payload length] [N bytes: UTF-8 JSON]

Request: {"type": "command_name", "params": {...}} Response: {"status": "success", "result": {...}}

Adding Custom Commands

CLI Side (Go)

Add a CommandSpec to the appropriate cmd/*.go file:

{
    Name:    "my_command",
    Group:   "mygroup",
    Short:   "What it does",
    Long:    "Detailed description.",
    Example: "ue-cli my_command --param value",
    Params: []ParamSpec{
        {Name: "param", Type: "string", Required: true, Help: "Description"},
    },
},

MCP Side (Python)

Create a new file in unrealmcp/tools/:

# unrealmcp/tools/my_tools.py
from unrealmcp._bridge import mcp
from unrealmcp._tcp_bridge import _call

@mcp.tool()
def my_command(param: str) -> str:
    """Description shown to the AI assistant."""
    return _call("my_command", {"param": param})

from unrealmcp.tools import my_tools  # noqa: F401

C++ Side

Add a command handler in Source/UnrealMCPBridge/Private/Commands/ and register it in ExecuteCommand().

Supported AI Tools

Tool	Interface	Config File	Status
Claude Code	CLI or MCP	Bash (CLI) / `.mcp.json` (MCP)	Tested
Cursor	MCP	`.cursor/mcp.json`	Tested
VS Code / Copilot	MCP	`.vscode/mcp.json`	Supported
Windsurf	MCP	`~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json`	Supported
Gemini CLI	MCP	`.gemini/settings.json`	Supported
JetBrains / Rider	MCP	`.junie/mcp/mcp.json`	Supported
Zed	MCP	`~/.config/zed/settings.json`	Supported
Amazon Q	MCP	`.amazonq/mcp.json`	Supported

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
"Connection refused"	Is the UE5 editor running? Check Output Log for `MCP Bridge initialized on port XXXXX`
`ue-cli doctor` shows port file missing	Editor hasn't started yet, or check `Saved/UnrealMCP/port.txt`
Commands timeout	Large operations (profiling, complex graphs) have 300s timeout. Use `--timeout 600` to increase
Multiple editors	Use `--port <num>` or `UNREAL_MCP_PORT` env var to target a specific instance
Plugin not compiling	Ensure `PythonScriptPlugin`, `EditorScriptingUtilities`, `EnhancedInput` are enabled
Python import errors	Run `pip install fastmcp requests` — make sure the Python on your PATH matches your AI tool's
Plugin not loading	Verify `UnrealMCP.uplugin` has `"Type": "Editor"` and required plugins are available in your engine build

Releases & Distribution

Channel	Command
npm	`npm install -g unrealcli`
GitHub Releases	Download binaries
pip (MCP only)	`pip install unrealmcp`

Releases are automated via GitHub Actions. Push a tag to trigger:

git tag v1.2.2 && git push origin v1.2.2
# → Builds 5 platform binaries
# → Creates GitHub Release
# → Publishes to npm + PyPI

Contributing

Bug? Open an issue
Feature idea? Open an issue
Code? Fork, make changes, open a PR

See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

Enterprise & Studio Integration

Need Unreal MCP integrated into your studio's production pipeline? I work directly with game studios to build custom AI-assisted workflows on top of this tool.

What I offer:

Pipeline Integration — Set up Unreal MCP within your existing build system, CI/CD, and team workflow so every artist and developer can use AI assistants with your Unreal project out of the box
Custom Tool Development — Build MCP commands tailored to your studio's proprietary formats, internal tools, and specific production needs that the open-source version doesn't cover
AI Workflow Design — Design and implement how your team uses AI assistants (Claude, Cursor, Copilot) with Unreal Engine — from material creation to level design to asset pipelines
Advanced Material & Substrate Systems — Procedural material generation, Substrate workflows, complex shader pipelines — fully automated through MCP

Get in touch:

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aadeshyadav
Discord: destroyerpal
Portfolio: aadeshyadav.vercel.app

Custom Development & Support

Need help with your Unreal project? I'm available for contract work across the full UE5 C++ stack, from gameplay and multiplayer to editor tooling and Mass Entity systems. See SUPPORT.md for details.

[email protected] · LinkedIn · Portfolio · Discord: destroyerpal

License

MPL-2.0 — see LICENSE for details.