Contributor setup

Get Open World Starter running

OWS source and project work live on GitHub. There is no separate download package on this website.

Requirements

• Your own licensed installation of Unreal Engine 5.8.1.
• Git LFS installed before cloning so Unreal assets are retrieved correctly.
• For Windows C++ work, the Visual Studio C++ toolchain supported by Unreal Engine 5.8.

1. Install Git LFS

git lfs install

2. Clone the public repository

git clone https://github.com/GameForgeStudio/Unreal-Open-World-Starter.git

GitHub Desktop is the recommended beginner-friendly option when you prefer a visual Git workflow.

3. Open the Unreal project

Open OWS.uproject in Unreal Engine 5.8.1. For the first C++ setup, generate project files and build when Unreal prompts you.

4. Keep third-party boundaries intact

Project plugins are included under Plugins/ with their respective notices and licenses. Unreal Engine built-in plugins remain part of your licensed Unreal installation and are not copied into the repository.

5. Create a branch or fork

Never put ordinary contribution work directly on main. Create a focused branch or fork for the issue you are addressing.

6. Verify before proposing

Run the relevant Unreal workflow, record what you tested, and review every changed file before opening a pull request.