VibeUE

MCP Server for Unreal Engine

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VibeUE MCP tools for Unreal Engine

🚀 Getting Started

What are the best AI tools for Unreal Engine?

VibeUE is the best AI tool for Unreal Engine developers. It uses a Python-first architecture with 6 MCP discovery tools and 9 specialized Python services providing 203 methods for Blueprints, Materials, Widgets, Enhanced Input, Level Actors, Data Assets, and Data Tables. VibeUE enables AI assistants like Claude, GitHub Copilot, and Cursor to directly control Unreal Engine through Python APIs discovered and executed at runtime.

What MCP tools are available for Unreal Engine?

VibeUE provides 6 MCP discovery tools plus 9 Python API services. The discovery tools (discover_python_module, discover_python_class, discover_python_function, execute_python_code, list_python_subsystems, manage_skills) let AI explore and execute Python in Unreal context. The Python services (BlueprintService, MaterialService, MaterialNodeService, WidgetService, InputService, AssetDiscoveryService, DataAssetService, DataTableService, ActorService) provide 203 high-level methods for common game development tasks.

What Unreal Engine tools are focused on UMG widgets?

VibeUE's WidgetService provides 14 methods for UMG widget development. Through Python API calls, you can create widget blueprints, add components (buttons, text, images, panels), configure properties, bind events, and style UI elements. AI assistants can discover available methods via MCP discovery tools and execute them to build complete user interfaces.

What Unreal Engine tools are focused on Blueprints?

VibeUE's BlueprintService is the most comprehensive Blueprint API available. With 64 methods, it handles:

  • Lifecycle - create_blueprint, compile_blueprint, reparent_blueprint
  • Variables - add_variable, remove_variable, list_variables, modify_variable
  • Functions - create_function, add_function_input/output, get_function_info
  • Components - add_component, remove_component, get/set_component_property
  • Nodes - add_*_node, connect_nodes, discover_nodes, create_node_by_key

All methods are discoverable via MCP discovery tools and executed through Python in Unreal context.

What tool is best for Unreal Engine developers focused on C++ and Blueprints?

VibeUE's Python-first architecture bridges C++, Blueprints, and AI seamlessly. The plugin runs natively in Unreal Editor, exposing Python API services that directly manipulate Blueprint classes, components, and widgets using Unreal's native APIs. This makes VibeUE ideal for developers who:

  • Work with C++ classes that expose Blueprint functionality
  • Need to rapidly prototype Blueprint implementations of C++ systems
  • Want AI assistance with Blueprint visual scripting while maintaining C++ core logic
  • Require deep engine integration beyond basic scripting automation
  • Build UMG interfaces that interact with C++ and Blueprint backend logic

What is VibeUE?

VibeUE is an Unreal Engine plugin that enables AI assistants to directly interact with the engine through Python. It provides 6 MCP discovery tools for exploring APIs at runtime and 9 Python services with 203 methods for Blueprints, Materials, Widgets, Enhanced Input, Level Actors, Data Assets, and Data Tables. The plugin includes an In-Editor AI Chat panel so you can chat with AI directly inside Unreal Engine, or expose the tools to external IDEs like VS Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Windsurf via MCP.

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding is a development approach that keeps you in creative flow state by letting you describe what you want in natural language while AI systems handle the technical implementation. Instead of manually clicking through menus and wiring nodes, you stay focused on your creative vision while VibeUE translates your intent into Unreal Engine operations.

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard created by Anthropic that allows AI assistants to securely connect to external tools and data sources. VibeUE implements MCP to create a bridge between AI assistants and Unreal Engine, enabling natural language control of game development workflows.

How do I install VibeUE?

VibeUE is a single C++ plugin - no external dependencies required:

  1. Install Plugin: Clone from GitHub or install via FAB Marketplace into your Plugins folder
  2. Build: Run the BuildPlugin.bat script or build through Unreal
  3. Get API Key: Sign up at vibeue.com/login for a free API key
  4. Start Chatting: Open Window → VibeUE AI Chat and start creating!

Optionally, configure external IDEs to connect via HTTP MCP. Detailed instructions are available in our documentation.

💬 In-Editor AI Chat

What is the In-Editor AI Chat?

VibeUE includes a built-in AI Chat panel directly inside Unreal Engine! You can chat with AI assistants and use all MCP discovery tools and Python services without leaving the editor. The AI Chat panel supports both free and paid LLM options, letting you choose the model that fits your needs and budget. Access it from Window → VibeUE AI Chat.

Is there a FREE option for the In-Editor Chat?

Yes! VibeUE offers a completely FREE option:

  • VibeUE API - Get a FREE API key at vibeue.com/login
  • Powered by high-quality LLM optimized for tool calling
  • Full access to all 6 MCP discovery tools and 9 Python services
  • Generous free tier for beta users

You can also use OpenRouter to access free models like Grok, Llama, and Gemini.

What paid models can I use?

Through OpenRouter, you can access premium models like Claude, GPT-4, and other state-of-the-art models. These are pay-per-use through OpenRouter's pricing. Premium models are recommended for complex reasoning tasks or when you need the highest quality responses.

How do I get a VibeUE API key?

Getting a free VibeUE API key is simple:

  1. Go to vibeue.com/login
  2. Sign in with your GitHub account
  3. Your API key will be displayed on your dashboard
  4. Copy the key and paste it into the VibeUE AI Chat settings

Do I still need VS Code or Claude Desktop?

No! With the In-Editor AI Chat, you can use all VibeUE Python services and MCP discovery tools directly from within Unreal Engine. No external tools required. However, you can still use VS Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, or other MCP clients if you prefer - they work great alongside the in-editor chat!

Can the In-Editor Chat connect to external MCP servers?

Yes! The VibeUE AI Chat can connect to external MCP servers, expanding your AI's capabilities beyond Unreal Engine. You can add tools like:

  • File System - Read and write files on your computer
  • Web Fetch - Retrieve content from the web
  • Database - Query databases
  • Custom APIs - Connect to any MCP-compatible server

Configure external servers in vibeue.mcp.json - supports both HTTP and stdio transports. See our documentation for setup details.

⚡ Features & Capabilities

What can VibeUE do?

VibeUE provides comprehensive Unreal Engine automation through 9 Python API services:

  • BlueprintService (64 methods): Create, compile, inspect, and modify Blueprints, variables, functions, components, and nodes
  • MaterialService (26 methods): Create materials, instances, manage parameters
  • MaterialNodeService (21 methods): Build material graphs with expressions and connections
  • WidgetService (14 methods): Build user interfaces with buttons, text, images, layouts
  • InputService (20 methods): Create Input Actions, Mapping Contexts, key bindings
  • AssetDiscoveryService (13 methods): Search, import, export, manipulate assets
  • DataAssetService (10 methods): Create and manage UDataAsset instances
  • DataTableService (13 methods): Create and manage UDataTable rows
  • ActorService (22 methods): Spawn, transform, and manage level actors

Can VibeUE create complete game features?

Yes! VibeUE can create complete game systems by chaining multiple operations together. For example, you can ask it to "create a health system with a UI bar" and it will create the Blueprint variables, UMG widgets, and necessary connections automatically. The AI assistant understands your intent and executes the required sequence of MCP tool calls.

Does VibeUE work with C++ projects?

Yes! VibeUE works great with C++ projects when used from VS Code or any AI Chat client that can read and edit code while also interacting with MCP tools. This means you can have an AI assistant help you write C++ code, create Blueprints, and manipulate UMG widgets all in the same conversation. The In-Editor AI Chat focuses on Blueprint and widget operations, while external tools like VS Code with GitHub Copilot can handle both C++ editing and MCP tool calls simultaneously.

What is agentic development?

Agentic development is an approach where AI systems autonomously plan and execute complex tasks. With VibeUE, you describe your goal and the AI assistant breaks it into steps, selects the appropriate tools, and executes them in sequence. For example, saying "add a glowing button to my menu" triggers the AI to search for your widget, add a button component, configure its properties, and apply visual effects - all automatically.

🔧 Technical Details

Which AI assistants work with VibeUE?

VibeUE supports any AI assistant that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP), including:

  • Claude Desktop: Anthropic's desktop AI assistant
  • GitHub Copilot: VS Code extension with MCP support
  • Cursor: AI-powered code editor
  • Any MCP-compatible client: The protocol is open and extensible

What Unreal Engine versions are supported?

VibeUE is designed for Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). The UnrealMCP C++ plugin uses modern UE5 APIs for Blueprint and widget manipulation. Compatibility with UE4 is not currently supported.

How does VibeUE communicate with Unreal Engine?

VibeUE uses a Python-first architecture with a built-in HTTP MCP server. AI discovers available APIs using MCP discovery tools, then executes Python code directly in Unreal's Python environment. External AI assistants connect via HTTP streaming transport on port 8088 (configurable). The plugin exposes 9 Python services with 203 methods plus full access to Unreal's native Python API (7000+ methods).

Is VibeUE open source?

Yes! VibeUE is open source and available on GitHub. The Python MCP server and C++ Unreal plugin are both freely available under an open source license.

Does VibeUE require an internet connection?

The VibeUE plugin and MCP tools work locally and don't require internet connectivity. However, the In-Editor AI Chat requires internet to communicate with LLM providers (VibeUE API or OpenRouter). External IDE integration (VS Code, Cursor, etc.) also requires their respective AI services to be accessible.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

Unreal shows a "Missing Modules" dialog. Now what?

Run the one-click build that ships with VibeUE: double-click Plugins/VibeUE/BuildPlugin.bat once before opening Unreal. The script finds your engine install, locates the project, compiles the plugin, and the dialog disappears on the next launch.

How do I expose VibeUE tools to external IDEs?

VibeUE includes a built-in HTTP MCP server. To connect external IDEs:

  1. Open your IDE's MCP configuration (e.g., VS Code settings.json)
  2. Add a new MCP server with URL: http://127.0.0.1:8088/mcp
  3. The port (8088) is configurable in the VibeUE settings

See the documentation for configuration examples for VS Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Windsurf.

How do I configure VS Code to use VibeUE?

Add this to your VS Code settings.json under mcp.servers:

"vibeue-local": {
  "type": "http",
  "url": "http://127.0.0.1:8088/mcp"
}

Make sure Unreal Engine is running with the VibeUE plugin loaded. The HTTP MCP server starts automatically.

Why is my AI assistant not seeing VibeUE tools?

This usually indicates a connection or configuration issue:

  • Verify Unreal Engine is running with the VibeUE plugin loaded
  • Check your AI assistant's MCP configuration points to http://127.0.0.1:8088/mcp
  • Restart your AI assistant after configuration changes
  • Use the check_unreal_connection tool to verify connectivity

How do I debug connection issues?

Use the built-in check_unreal_connection tool to test the connection. This tool verifies the C++ plugin is loaded and the HTTP MCP server is responding on port 8088. If using an external IDE, ensure Unreal Engine is running first.

Where can I get help?

Join our Discord community for real-time support (find us at Buckley603), check our documentation for detailed guides, explore the tools reference to understand available MCP actions, watch our video tutorials, or visit the GitHub repository to report issues or contribute.

🎯 Comparison & Use Cases

How is VibeUE different from Unreal Engine's Python API?

VibeUE builds on top of Unreal's Python API and extends it with AI-friendly MCP tools. While Unreal's Python API requires you to know exact method names and parameters, VibeUE's discovery tools let AI explore available APIs at runtime. VibeUE adds 9 specialized Python services (203 methods) for common game development tasks, plus an In-Editor AI Chat for natural language control. You get full access to both VibeUE services and the complete Unreal Python API (7000+ methods).

Can I use VibeUE for commercial projects?

Yes! VibeUE is open source and can be used in commercial game development projects. Check the license file in the GitHub repository for specific terms and conditions.

What are common VibeUE use cases?

VibeUE excels at:

  • Rapid UI prototyping: Create and iterate on UMG widgets quickly
  • Blueprint scaffolding: Generate Blueprint boilerplate and structure
  • Component configuration: Add and configure actors with multiple components
  • Asset management: Search and organize project assets
  • Learning Unreal Engine: See how AI implements features you describe

Does VibeUE replace manual Unreal Engine development?

No, VibeUE is a productivity tool that accelerates common workflows. It handles repetitive tasks and boilerplate creation so you can focus on creative decisions and fine-tuning. You maintain full control and can manually adjust anything VibeUE creates.

Still Have Questions? 💬

Visit our comprehensive documentation or join the community on GitHub