UE5-Build-Project

This GitHub Action, "UE5-Build-Project," is tailored for automating the build processes of Unreal Engine projects. It efficiently handles tasks such as cooking, staging, packaging, creating .pak files, and even archiving projects, offering a robust solution for developers looking to streamline their workflow.

How it Works

The action leverages Unreal Engine's RunUAT.bat script, providing a flexible interface to configure various build aspects, including the ability to build, cook, stage, package, create .pak files, include a server, and archive the build output.

Inputs

• RUNUAT_PATH: Path to your RunUAT.bat file, typically in the Engine/Build/BatchFiles directory of your Unreal Engine installation.
• UPROJECT_PATH: Full path to your Unreal Engine project .uproject file.
• BUILD_CONFIG: Build configuration to use, e.g., Development or Shipping.
• PLATFORM: Target platform for your build, such as Win64 or Linux.
• CLEAN: Set to true to have your project cleaned before rebuild (default: false).
• COOK: Set to true to include cooking in the build process.
• STAGE: Set to true to stage your project.
• PACKAGE: Set to true to execute the packaging process.
• PAK: Set to true to create .pak files.
• SERVER: Set to true to include a dedicated server in your build.
• ARCHIVE: Set to true to archive the build output.
• ARCHIVE_PATH: Specify the path where the archive should be stored (used only if ARCHIVE is true).
• NULLRHI: Set to true if you don't have a video output (i.e. a screen) such as when running this action in a container on the cloud (default: false).
• EDITOR : Set to true to compile the editor as well. Useful for builds requiring editor functionality.
• ENCRYPT_INI: Set to true to encrypt INI files.
• RELEASE: Enter new release version number to create a release version.
• PATCH: Enter the base release version number to generate a patch.
• MAPS: Comma separated list of maps to build and package, leave empty to build all maps.
• DELETE_PDB: Set to true to have any PDB files in the StagedBuilds directory purged (default: false).
• ANTICHEAT_ENABLED: Set to true to enable anticheat functionality (default: false).
• ANTICHEAT_PRIVATE_KEY: Base64 encoded private key for anticheat (required if ANTICHEAT_ENABLED is true).
• ANTICHEAT_PUBLIC_CERT: Base64 encoded public certificate for anticheat (required if ANTICHEAT_ENABLED is true).

Using the Action

Include this action in your workflow by adding it as a step in your .github/workflows/main.yml file:

- name: Cook, Stage & Package UE Project
  uses: OrchidIsle/UE5-Build-Project@latest
  with:
    RUNUAT_PATH: 'C:/Unreal Engine/UE5.3_Source/Engine/Build/BatchFiles/RunUAT.bat'
    UPROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.workspace }}/YourGameFolder/MyGame.uproject
    BUILD_CONFIG: Development
    PLATFORM: Win64
    CLEAN: true
    COOK: true
    STAGE: true
    PACKAGE: false
    PAK: false
    SERVER: false
    ARCHIVE: false
    ARCHIVE_PATH: 'C:/Archives/MyGame'
    NULLRHI: true
    EDITOR: true
    ENCRYPT_INI: true
    RELEASE: '1.0.0'
    PATCH: '0.9.0'
    MAPS: 'Map1,Map2'
    DELETE_PDB: true
    ANTICHEAT_ENABLED: true
    ANTICHEAT_PRIVATE_KEY: 'base64encodedprivatekey'
    ANTICHEAT_PUBLIC_CERT: 'base64encodedpubliccert'

Outputs

This action primarily executes build tasks and does not output variables. The success or failure of the build process can trigger subsequent workflow steps.

Typical Usage

Use this action to automate your Unreal Engine project's preparation for various environments, including development, testing, or production.

Additional Information

• Ensure your Unreal Engine project is properly set up for the intended build configuration and platform.
• Use the actions/checkout step before this action to clone your repository into the GitHub Actions runner.
• Verify the accuracy and accessibility of paths provided to RUNUAT_PATH and UPROJECT_PATH.
• Designed specifically for Unreal Engine projects; may not suit other project types or build systems.

Integrating this GitHub Action into your CI/CD pipeline automates the preparation of your Unreal Engine project for distribution and testing, enhancing efficiency and reliability.