Unreal Packaging & Cooking

Turn a UE5 project into a runnable, distributable build: choose the right build configuration, cook content, set the launch map, and package — from the editor or the command line. Targets UE 5.4+.

When to use

• Use when producing a build (test or release), choosing Development vs Shipping, cooking content, configuring Packaging / Maps & Modes settings, or automating builds with RunUAT BuildCookRun for CI.
• Use when the project has a *.uproject and Config/Default*.ini, and the goal is a packaged player rather than running in-editor.

When not to use: storefront submission/release process → steam-publish / itch-publish. Editor-time gameplay/iteration is not packaging.

Core workflow