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Installing the Plugin

Overview​

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for installing the SteamCore plugin in your Unreal Engine project. The plugin must be installed through the Epic Games Launcher and requires specific setup procedures to ensure proper functionality.

Video Tutorial​

For a visual walkthrough of the installation process, please refer to our Getting Started Video Tutorial.

Installation Requirements​

Installation Method

The SteamCore plugin can only be installed through the Epic Games Launcher. Alternative installation methods are not supported.

Installation Process​

Step 1: Disable Engine Steam Plugins​

Before installing the SteamCore plugin, you must disable any built-in Steam-related plugins that are included with the Unreal Engine to prevent conflicts.

Required Actions:

  1. Navigate to your engine's plugin directory
  2. Locate all Steam-related plugins
  3. Disable each Steam plugin as shown below

Disable Engine Plugins

Critical Step

Failure to disable built-in Steam plugins will result in conflicts and prevent proper functionality.

Step 2: Select Target Engine Version​

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher
  2. Navigate to the Unreal Engine section
  3. Ensure you have selected the correct version of Unreal Engine for your project
  4. Verify the engine version matches your project requirements

Select Engine Version

Step 3: Plugin Directory Migration​

After installation through the Epic Games Launcher, the plugin must be moved from the engine's Marketplace directory to your project's local plugin directory.

Migration Process:

  1. Locate the plugin in the engine's Marketplace directory: 
    C:\Program Files\Epic Games\UE_4.27\Engine\Plugins\Marketplace
  2. Move (do not copy) the plugin to your project's Plugins folder
  3. If your project lacks a Plugins directory, create one in the project root

Plugin Migration

Important Note

Moving the plugin to your project directory ensures it remains available even when switching engine versions and provides better project portability.

To ensure a clean compilation environment and prevent potential conflicts, remove temporary build files from both your project and the plugin.

Project Cleanup: Delete the following directories from your project root:

  • Binaries
  • Build
  • Intermediate
  • Saved

Project Cleanup

Plugin Cleanup: Delete the following directories from the SteamCore plugin directory:

  • Binaries
  • Intermediate

Plugin Cleanup

Step 5: C++ Project Configuration​

For C++ projects, you must add the SteamCore plugin as a module dependency in your project's build configuration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Open your project's .Build.cs file
  2. Add SteamCorePro to your module dependencies
  3. Save the file and regenerate project files

C++ Module Configuration

Example Build.cs Configuration:

PublicDependencyModuleNames.AddRange(new string[] { 
    "Core", 
    "CoreUObject", 
    "Engine", 
    "SteamCorePro" 
});

Step 6: Enable the Plugin​

Complete the installation by enabling the plugin through the Unreal Editor.

Activation Process:

  1. Open your project in the Unreal Editor
  2. Navigate to Edit → Plugins
  3. Locate the SteamCore plugin in the plugin browser
  4. Enable the plugin by checking the enabled checkbox
  5. Restart the editor when prompted

Plugin Activation

Post-Installation Verification​

After completing the installation:

  1. Plugin Status: Verify the plugin appears in your enabled plugins list
  2. Compilation: Ensure your project compiles without errors
  3. Functionality: Test basic plugin features to confirm proper operation

Troubleshooting​

Common installation issues and solutions:

  • Plugin Conflicts: Ensure all engine Steam plugins are disabled
  • Compilation Errors: Verify C++ module dependencies are correctly configured
  • Missing Dependencies: Check that all required engine modules are available
  • Version Mismatch: Confirm plugin compatibility with your engine version

Next Steps​

Once the plugin is successfully installed and enabled, you can proceed to configure the plugin settings and integrate Steam functionality into your project as outlined in the subsequent documentation sections.