VST3 For Unreal Engine

We’re bringing Steinberg VST3 Technology to Unreal Engine 5!

With this integration, developers will be able to load and run VST3 plugins directly inside Unreal Engine, whether for instruments, effects, or real-time mixing. By combining the established VST3 standard with Unreal’s powerful audio engine, game developers, sound designers, and interactive media creators gain access to one of the largest plugin ecosystems in the world.

Why VST3?

VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology 3) is one of the most widely adopted plugin formats in professional audio production. By adding support in Unreal Engine, we unlock:

  • Massive plugin ecosystem: Thousands of commercial and free VST3 instruments and effects.

  • Stable industry standard: Used by major DAWs and professional studios worldwide.

  • Advanced audio features: Sample-accurate automation, side-chaining, and flexible routing.

  • Cross-platform support: Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux builds.

This means developers can bring the same tools they use for music production directly into their interactive projects.

Key Features Coming Soon

  • Load VST3 Plugins: Use third-party VST3 instruments and effects seamlessly inside Unreal.

  • Audio Mixing & Instruments: Integrate VST3 plugins into the Unreal Audio Mixer for real-time interactive audio and dynamic effects.

  • Author VST3 Plugins with MetaSounds: Unreal Engine’s MetaSounds system can be used to create audio graphs that export as VST3 plugins—bridging procedural game audio and professional music production.

  • GUI Hosting: Where supported, VST3 plugin UIs can be displayed directly in Unreal Editor and Games for streamlined workflow.

  • Performance Integration: Plugins run in sync with Unreal’s low-latency audio system, optimized for interactive use.

What This Means for Developers

  • Tap into the professional VST3 plugin ecosystem without leaving Unreal.

  • Use industry-standard effects and instruments for games, VR, AR, and interactive installations.

  • Prototype and design new VST3 plugins with MetaSounds, combining real-time procedural audio with production-grade plugin standards.

  • Bridge the gap between game audio and studio audio workflows.