Installation

To install the plugin, you can use the Epic Games Launcher or GitHub. In this page we will cover both options.

Installing the Plugin

To get started, install the plugin to your engine using the Epic Games Launcher.

Open the Epic Games Launcher and locate the Ninja Input code plugin.
Click Install to Engine and select the engine version to install, from the list of compatible versions.
Plugins installed via the Epic Launcher are added to your Engine directory and are available to all projects using that engine version.
Once installed, create or open your project, navigate to Edit → Plugins and find Ninja Input on the list. You can search for it in the Search Bar too.
Enable the plugin and restart the engine.

If you plan to work with the source code, you can copy the plugin to your local engine or install it from GitHub.

Make sure to perform all necessary steps to enable C++ in your environment and project.
To work with the source code, you will need an editor installed, such as Visual Studio or Rider. Make sure to install your editor of choice.
If your project was originally Blueprint-only, create at least one C++ class, such as a base Character or Game Mode, via Tools → New C++ Class.

Ensure that you have access to the Ninja Input repository on GitHub.
In your project, create a Plugins folder if you don't have one. If you're using multiple Ninja Bear Studio plugins, we recommend organizing them under a NinjaBearStudio folder.
Clone the Ninja Input repository into your desired Plugins Folder.
Right-click the .uproject file and select Generate Visual Studio project files (or your IDE equivalent).
Launch the project. The plugin should now be available in your project's Plugins list.

Close your Unreal Engine project if it is currently open.
In your IDE of choice, open the Build.cs file, named after your project (e.g., MyGame.Build.cs in the Source/MyGame folder), and add the following contents.
PublicDependencyModuleNames.AddRange(new [] { "CommonUI", "EnhancedInput", "GameplayAbilities", "GameplayTags", "GameplayTasks", "InputCore", "NinjaInput", "NinjaInputUI" });
Do not remove or replace any existing dependencies. Add the additional ones listed above, watching out for duplicates.
Remove the version installed in the engine, if there is one.
Unreal may load the Engine version of the plugin over the one in your project, leading to version mismatches or undefined behavior. Make sure only one copy is active.
Recompile the project. If this is the first time doing that, it might take a while.

Last modified: 07 April 2025