UE4: 8-Step Checklist for Level Scene Setup to Begin Working

When I'm starting a new scene whether it's a playable level or stand-alone game environment, last thing I am concerned about is lighting.

Lighting comes at a later stage in level design and game environment art process when the scene is already created.

In the beginning I am focused on creating geometry - using BSP brushes, inserting Static Meshes, working with landscape, implementing gameplay and creating/testing Blueprints. For this I need a basic daytime scene with even lighting.

"Default Level" under "File > New Level" is a good start. Many use it as-is without changes. The scene comes with some light actors, sky sphere, fog, player start and a ground plane. But there are some issues - distracting auto-exposure, shadows are too dark and it is hard to judge scale of the environment.

Here is my 8-Step Checklist for default level that I use to begin creating environments and playable levels in.

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