Attribute Progress Bar Widget

The WB_AttributeProgressBar widget in the Advanced Attributes System provides a customizable progress bar for displaying attribute values, such as health or stamina, on the HUD in Unreal Engine 5 projects. It enables developers to visually represent attribute data with dynamic updates, optional lerp animations, and size scaling based on the max attribute value, enhancing player feedback in Action RPGs. This widget addresses the need for a plug-and-play solution to integrate attribute visualization, ensuring seamless connection with the BP_AttributesComponent for real-time updates and souls-like visual feedback for player progression.

Basic Usage

The WB_AttributeProgressBar is added to a HUD widget Blueprint and configured via the Details panel to display an attribute’s value. Below is the primary method for using it in Blueprints.

Setup in a HUD Widget

1. Open your player HUD widget (e.g., WBP_PlayerHUD).
2. Drag a WB_AttributeProgressBar into the desired container (e.g., AttributeBarsVerticalBox).
3. Set the following properties in the Details panel:
   • AttributeTag: The tag of the attribute to display (e.g., Attribute.Health).
   • MaxAttributeTag: The tag of the attribute representing the maximum value (e.g., Attribute.HealthMax).

Initialize the Progress Bar

To bind the widget to the correct BP_AttributesComponent, call the InitializeStatBar function in the event graph:

Event OnInitialized →
  Get Owning Player Pawn →
  GetComponentByClass (BP_AttributesComponent) →
  InitializeStatBar (Target: WB_AttributeProgressBar, Input: Attributes Component)

If using the default HUD included in the Advanced ARPG Combat framework, simply add the progress bar to the container. Initialization is handled automatically.

To configure the widget:

• Add WB_AttributeProgressBar to your HUD Blueprint (e.g., WBP_HUD) in a container (e.g., VerticalBox).
• Select the widget and, in the Details panel, set AttributeTag (e.g., Attribute.Health), MaxAttributeTag (e.g., Attribute.HealthMax), and other properties like AttributeBarStyle or bUpdateAttributeLerpBar to customize appearance and behavior.

Key Properties

Property Name	Purpose
AttributeTag	The Gameplay Tag of the attribute to display (e.g., Attribute.Health).
MaxAttributeTag	The Gameplay Tag of the max attribute for percentage calculations and optional size scaling (e.g., Attribute.HealthMax).
AttributeBarStyle	Defines the visual appearance of the main progress bar (e.g., color, texture).
LerpBarStyle	Defines the visual appearance of the lerp bar for animations.
bUpdateAttributeLerpBar	Enables/disables lerp animations to show value changes (e.g., health decrease).
AttributeFillBarAndOpacity	Sets the fill color and opacity of the main progress bar.
LerpBarFillColorAndOpacity	Sets the fill color and opacity of the lerp bar.
MaxAttributeUpdateWidth	A boolean that enables scaling the progress bar’s width based on the MaxAttributeTag value (e.g., wider bar for higher Attribute.HealthMax).
CustomWidthOverride	A float that sets the progress bar’s width when MaxAttributeUpdateWidth is false, allowing manual size control.

Key Concepts

Dynamic Progress Updates

The WB_AttributeProgressBar automatically updates to reflect changes in the linked attribute’s CurrentValue relative to its MaxAttributeTag. This ensures real-time HUD feedback when attributes are modified (e.g., taking damage).

• Purpose: Provides immediate visual representation of attribute changes.
• Usage: Configure AttributeTag and MaxAttributeTag in the Details panel, then initialize with BP_AttributesComponent.
• Benefit: Simplifies HUD integration with minimal setup.

Lerp Animation

The lerp bar, controlled by bUpdateAttributeLerpBar, displays a smooth transition between the previous and new attribute values (e.g., a gradual health decrease). This enhances visual polish for player feedback.

• Purpose: Improves readability of attribute changes through animations.
• Usage: Enable bUpdateAttributeLerpBar in the Details panel and customize LerpBarStyle for desired visuals.
• Benefit: Enhances player experience with smooth, intuitive feedback.

Customizable Appearance

The widget supports extensive visual customization via AttributeBarStyle and LerpBarStyle, allowing designers to adjust colors, textures, and opacity in the Details panel to match the game’s aesthetic.

• Purpose: Aligns the progress bar with the game’s visual design.
• Usage: Modify AttributeFillBarAndOpacity and LerpBarFillColorAndOpacity in the Details panel.
• Benefit: Offers flexibility for designers without requiring code changes.

Max Attribute Size Scaling

The MaxAttributeUpdateWidth feature scales the progress bar’s width based on the MaxAttributeTag value, similar to souls-like games. For example, a higher Attribute.HealthMax results in a wider health bar, visually indicating player progression. When disabled, CustomWidthOverride sets a fixed width.

• Purpose: Provides visual feedback on attribute growth for enhanced player engagement.
• Usage: Enable MaxAttributeUpdateWidth or set CustomWidthOverride in the Details panel.
• Benefit: Reinforces player progression with intuitive HUD scaling.

Best Practices

• Workflows:
  • Place WB_AttributeProgressBar in AttributeBarsVerticalBox when using Advanced ARPG Combat’s MainHUD for automatic initialization.
  • Test progress bar updates and size scaling in-game after modifying max attributes to ensure correct visuals.
• Pitfalls to Avoid:
  • Don’t forget to set both AttributeTag and MaxAttributeTag in the Details panel to avoid display or scaling errors.
  • Avoid enabling bUpdateAttributeLerpBar for minor attributes to prevent visual clutter.