Ubisoft’s flagship tactical shooter series, Ghost Recon, could be making a seismic shift in its development strategy. According to insider reports, the studio is actively exploring a switch from its proprietary Snowdrop engine to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for the franchise’s next-generation entry—a move that would mark a dramatic departure after decades of relying on in-house technology.
The rumor, circulated by several industry leakers and corroborated by anonymous Ubisoft developers, suggests persistent technical hurdles with Snowdrop have slowed progress on the upcoming Ghost Recon title. “The team’s exhausted from wrestling with legacy code,” claimed one source. “UE5 offers tools that could cut production time in half while delivering the photorealism fans expect.”
Snowdrop—powering recent titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and The Division 2—has been praised for its dynamic world-building but criticized for steep learning curves and optimization challenges. UE5’s Nanite geometry system and Lumen global illumination, meanwhile, enable developers to create vast, detail-rich environments with relative efficiency.
Why Unreal Engine 5?
Industry analysts point to UE5’s meteoric adoption across AAA studios as a key motivator. From Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II to Black Myth: Wukong, the engine has demonstrated unparalleled versatility in rendering immersive worlds—a necessity for Ghost Recon’s signature large-scale tactical operations.
Ubisoft’s own experiments with UE5 also hint at internal momentum. Its upcoming Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Massive Entertainment, already leverages the engine for its open-world scope, suggesting a strategic pivot toward third-party tools.
To grasp UE5’s potential impact on Ghost Recon, watch this tech demo showcasing realistic military environments—exactly the kind of terrain the series is known for:
Unreal Engine 5 Military Environment Demo - Next-Gen Tactical Gameplay
The Pros, Cons, and Fan Reactions
While a switch could accelerate development and enhance visuals, it risks homogenizing Ubisoft’s distinct aesthetic. Snowdrop’s dynamic weather and destructibility systems have defined Ghost Recon’s identity since 2017’s Wildlands. Purists fear UE5 might “sanitize” the series’ gritty authenticity.
Others, however, welcome the change. “Snowdrop feels dated,” argued Reddit user Tactical_Frog in a recent thread. “After Breakpoint’s rocky launch, they need UE5’s stability.”
Official Silence & What’s Next
Ubisoft has yet to comment, but sources indicate a decision is imminent. If approved, development would reboot under UE5—potentially delaying the project’s rumored 2026 release.
For now, fans cling to hope that UE5 could resurrect the series’ glory days. As one insider noted: “Imagine Ghost Recon with The Division’s detail and Hellblade’s lighting. That’s the dream.”
Stay tuned for updates.
Disclaimer: This report is based on unverified sources. Ubisoft has not confirmed engine plans for the next Ghost Recon title.
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