Set Timer by Function Name

This section details how to set a timer in Unreal Engine 5 using C++ by specifying a function to be called after a delay. This is a fundamental technique for managing timed events in game development.

#include "TimerManager.h"

FTimerHandle TimerHandle;

GetWorldTimerManager().SetTimer(
    TimerHandle,                          // Timer handle to store the timer's identifier
    this,                                 // The object instance that owns the function
    &AExampleCharacter::ExampleMethod,    // Pointer to the member function to be called
    3.0f,                                 // The delay in seconds before the function is called
    false                                 // Boolean indicating if the timer should loop
);

Set Timer by Event

In C++, there isn't a direct equivalent to Blueprint's "Event" system for timers. Instead, timers are managed by function names or handles. For timer management in C++, refer to the 'Set Timer by Function Name' section.

Clear and Invalidate Timer by Handle

This demonstrates how to stop a timer that has been previously set using its unique handle. Clearing a timer prevents its associated function from being called again.

#include "TimerManager.h"

FTimerHandle ExampleTimerHandle;

// Clear and invalidate timer handle to stop the timer
GetWorldTimerManager().ClearTimer(ExampleTimerHandle);

Clear Timer by Function Name

Similar to the "Set Timer by Event" concept, C++ does not have a direct "Clear Timer by Function Name" node. Timer clearing is typically performed using the timer's handle. For details on managing timers with handles, see 'Clear and Invalidate Timer by Handle'.

Invalidate Timer Handle

This method invalidates a timer handle, effectively marking it as non-functional. This is useful for ensuring that a timer handle does not accidentally trigger a timer that has already been cleared or is no longer needed.

FTimerHandle ExampleTimerHandle;

// Invalidate the timer handle
ExampleTimerHandle.Invalidate();

External Resources for UE5 Timer Management:

• Unreal Engine TimerManager Documentation
• Unreal Engine FTimerHandle Documentation
• Unreal Engine Forums: Timers in C++