Unreal Engine 5 · Blueprint → C++
Set Max Walk Speed in Unreal Engine 5 C++UE Docs
Setting Max Walk Speed in Unreal Engine 5 C++ is done with GetCharacterMovement()->MaxWalkSpeed = Value; on the character's UCharacterMovementComponent.
Blueprint node & C++ equivalent
#include "GameFramework/CharacterMovementComponent.h"
GetCharacterMovement()->MaxWalkSpeed = 600.f;What does Max Walk Speed control?
MaxWalkSpeed caps how fast the character can move while walking on the ground. The character movement component accelerates toward this value and clamps the resulting velocity to it. Changing it at runtime is the standard way to implement sprinting, crouch-slowing or stat-driven speed.
The C++ equivalent
Call GetCharacterMovement() on an ACharacter to retrieve the UCharacterMovementComponent, then assign MaxWalkSpeed directly. You must include GameFramework/CharacterMovementComponent.h so the component's full definition is visible, as shown in the example. The value is in unreal units per second.
Set a base walk speed and a higher sprint speed, then swap between them on input to create responsive movement.
Common mistakes
Omitting the CharacterMovementComponent.h include causes compile errors because MaxWalkSpeed is an incomplete type member. Another mistake is changing speed only on one machine in multiplayer; movement values should be applied where the movement is simulated and replicated so server and client agree.
Frequently asked questions
How do you change walk speed in UE5 C++?+
Assign GetCharacterMovement()->MaxWalkSpeed = NewSpeed; after including GameFramework/CharacterMovementComponent.h.
Why do I get a compile error setting MaxWalkSpeed?+
You likely forgot to include GameFramework/CharacterMovementComponent.h, so the compiler cannot see the MaxWalkSpeed member of the movement component.