Focused reference · Unreal Engine 5.8

Build configurations and targets

unreal-packaging-deployment/references/build-configurations-targets.md

State configuration

Configuration	Use	Important behavior
Debug	engine and game debugging	no optimization; slow; source engine context
DebugGame	game-module debugging	game code unoptimized; engine remains optimized
Development	daily packaged testing and profiling	most optimization; console/tools available
Test	shipping-like QA with selected stats/profiling	Shipping base with some diagnostic tools
Shipping	distribution candidate	full optimization; end-user console/stats stripped

Shipping can still produce symbols. Store them securely rather than assuming an optimized build is unsymbolicatable.

Target type

Game: standalone executable requiring cooked target content.
Editor: editor executable/module target; never a runtime distribution artifact.
Client: multiplayer client target when <Project>Client.Target.cs exists.
Server: dedicated server target when <Project>Server.Target.cs exists.

Record both dimensions, for example Development Game, Test Client, or Shipping Server. Do not compare performance, config, modules, or cook output across unlike targets and call it an A/B test.

Use Development first to retain logs/console/profile access, then repeat the release suite in Test and Shipping. Verify exit UI and recovery paths that relied on a console during development.