UPrimitiveComponent::AddForce

function Engine Blueprint Since unknown

#include "Components/PrimitiveComponent.h"

Access: public Specifiers: virtual

Description

Applies a continuous force to the physics body each frame it is called. Unlike AddImpulse (instantaneous), AddForce must be called every frame to maintain its effect.

Signature

virtual void AddForce(FVector Force, FName BoneName = NAME_None, bool bAccelChange = false)

Parameters

Name	Type	Description	Default
Force	FVector	Force vector in world space (kg*cm/s²), applied continuously while called.	—
BoneName	FName	Target bone for skeletal meshes. NAME_None targets the root body.	NAME_None
bAccelChange	bool	If true, treats Force as acceleration (mass-independent). If false, applies as a true force (F=ma).	false

Return Type

void

Caveats & Gotchas

• Must be called every frame (e.g. in Tick) to sustain the force. It does not persist between frames.
• Has no effect unless physics simulation is enabled.
• For constant environmental forces (gravity wells, wind), consider using PhysicsConstraintComponents or physics volumes instead of per-frame AddForce calls.

Example

Hover thruster applying continuous upward force C++

void AHoverCraft::Tick(float DeltaTime)
{
	Super::Tick(DeltaTime);

	// Apply lift force proportional to how far below target height we are
	float HeightDelta = TargetHoverHeight - GetActorLocation().Z;
	FVector LiftForce = FVector(0.f, 0.f, HeightDelta * LiftStrength);
	MeshComponent->AddForce(LiftForce, NAME_None, true); // bAccelChange=true
}

Version History

Introduced in: unknown

Version	Status	Notes
5.6	stable	—

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