While Tesla‘s been using the open-source Godot engine to power its car visualization displays, the company’s now switching to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Firmware analyst @greentheonly found Unreal Engine binaries in Tesla’s version 2025.20 software update for Model S and Model X vehicles with AMD chips. The finding came through analysis of Tesla’s software update code repositories, with Not a Tesla App first reporting the integration.
The switch represents a major upgrade from Godot, a lightweight open-source platform, to Unreal Engine, the industry-standard AAA game development platform. Unreal offers much higher graphical quality than Tesla’s current system. While Godot works well for basic vehicle and object rendering, Unreal can create photorealistic simulations. The trade-off is that Unreal needs more processing power, which explains why it’s only appearing in vehicles with AMD-based MCU 3 framework.
The new Unreal-powered visualization is already active on the main touchscreen display in developmental firmware. The vehicle avatar shows better interactivity and detail than before. However, the instrument cluster integration isn’t complete yet, and consumers can’t access these Unreal features. Tesla and Epic Games haven’t commented on the development.
This move puts Tesla in line with other automakers. Rivian, Ford, GMC, Volvo, and Lotus already use Unreal Engine in their vehicles. Epic Games has been actively expanding into the automotive sector, focusing on in-car visualization systems.
The upgrade could bring significant improvements to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving displays. Drivers might see photorealistic environment rendering, better 3D models of vehicles and road infrastructure, and possible weather simulation in driver-assist visuals. The animations should run smoother too. Wayfinding and media systems could also benefit from the graphical upgrade.
The 2025.20 firmware update contains other interesting developments. Code references point to a six-seat Model Y variant and multiple personality options for the Grok AI assistant. These changes suggest Tesla’s working on broader infotainment system improvements beyond just the visual overhaul.
Future updates will likely expand Unreal Engine implementation across Tesla’s entire fleet as the company continues developing its all-encompassing UI system. The companies previously collaborated when Tesla’s Cybertruck appeared in Fortnite, demonstrating an existing relationship between the automaker and Epic Games.