Quote:

1. Is Epic doing something tricky that I simply can't compare with in 3DGS??



yes
there extra work goin in unreal one thing seem to notice seems to be some antalias makes it look very smooth no jaggey
most 3dgs shot have jaggey edge all over the light is much better as well etc etc

no matter what unreal always look better
this might send ppl into arms but simply true
build similiar room in each engine extract some unreal texture and use them
in both engine and use same lights and unreals will look better

smother cleaner just better render