# ⚙️ 2. Installation & Setup

Getting started with **GPU Animation Entities PRO** requires a specific Unity environment, as the asset relies heavily on the Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS) and the Universal Render Pipeline (URP).

Follow this step-by-step guide carefully to ensure your project is configured correctly. Missing the URP configuration steps is the #1 cause of invisible meshes!

***

#### 📦 Prerequisites

Before importing the asset, ensure your Unity project meets the following baseline requirements:

* **Unity Version:** 2022.2 or newer (Unity 6 is fully supported).
* **Render Pipeline:** Universal Render Pipeline (URP 14.0+).
* **Scripting Backend:** IL2CPP (Recommended for final builds) / Mono (Editor).

***

#### Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

Since this is a strict ECS asset, you must install the official Unity DOTS packages.

1. Open your Unity project.
2. Navigate to **Window > Package Manager**.
3. Click the + icon in the top left corner and select **"Add package by name..."**.
4. Add the following packages one by one:
   * `com.unity.entities` (Version 1.4.5+)
   * `com.unity.entities.graphics` (Version 1.4.18+)
   * `com.unity.burst` (Version 1.8.27+)

> 💡 **Tip:** If you are starting a fresh project, the easiest way to get all dependencies is to create a new project using the **"3D (URP) Core"** template, and then install the Entities packages.

***

#### Step 2: Import the Asset

Once the dependencies are resolved:

1. Open the **Window > Package Manager**.
2. Select **My Assets** from the dropdown.
3. Search for **GPU Animation Entities PRO**.
4. Click **Download**, then **Import**.
5. Ensure all folders (especially Editor, Runtime, and Samples\~) are checked, and click **Import**.

***

#### Step 3: URP Configuration (🚨 CRITICAL)

For the GPU skinning to work, the Universal Render Pipeline must be allowed to pass DOTS data to the GPU. **If you skip this step, your animated characters will be invisible.**

1. Locate your active **URP Asset** in the Project window (usually found in Assets/Settings/ or similar).
2. Select the URP Asset to view it in the Inspector.
3. Scroll down to the **Advanced** section.
4. Ensure the following settings are **ENABLED** (Checked):
   * ✅ **SRP Batcher**
   * ✅ **DOTS Instancing** (This is mandatory for `_SnivelerRenderFrames` to reach the shader).

> 🛑 **Troubleshooting:** If you cannot find the "DOTS Instancing" checkbox, ensure that the `com.unity.entities.graphics` package is successfully installed and compiled.

***

#### Step 4: Burst Compiler Settings

To achieve maximum performance, ensure the Burst compiler is active.

1. Go to **Jobs > Burst > Enable Compilation** (Ensure it has a checkmark).
2. Go to **Jobs > Burst > Synchronous Compilation** (Optional, but recommended during Editor playback to prevent initial stuttering).

***

#### Step 5: Explore the Demo Scenes

The best way to verify your installation and learn the system is to explore the provided demo scenes. Navigate to the Samples\~ folder (you may need to copy it into your Assets folder if Unity imported it as a hidden package sample).

We have provided three distinct environments:

* 🟢 **DemoZone 1 (Basics):**\
  Located in `DemoZone1/Scenes/Landing.unity`. Demonstrates basic baking, simple movement, and parameter changing (Speed, Attack triggers) via UI.
* ⚔️ **DemoZone 2 (Sockets & Weapons):**\
  Located in `DemoZone2/Scenes/Landing.unity`. Showcases the **Zero-Latency Socket System**. Watch how the character smoothly equips and unequips a sword and an axe with perfect frame synchronization.
* 🏰 **DemoZone 3 (Massive Crowd & RTS Logic):**\
  Located in `DemoZone3/Scenes/Landing.unity`. The ultimate stress test. Features spatial hashing, combat decision-making, ranged projectiles, and thousands of units fighting simultaneously.


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