Setup and Use Visual Scripting in Unity

Visual Scripting in Unity allows creators to develop game logic without writing hand-coded C# scripts. It uses visual, node-based graphs, making it accessible for both programmers and non-programmers to design final logic or create prototypes. Additionally, Visual Scripting includes an API for advanced tasks and custom node creation, enabling more complex functionalities and team collaborations.

Installation

From Unity Editor version 2021.1 onward, Visual Scripting is installed by default as a package. For earlier versions of Unity, including 2019 LTS and 2020 LTS, you must install the Visual Scripting package from the Unity Asset Store.

For more information on packages, see the Packages section in the Unity User Manual.

Configure Visual Scripting

To use Visual Scripting in a project for the first time, you must initialize it from the Editor's Project Settings window. Configure your project settings and preferences to get started.

Choose a Control Scheme

Learn the common keyboard shortcuts and choose a control scheme that suits your needs. This will enhance your workflow and make working with Visual Scripting more efficient.

Update Visual Scripting

Keep Visual Scripting up to date to ensure you have the latest features and improvements. Learn how to update Visual Scripting and manage your backups to prevent data loss.

System Requirements

Visual Scripting has no external dependencies, making it easy to integrate into your existing Unity projects.

Understanding the Basics

Visual Scripting in Unity revolves around two main concepts: Graphs and Nodes. Graphs represent the flow of your game logic, while Nodes are the individual functions, operators, and variables within the graph.

Graphs

Graphs are the visual representation of your scripts. There are two types of graphs:

• Flow Graphs: Handle the game's logic and flow.
• State Graphs: Manage states and transitions, ideal for character states or game phases.

Nodes

Nodes represent functions, operators, and variables. Connect these nodes from their ports with edges to design your logic visually.

Creating a Simple Script

Let's create a simple script that moves a GameObject when a key is pressed:

1. Select the GameObject you want to move.
2. Go to Add Component and add a Script Machine component.
3. Create a new Flow Graph by clicking New and saving it in your project.
4. Open the Flow Graph by clicking the Edit Graph button.

Building the Script

Follow these steps to create the movement script:

1. Add a Start node to define the entry point of the script.
2. Drag a wire from the Start node to a new Update node. This ensures the script runs continuously.
3. Add a Get Key Down node and set the key to W.
4. Connect the Update node to the Get Key Down node.
5. Add a Translate node to move the GameObject. Set the translation vector to (0, 0, 1) to move forward.
6. Connect the Get Key Down node to the Translate node.

Your final graph should look like this:

Start --> Update --> Get Key Down (W) --> Translate (0, 0, 1)

Testing the Script

To test the script:

1. Save your graph and return to the Unity Editor.
2. Press Play to run the game.
3. Press the W key to see the GameObject move forward.

Conclusion

We've introduced the basics of Visual Scripting in Unity. We covered setting up the tool, understanding graphs and nodes, and creating a simple movement script. Visual Scripting is a powerful tool for those who prefer a visual approach to coding or are new to programming. As you become more familiar with Visual Scripting, you can create more complex behaviors and systems for your game projects.