# Getting Started

This guide will help you create your first state machine in just a few minutes.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

* Unity 6000.3.1f1 or later
* [Game Creator 2](https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/tools/game-toolkits/game-creator-2-203069) installed
* [State Machine 2](https://u3d.as/32Gh) installed

## Step 1: Create a State Machine Asset

1. In the **Project** window, navigate to where you want to create your state machine
2. Right-click and select **Create → Ninjutsu Games → State Machine**
3. Name your state machine (e.g., "EnemyAI" or "PlayerController")

## Step 2: Open the Graph Editor

Double-click your new State Machine asset to open the Graph Editor.

You'll see a canvas with a **Start Node** and **Exit Node** already created. These nodes are automatically added to every new state machine and cannot be deleted.

## Step 3: Add an Actions Node

Let's add some behavior:

1. Right-click on the canvas
2. Select **Create Node → Actions**
3. Click on the new Actions node to select it
4. In the Inspector, click **Add Action**
5. Choose an action (e.g., **Debug → Log Message**)
6. Configure the action (e.g., type "Hello from State Machine!")

## Step 4: Connect the Nodes

1. Click on the **output port** (right side) of the Start node
2. Drag the connection to the **input port** (left side) of the Actions node
3. Release to create the connection

## Step 5: Add a State Machine Runner

The Runner component executes your state machine on a GameObject:

1. Create or select a GameObject in your scene
2. Click **Add Component**
3. Search for **State Machine Runner**
4. Drag your State Machine asset to the **State Machine** field

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also create a runner via **Create → Ninjutsu Games → State Machine Runner**
{% endhint %}

## Step 6: Test It!

1. Press **Play** in Unity
2. Check the Console window — you should see your log message!

🎉 **Congratulations!** You've created your first state machine!

***

## Next Steps

Now that you have the basics, explore these topics:

### Add More Behavior

* [**Trigger Nodes**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/nodes) — React to events like player input, collisions, or timers
* [**Branch Nodes**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/nodes) — Create conditional logic paths
* [**Sub-State Machines**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/nodes) — Organize complex logic into reusable modules

### Use Variables

* [**Variables**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/variables) — Store and share data between nodes

### Learn the Editor

* [**Graph Editor**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/graph-editor) — Master the visual editor
* [**Shortcuts**](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/shortcuts) — Speed up your workflow

### Build Real Systems

Try building these common use cases:

| System                 | Nodes to Use                                          |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Enemy AI**           | Start → Trigger (On Player Near) → Actions (Chase)    |
| **Door Controller**    | Trigger (On Interact) → Branch (Is Locked?) → Actions |
| **Ability Cooldown**   | Actions → Trigger (On Timer) → Actions (Ready)        |
| **Game State Manager** | Start → Sub-State Machine (Menu, Playing, Paused)     |

***

## Example: Simple Enemy AI

Here's a complete example of a basic enemy AI:

### Nodes Setup

1. **Start Node** — Entry point
2. **Trigger Node** — "On Player Enter" (using a trigger collider)
3. **Actions Node** — "Chase Player" (move towards player)
4. **Trigger Node** — "On Player Exit"
5. **Actions Node** — "Return to Patrol"

### Connections

```
Start → Idle Actions
Idle Actions ← → Chase Trigger → Chase Actions
Chase Actions ← → Exit Trigger → Idle Actions
```

This creates a loop where the enemy:

1. Starts idle
2. Detects the player → starts chasing
3. Loses the player → returns to idle

***

## Troubleshooting

### State Machine Not Running

* Ensure the **State Machine Runner** component is on an **active GameObject**
* Check that the **State Machine** field has an asset assigned
* Verify the Start node has at least one output connection

### Actions Not Executing

* Check if nodes are **enabled** (not grayed out)
* Verify connections exist between nodes
* Use **Live Debug** in the Graph Editor to see execution flow

### Need Help?

* Join our [Discord Community](https://discord.com/invite/99bbWBzKDX)
* Check the [full documentation](https://docs.ninjutsugames.com/game-creator-2/state-machine-2/)
* Email support: <support@ninjutsugames.com>