# Quick Start Guide

This guide will walk you through the **absolute minimum steps** required to take a static 3D model and turn it into a playable, interactive scene using ShikorDriftXR. The goal here is to get a working result as quickly as possible while showcasing some core features.

Let's begin!

**Step 1: Project Setup**

* Create a new Blank Unreal Engine project (or open an existing one).
* Ensure you have installed and enabled all the required plugins as described in our [**Installation & Setup guide**](https://shikorviz.gitbook.io/shikordriftxr/~/revisions/ZyiRyILZaluMrSdyHr67/installation-and-setup).

**Step 2: Import Your Model**

* Using **Datasmith**, import your 3D model (from 3ds Max, SketchUp, etc.) into a new, empty level.

**Step 3: Add a Complete Lighting Environment**\
A realistic scene needs more than just a sun; it needs ambient light from the sky and an atmosphere. We will use Unreal Engine's powerful **Environment Light Mixer** to create the foundation and then add our custom Sun\_control actor for real-time control.

1. Open the **Environment Light Mixer** panel from the main menu via **Window > Env. Light Mixer**.
2. In the Mixer panel, create the essential atmospheric components by clicking the following buttons:
   * **Create Skylight** (to light up shadowed areas)
   * **Create Sky Atmosphere** (to create a realistic sky)
   * **Create Volumetric Clouds** (for dynamic clouds)
3. Now, instead of using a standard Directional Light, we will add our custom, controllable sun.
   * Navigate to the <mark style="color:purple;background-color:$primary;">/ShikorDriftXR/Common/Bluprints/</mark> folder in your Content Browser.
   * Find the **BP\_SunControl** actor.
   * Drag and drop the **BP\_SunControl** actor into your level.

**Step 4: Add Essential Collisions with Shikor Modifier**\
For your player to walk on the floor, it must have collision.

* Select only the floor mesh(es) in your level.
* Open the **EUW\_ShikorModifier** tool from the main toolbar. (You can find its source file in <mark style="color:purple;background-color:$primary;">/ShikorDriftXR/Editor/</mark>).
* In the **Shikor Modifier** panel, under the **"Add Collision"** section, choose **"Box"** as the **Collision Type** and click **"Apply Simple Collision"**.
  * Note: We are only adding collision to the floor to prevent the player from falling. We will explore advanced optimization in a later section.

***

**Step 5: Add Core Actors**\
With our latest update, the setup is now simpler. You only need to add two essential actors to your scene.

1. **Playmode Actor:** Navigate to <mark style="color:purple;">/ShikorDriftXR/Common/Blueprints/</mark> folder and drag and drop the **BP\_Playmode** actor into the level.
2. **Player Start:**  Use Unreal Engine's standard **Player Start** actor.
   * Find it in the **Place Actors** panel (or search for Player Start).
   * Drag and drop it into your level. **Place the Player Start actor exactly where you want the interactive experience to begin.** All player characters will now spawn at this location.

**Step 6: Configure Core Project Settings (Crucial Step!)**

To ensure our plugin's logic works correctly, you must set up your project's default maps and game mode.

1. Go to **Edit > Project Settings**.
2. Navigate to the **Maps & Modes** section.
3. **A. Set Your Default Map:**
   * In both the **Editor Startup Map** and **Game Default Map** fields, select your current level.
4. **B. Set the Default Game Mode:**
   * Find the **Default GameMode** property.
   * From the dropdown, select our custom game mode: **BP\_FirstPersonGameMode**.
5. **C. Clear the World Game Mode Override:**
   * Open your level's **World Settings** tab (Window > World Settings).
   * Find the **Game Mode Override** property.
   * **Ensure it is set to None**.
   * **⚠️&#x20;**<mark style="color:orange;">**Important:**</mark> This is a critical step. Our plugin automatically selects the correct game mode (e.g., for PC or VR) at runtime. Setting an override here will break this automatic functionality.

**Step 7: Configure the Render Level**

* Select the **BP\_Playmode** actor you just added to the level.
* In the **Details** panel, find the **"Render Level"** property.
* Click the dropdown and select the current level you are working in.
  * **⚠️&#x20;**<mark style="color:orange;">**Important:**</mark> This step is necessary for the in-game video rendering feature to work correctly later.

**Step 7: Play and Explore!**

* That's it! Click the **"Play"** button. Your character will now spawn at the Player Start location.
* You can navigate the scene and use the UI to switch modes and control the sun, just as before.

**Congratulations!** You have just created a functional, interactive architectural scene. To learn about each feature in more detail, please explore the other sections of this documentation, starting with the [**Core Actors: The Playmode Actor**](https://shikorviz.gitbook.io/shikordriftxr/~/revisions/Uk5sQXgAmzNjWEJrlq77/core-actors-the-playmode-actor) page.


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