Are you interested in Unity and want to dive into game development? You’re in the right place!

Unity recently turned 18 years old and is one of the best and most reliable game engines out there!

### Downloading Unity

First things first, head over to Unity’s website and click the **Download for Windows** or **Download for Mac** button, depending on your system. Once the download is complete, open the file and you’ll see **Unity Hub**

Here you can download unity: https://unity.com/download   

### What is Unity Hub?

Unity Hub is a launcher for all your Unity projects. It handles your Unity licence allows to manage multiple Unity versions and of course open your projects.

Let’s dive into how to use Unity Hub and download the version of Unity you need!

![Unity HUB Splash screen](https://cococode-web.b-cdn.net/articles/how-to-start-your-journey-with-unity/hub_1.jpg)

### Setting Up Unity Hub

When you first launch Unity Hub, you’ll need to log in with your Unity ID or create a new account.

Fill in the details, verify your email adres, and you are in! The next step is to activate your free Unity license - do this by just accepting the terms of service.

### Installing the Unity Editor

Now, let’s install the Unity editor. Head to the **installs** tab and click **install editor.** You’ll see a list of Unity versions to choose from. If you're unsure which version you should install, go with **Recommended version** suggestion.

Choose version you want to download and click **install.** You can then optionally select additional build targets (Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android).
Once you’ve made your selections, click **Install** and let Unity Hub do its thing.

![Unity HUB - Unity version selection](https://cococode-web.b-cdn.net/articles/how-to-start-your-journey-with-unity/hub_2.jpg)

**Pro Tip:** If you need more platforms later, click the settings icon next to your installed engine and select **Add Modules** to install additional packages.

### Creating Your First Project

With the Unity editor installed, it is time to create your first project. Go to the **Projects** tab and click **New Project**. Choose your starting templates. I recommend to start with a 2D or 3D templates, but later on you can also explore other options like Unity Render Pipeline setups and even a crazy LEGO Microgame.

Name your project, set its location, and click **Create Project**. This will open the Unity editor, and you can start your game development journey! 

![Unity HUB - Project templates](https://cococode-web.b-cdn.net/articles/how-to-start-your-journey-with-unity/hub_3.jpg)

### Advanced Tips

Here are some advanced tips to make the most of Unity:

1. If you downloaded any Unity project from the internet, you can simply add it to Unity hub using **Open** option in the **Projects** tab
2. If you're trying to open project created with older Unity version than you have installed, that's usually OK, but please remember to backup your files before doing that
3. Opening project created in newer version than you have installed is not possible. To overcome that, go back to the Installs tab and install editor that has a smaller or the same version number than your project. (Unity may also suggest you to install correct Unity version while opening project)
4. If you're joining a team of developers that are currently using some different Unity version that is not listed here, be sure to check out **Archive** tab and click **Download archive**. Here you can select practically any Unity version released in the last 8 years. Simply click this green Unity hub icon and you will be immediately asked to to install this version with its components

And that’s it! You’re all set to start your Unity adventure.

If you’re just getting started and want to learn more, check out my Unity Tutorials:

```json
youtubeVideo
{
	"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrTpUoMy-fo",
	"title": "Build Profiles in Unity 6 - Are they any good?",
	"thumbnailUrl": "https://img.youtube.com/vi/LrTpUoMy-fo/maxresdefault.jpg",
	"description": "Check out this video!"
}
```

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLz_k6DSQvU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWUyEfD0kV0

Are you interested in Unity and want to dive into game development? Download Unity HUB and learn advanced tips!

How to start your journey with Unity