How to Set Up VRChat Creator Companion, Unity 2022, and Install the BEST Plugins | VRChat Tutorial

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through setting up the VRChat Creator Companion (VCC), installing Unity 2022, and adding essential plugins for creating avatars in VRChat. By the end of this guide, you will have a well-organized Unity environment ready for avatar development.

Chapter 1: Download VCC

1. Go to vrchat.com.
2. Log into your VRChat account.
3. Download the Creator Companion (VCC).
4. Open the VCC and check for updates by clicking the update button in the bottom left corner. Ensure it is fully updated before proceeding.

Chapter 2: Install Unity

1. Visit unity.com to download Unity 2022.3.6f1.
2. Once installed, add the Unity installation path to the VCC for easy access.

Chapter 3: Install Plugins

1. Access the following essential plugins and install them via the VCC:
   • VRC Fury: Streamlines avatar creation (link provided below).
   • SS Plugin: Useful for NSFW avatars.
   • Dread Scripts:
     • Hierarchy Plus: Enhances project organization.
     • VRC SDK Plus: Adds useful VRChat SDK features.
2. Open VCC, create a new project, and select "Avatars 2022."
3. Name your project and choose a location, then click "Create Project."
4. In the project management section, add the plugins you just downloaded.

Chapter 4: Updating Plugins

1. In the project management menu, check for any available updates.
2. Update to ensure all plugins are current before opening your Unity project.

Chapter 5: Setting Up Unity Layout

1. Open your Unity project.
2. Organize the layout by:
   • Moving the Hierarchy panel to the right side of the screen.
   • Positioning the Inspector next to the Hierarchy.
   • Placing the Project panel at the bottom.
   • Adjusting the Animation tab for easy access.
   • Relocating the Game tab for convenient play mode access.

Chapter 6: Importing Important Packages

1. Import a free Skybox pack from the Unity Asset Store:
   • Go to Window > Package Manager.
   • Ensure "My Assets" is checked.
   • Find and import AllSky Free.
2. Download and import the Poiyomi Shader from their Discord.
3. Get GoGoLoco for pose functionality from Gumroad and import it.
4. Consider purchasing AV3 Creator for a more efficient avatar creation process. Import it along with any additional textures or assets you may need.

Chapter 7: Organizing Folders

1. In the Unity Project panel, create folders for better organization:
   • Create a Textures folder for all textures, including Cube maps and Mat caps.
   • Create a Descriptor Files folder for 3.0 assets and hand gestures.
   • Create a Materials folder for future materials.
2. Rename folders with an exclamation mark (!) at the beginning to keep them at the top of the list for easy access.

Conclusion

You are now set up with the VRChat Creator Companion, Unity 2022, and essential plugins to start your avatar creation journey. Remember to save your projects frequently to avoid losing progress. In the next tutorial, you will import your avatar model and begin working on it. Happy creating!