Combat: melee swing animation + live range slash-arc VFX (MC-4 polish)

Rukhanka swing animation: PlayerRigTools builds a procedural Root-bone PlayerMeleeSwing.anim and adds an IsAttacking param + MeleeSwing state to AC_PlayerTopDown (mirroring the enemy attack recipe -- no authored Synty Generic melee clip exists). PlayerAnimationDriveSystem pulses IsAttacking from the replicated MeleeCombo swing window (local + remote, NetworkTick wrap-safe, re-triggers per chained hit). CombatFeedbackSystem flashes a procedural cone slash-arc mesh matching the LIVE cleave range + half-angle on each swing (finisher wider/warmer) -- the arc IS the range telegraph. Addresses 'range isn't clear + no animation'.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

Assets/_Project/Animation/AC_PlayerTopDown.controller

@@ -27,6 +27,31 @@ AnimatorState:
   m_MirrorParameter: 
   m_CycleOffsetParameter: 
   m_TimeParameter: 
+--- !u!1101 &-7833896337878999491
+AnimatorStateTransition:
+  m_ObjectHideFlags: 1
+  m_CorrespondingSourceObject: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabInstance: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabAsset: {fileID: 0}
+  m_Name: 
+  m_Conditions:
+  - m_ConditionMode: 1
+    m_ConditionEvent: IsAttacking
+    m_EventTreshold: 0
+  m_DstStateMachine: {fileID: 0}
+  m_DstState: {fileID: 4550302468649108848}
+  m_Solo: 0
+  m_Mute: 0
+  m_IsExit: 0
+  serializedVersion: 3
+  m_TransitionDuration: 0.05
+  m_TransitionOffset: 0
+  m_ExitTime: 0.75
+  m_HasExitTime: 0
+  m_HasFixedDuration: 1
+  m_InterruptionSource: 0
+  m_OrderedInterruption: 1
+  m_CanTransitionToSelf: 0
 --- !u!1101 &-1505565898738729052
 AnimatorStateTransition:
   m_ObjectHideFlags: 1
@@ -172,6 +197,12 @@ AnimatorController:
     m_DefaultInt: 0
     m_DefaultBool: 0
     m_Controller: {fileID: 9100000}
+  - m_Name: IsAttacking
+    m_Type: 4
+    m_DefaultFloat: 0
+    m_DefaultInt: 0
+    m_DefaultBool: 0
+    m_Controller: {fileID: 9100000}
   m_AnimatorLayers:
   - serializedVersion: 5
     m_Name: Base Layer
@@ -237,6 +268,33 @@ AnimatorState:
   m_MirrorParameter: 
   m_CycleOffsetParameter: 
   m_TimeParameter: 
+--- !u!1102 &4550302468649108848
+AnimatorState:
+  serializedVersion: 6
+  m_ObjectHideFlags: 1
+  m_CorrespondingSourceObject: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabInstance: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabAsset: {fileID: 0}
+  m_Name: MeleeSwing
+  m_Speed: 1
+  m_CycleOffset: 0
+  m_Transitions:
+  - {fileID: 8638400773933187460}
+  m_StateMachineBehaviours: []
+  m_Position: {x: 50, y: 50, z: 0}
+  m_IKOnFeet: 0
+  m_WriteDefaultValues: 1
+  m_Mirror: 0
+  m_SpeedParameterActive: 0
+  m_MirrorParameterActive: 0
+  m_CycleOffsetParameterActive: 0
+  m_TimeParameterActive: 0
+  m_Motion: {fileID: 7400000, guid: c819793eb6a73914b9875b1fe58b8626, type: 2}
+  m_Tag: 
+  m_SpeedParameter: 
+  m_MirrorParameter: 
+  m_CycleOffsetParameter: 
+  m_TimeParameter: 
 --- !u!1101 &5014557051428573475
 AnimatorStateTransition:
   m_ObjectHideFlags: 1
@@ -280,9 +338,13 @@ AnimatorStateMachine:
   - serializedVersion: 1
     m_State: {fileID: 1998880016702917871}
     m_Position: {x: 270, y: 130, z: 0}
+  - serializedVersion: 1
+    m_State: {fileID: 4550302468649108848}
+    m_Position: {x: 305, y: 195, z: 0}
   m_ChildStateMachines: []
   m_AnyStateTransitions:
   - {fileID: 5014557051428573475}
+  - {fileID: -7833896337878999491}
   m_EntryTransitions: []
   m_StateMachineTransitions: {}
   m_StateMachineBehaviours: []
@@ -318,3 +380,28 @@ AnimatorState:
   m_MirrorParameter: 
   m_CycleOffsetParameter: 
   m_TimeParameter: 
+--- !u!1101 &8638400773933187460
+AnimatorStateTransition:
+  m_ObjectHideFlags: 1
+  m_CorrespondingSourceObject: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabInstance: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabAsset: {fileID: 0}
+  m_Name: 
+  m_Conditions:
+  - m_ConditionMode: 2
+    m_ConditionEvent: IsAttacking
+    m_EventTreshold: 0
+  m_DstStateMachine: {fileID: 0}
+  m_DstState: {fileID: 0}
+  m_Solo: 0
+  m_Mute: 0
+  m_IsExit: 1
+  serializedVersion: 3
+  m_TransitionDuration: 0.1
+  m_TransitionOffset: 0
+  m_ExitTime: 0.9
+  m_HasExitTime: 0
+  m_HasFixedDuration: 1
+  m_InterruptionSource: 0
+  m_OrderedInterruption: 1
+  m_CanTransitionToSelf: 1

Assets/_Project/Animation/PlayerMeleeSwing.anim

@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+%YAML 1.1
+%TAG !u! tag:unity3d.com,2011:
+--- !u!74 &7400000
+AnimationClip:
+  m_ObjectHideFlags: 0
+  m_CorrespondingSourceObject: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabInstance: {fileID: 0}
+  m_PrefabAsset: {fileID: 0}
+  m_Name: PlayerMeleeSwing
+  serializedVersion: 7
+  m_Legacy: 0
+  m_Compressed: 0
+  m_UseHighQualityCurve: 1
+  m_RotationCurves: []
+  m_CompressedRotationCurves: []
+  m_EulerCurves:
+  - curve:
+      serializedVersion: 2
+      m_Curve:
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0
+        value: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        inSlope: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        outSlope: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+        outWeight: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.06
+        value: {x: 6.297375, y: -22, z: 0}
+        inSlope: {x: 167.93002, y: 0, z: 0}
+        outSlope: {x: 167.93002, y: 0, z: 0}
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: {x: 0.33333334, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+        outWeight: {x: 0.33333334, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.14
+        value: {x: 16, y: 28.176, z: 0}
+        inSlope: {x: 0, y: 537.60004, z: 0}
+        outSlope: {x: 0, y: 537.60004, z: 0}
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: {x: 0, y: 0.33333334, z: 0.33333334}
+        outWeight: {x: 0, y: 0.33333334, z: 0.33333334}
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.16
+        value: {x: 15.4513035, y: 34, z: 0}
+        inSlope: {x: -52.67489, y: 0, z: 0}
+        outSlope: {x: -52.67489, y: 0, z: 0}
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: {x: 0.33333334, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+        outWeight: {x: 0.33333334, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.32
+        value: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        inSlope: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        outSlope: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+        outWeight: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0.33333334}
+      m_PreInfinity: 2
+      m_PostInfinity: 2
+      m_RotationOrder: 4
+    path: Root
+  m_PositionCurves: []
+  m_ScaleCurves: []
+  m_FloatCurves: []
+  m_PPtrCurves: []
+  m_SampleRate: 30
+  m_WrapMode: 0
+  m_Bounds:
+    m_Center: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+    m_Extent: {x: 0, y: 0, z: 0}
+  m_ClipBindingConstant:
+    genericBindings:
+    - serializedVersion: 2
+      path: 3066451557
+      attribute: 4
+      script: {fileID: 0}
+      typeID: 4
+      customType: 4
+      isPPtrCurve: 0
+      isIntCurve: 0
+      isSerializeReferenceCurve: 0
+    pptrCurveMapping: []
+  m_AnimationClipSettings:
+    serializedVersion: 2
+    m_AdditiveReferencePoseClip: {fileID: 0}
+    m_AdditiveReferencePoseTime: 0
+    m_StartTime: 0
+    m_StopTime: 0.32
+    m_OrientationOffsetY: 0
+    m_Level: 0
+    m_CycleOffset: 0
+    m_HasAdditiveReferencePose: 0
+    m_LoopTime: 0
+    m_LoopBlend: 0
+    m_LoopBlendOrientation: 0
+    m_LoopBlendPositionY: 0
+    m_LoopBlendPositionXZ: 0
+    m_KeepOriginalOrientation: 0
+    m_KeepOriginalPositionY: 1
+    m_KeepOriginalPositionXZ: 0
+    m_HeightFromFeet: 0
+    m_Mirror: 0
+  m_EditorCurves:
+  - serializedVersion: 2
+    curve:
+      serializedVersion: 2
+      m_Curve:
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0
+        value: 0
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.06
+        value: -22
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.16
+        value: 34
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.32
+        value: 0
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      m_PreInfinity: 2
+      m_PostInfinity: 2
+      m_RotationOrder: 4
+    attribute: localEulerAnglesRaw.y
+    path: Root
+    classID: 4
+    script: {fileID: 0}
+    flags: 16
+  - serializedVersion: 2
+    curve:
+      serializedVersion: 2
+      m_Curve:
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0
+        value: 0
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.14
+        value: 16
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      - serializedVersion: 3
+        time: 0.32
+        value: 0
+        inSlope: 0
+        outSlope: 0
+        tangentMode: 0
+        weightedMode: 0
+        inWeight: 0
+        outWeight: 0
+      m_PreInfinity: 2
+      m_PostInfinity: 2
+      m_RotationOrder: 4
+    attribute: localEulerAnglesRaw.x
+    path: Root
+    classID: 4
+    script: {fileID: 0}
+    flags: 16
+  m_EulerEditorCurves: []
+  m_HasGenericRootTransform: 0
+  m_HasMotionFloatCurves: 0
+  m_Events: []

Assets/_Project/Animation/PlayerMeleeSwing.anim.meta

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+fileFormatVersion: 2
+guid: c819793eb6a73914b9875b1fe58b8626
+NativeFormatImporter:
+  externalObjects: {}
+  mainObjectFileID: 7400000
+  userData: 
+  assetBundleName: 
+  assetBundleVariant: 

Assets/_Project/Scripts/Client/Presentation/CombatFeedbackSystem.cs

@@ -54,6 +54,12 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
         ParticleSystem _muzzleFx;
         ParticleSystem _dashFx;
         ParticleSystem _swingFx;
+        Mesh _slashMesh;
+        MeshRenderer _slashMr;
+        Material _slashMat;
+        Color _slashTint;
+        float _slashAge, _slashLife;
+        bool _slashActive;
         AudioClip _hitClip;
         AudioClip _deathClip;
         AudioClip _fireClip;
@@ -95,6 +101,7 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
             _muzzleFx = MakeBurst("Muzzle", mat, new Color(0.6f, 2.4f, 3.2f), 0.12f, 5f, 0.20f, 128);
             _dashFx = MakeBurst("DashWhoosh", mat, new Color(0.7f, 2.6f, 3.0f), 0.16f, 4f, 0.30f, 256);
             _swingFx = MakeBurst("MeleeSwing", mat, new Color(3.0f, 2.6f, 0.9f), 0.14f, 6f, 0.28f, 256);
+            BuildSlash();
 
             for (int i = 0; i < NumberPoolSize; i++)
                 _numbers.Add(CreateNumber());
@@ -104,6 +111,8 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
         {
             if (_fxRoot != null)
                 Object.Destroy(_fxRoot.gameObject);
+            if (_slashMesh != null) Object.Destroy(_slashMesh);
+            if (_slashMat != null) Object.Destroy(_slashMat);
         }
 
         protected override void OnUpdate()
@@ -268,7 +277,12 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
                     PlayClip(_swingClip, (Vector3)localPos, 0.45f);
                     PrototypeCameraRig.AddShake(0.04f * step);
                     int comboLen = SystemAPI.TryGetSingleton<TuningConfig>(out var tcfg) ? (int)math.clamp((int)tcfg.MeleeComboLength, 1, 3) : 3;
-                    if (step >= comboLen) PrototypeCameraRig.PunchFov(FeelConfig.DashFovKick * 0.6f, FeelConfig.HitStopDurationMs); // finisher pop keyed off the live combo length (MC-4 review)
+                    bool finisher = step >= comboLen;
+                    float slashRange = tcfg.MeleeRange > 0f ? tcfg.MeleeRange : 2.6f;
+                    float slashHalf = tcfg.MeleeConeHalfAngleRad > 0f ? tcfg.MeleeConeHalfAngleRad : 0.9f;
+                    if (finisher) slashRange *= tcfg.MeleeFinisherMult > 0f ? tcfg.MeleeFinisherMult : 1.8f;
+                    TriggerSlash((Vector3)localPos, new float2(face.x, face.z), slashRange, slashHalf, finisher); // the arc IS the range telegraph (MC-4 visual clarity)
+                    if (finisher) PrototypeCameraRig.PunchFov(FeelConfig.DashFovKick * 0.6f, FeelConfig.HitStopDurationMs);
                 }
                 _lastLocalSwingTick = mc.SwingStartTick;
                 _swingTickInit = true;
@@ -277,6 +291,7 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
             UpdateProjectileTrails(cfg);
             PruneVfx();
             AnimateNumbers(dt, cam);
+            UpdateSlash(dt);
         }
 
         // ---- Authored VFX (GabrielAguiar prefabs via VFXConfig); fall back to the procedural burst ----
@@ -542,6 +557,87 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
             return ps;
         }
 
+        void BuildSlash()
+        {
+            var go = new GameObject("MeleeSlashArc");
+            go.transform.SetParent(_fxRoot, false);
+            _slashMesh = new Mesh { name = "MeleeSlashArc" };
+            var mf = go.AddComponent<MeshFilter>();
+            mf.sharedMesh = _slashMesh;
+            _slashMr = go.AddComponent<MeshRenderer>();
+            _slashMat = MakeParticleMaterial();
+            _slashMat.name = "MeleeSlashArc";
+            _slashMr.sharedMaterial = _slashMat;
+            _slashMr.shadowCastingMode = UnityEngine.Rendering.ShadowCastingMode.Off;
+            _slashMr.receiveShadows = false;
+            _slashMr.enabled = false;
+        }
+
+        // Rebuild the crescent (inner->outer arc) for the LIVE cone half-angle + range, in local +Z-forward space.
+        void BuildSlashMesh(float range, float halfAngle)
+        {
+            const int seg = 16;
+            float r1 = Mathf.Max(0.4f, range);
+            float r0 = r1 * 0.45f;
+            var verts = new Vector3[(seg + 1) * 2];
+            var cols = new Color[(seg + 1) * 2];
+            var uvs = new Vector2[(seg + 1) * 2];
+            var tris = new int[seg * 6];
+            for (int i = 0; i <= seg; i++)
+            {
+                float a = Mathf.Lerp(-halfAngle, halfAngle, i / (float)seg);
+                float sx = Mathf.Sin(a), cz = Mathf.Cos(a);
+                verts[i * 2] = new Vector3(sx * r0, 0f, cz * r0);
+                verts[i * 2 + 1] = new Vector3(sx * r1, 0f, cz * r1);
+                float across = 1f - Mathf.Abs(i / (float)seg * 2f - 1f); // 0 at edges, 1 at centre
+                cols[i * 2] = new Color(1f, 1f, 1f, 0.55f * (0.4f + 0.6f * across)); // inner brighter
+                cols[i * 2 + 1] = new Color(1f, 1f, 1f, 0f);                          // outer rim fades out
+                uvs[i * 2] = new Vector2(0.5f, 0.5f);
+                uvs[i * 2 + 1] = new Vector2(0.5f, 0.5f);
+            }
+            for (int i = 0; i < seg; i++)
+            {
+                int b = i * 2;
+                tris[i * 6 + 0] = b; tris[i * 6 + 1] = b + 1; tris[i * 6 + 2] = b + 2;
+                tris[i * 6 + 3] = b + 1; tris[i * 6 + 4] = b + 3; tris[i * 6 + 5] = b + 2;
+            }
+            _slashMesh.Clear();
+            _slashMesh.vertices = verts;
+            _slashMesh.colors = cols;
+            _slashMesh.uv = uvs;
+            _slashMesh.triangles = tris;
+            _slashMesh.RecalculateBounds();
+        }
+
+        // Flash a cone-shaped slash matching the LIVE melee range + half-angle, oriented along facing. The arc IS the
+        // range telegraph (MC-4 visual clarity): the player sees exactly how far + how wide the cleave reaches.
+        void TriggerSlash(Vector3 pos, float2 facing, float range, float halfAngle, bool finisher)
+        {
+            if (_slashMr == null || _slashMat == null) return;
+            BuildSlashMesh(range, halfAngle);
+            Vector3 f = math.lengthsq(facing) > 1e-6f ? new Vector3(facing.x, 0f, facing.y).normalized : Vector3.forward;
+            var tr = _slashMr.transform;
+            tr.position = pos + Vector3.up * 0.12f;
+            tr.rotation = Quaternion.LookRotation(f, Vector3.up);
+            tr.localScale = Vector3.one;
+            _slashTint = finisher ? new Color(3.2f, 2.3f, 0.7f) : new Color(1.6f, 2.4f, 3.2f); // finisher warm / light cool (HDR -> bloom)
+            _slashLife = finisher ? 0.26f : 0.17f;
+            _slashAge = 0f;
+            _slashActive = true;
+            _slashMat.color = _slashTint;
+            _slashMr.enabled = true;
+        }
+
+        void UpdateSlash(float dt)
+        {
+            if (!_slashActive || _slashMr == null) return;
+            _slashAge += dt;
+            float u = _slashAge / Mathf.Max(1e-4f, _slashLife);
+            if (u >= 1f) { _slashActive = false; _slashMr.enabled = false; return; }
+            var c = _slashTint; c.a = 1f - u; _slashMat.color = c;
+            _slashMr.transform.localScale = Vector3.one * (1f + u * 0.12f);
+        }
+
         static void EmitAt(ParticleSystem ps, Vector3 pos, int count)
         {
             if (ps == null) return;

Assets/_Project/Scripts/Client/Presentation/PlayerAnimationDriveSystem.cs

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ using Unity.Burst;
 using Unity.Collections;
 using Unity.Entities;
 using Unity.Mathematics;
-using Unity.NetCode;             // GhostOwnerIsLocal
+using Unity.NetCode;             // GhostOwnerIsLocal, NetworkTime, NetworkTick
 using Unity.Transforms;          // LocalTransform
 using Unity.CharacterController; // KinematicCharacterBody
 
@@ -20,13 +20,17 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
     /// deliberate, documented exception to the project's "all juice = PresentationSystemGroup" rule -- the
     /// params MUST be set before Rukhanka's same-frame controller eval (see DR-022).
     ///
+    /// Drives MoveX/MoveZ/Speed/IsDead from locomotion + IsDead, plus IsAttacking (MC-4) pulsed from the
+    /// replicated <see cref="MeleeCombo"/> swing window so the AC_PlayerTopDown MeleeSwing state plays per swing.
+    ///
     /// Two paths:
     ///   LOCAL  (owner-predicted, GhostOwnerIsLocal ENABLED): realized CC RelativeVelocity (wall-aware).
     ///   REMOTE (interpolated, GhostOwnerIsLocal DISABLED): KinematicCharacterBody is NOT a [GhostField] and
     ///          the CC processor is owner-only, so RelativeVelocity stays baked-zero on remotes -> derive
     ///          planar velocity from replicated LocalTransform.Position deltas. PlayerFacing.Direction is a
     ///          [GhostField] (valid on remotes); EffectiveCharacterStats.MoveSpeed is derived locally each
-    ///          tick by StatRecomputeSystem (present on remotes). Cache prevPos per Entity, prune each frame.
+    ///          tick by StatRecomputeSystem (present on remotes). MeleeCombo replicates so teammates' swings
+    ///          animate too. Cache prevPos per Entity, prune each frame.
     /// </summary>
     [WorldSystemFilter(WorldSystemFilterFlags.LocalSimulation | WorldSystemFilterFlags.ClientSimulation)]
     [UpdateBefore(typeof(RukhankaAnimationSystemGroup))]
@@ -35,10 +39,16 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
     {
         // Perfect-hash keys, built once (managed string ctor). Names MUST match AC_PlayerTopDown.controller
         // parameter names exactly. Immutable readonly hashes -> domain-reload safe.
-        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_MoveX  = new FastAnimatorParameter("MoveX");
+        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_MoveX       = new FastAnimatorParameter("MoveX");
-        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_MoveZ  = new FastAnimatorParameter("MoveZ");
+        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_MoveZ       = new FastAnimatorParameter("MoveZ");
-        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_Speed  = new FastAnimatorParameter("Speed");
+        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_Speed       = new FastAnimatorParameter("Speed");
-        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_IsDead = new FastAnimatorParameter("IsDead");
+        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_IsDead      = new FastAnimatorParameter("IsDead");
+        static readonly FastAnimatorParameter k_IsAttacking = new FastAnimatorParameter("IsAttacking");
+
+        // Ticks after a swing-start that IsAttacking stays true (drives the MeleeSwing state). Kept < the swing lock
+        // (MeleeRecoverTicks ~16) so a CHAINED swing re-pulses the bool false->true and re-triggers the Any State
+        // transition per hit. ~0.22s @ 60Hz. Presentation-only.
+        const uint k_AttackAnimTicks = 13;
 
         // Remote prevPos cache (per ghost Entity). Pruned every frame (a vanished remote = a despawn).
         NativeParallelHashMap<Entity, float3> _prevPos;
@@ -58,10 +68,14 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
             float dt = SystemAPI.Time.DeltaTime; // wall-frame delta is correct for presentation
             if (dt < 1e-5f) dt = 1e-5f;
 
+            // Current authoritative tick for the swing-window check (default = invalid -> IsAttacking stays false).
+            NetworkTick serverTick = SystemAPI.TryGetSingleton<NetworkTime>(out var nt) ? nt.ServerTick : default;
+
             // --- LOCAL owner (CC velocity) ---
             var localJob = new LocalDriveJob
             {
                 moveX = k_MoveX, moveZ = k_MoveZ, speed = k_Speed, isDead = k_IsDead,
+                isAttacking = k_IsAttacking, serverTick = serverTick, attackTicks = k_AttackAnimTicks,
             };
             Dependency = localJob.ScheduleParallel(Dependency);
 
@@ -70,6 +84,7 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
             var remoteJob = new RemoteDriveJob
             {
                 moveX = k_MoveX, moveZ = k_MoveZ, speed = k_Speed, isDead = k_IsDead,
+                isAttacking = k_IsAttacking, serverTick = serverTick, attackTicks = k_AttackAnimTicks,
                 dt = dt,
                 prevPos = _prevPos,
                 seen = seen,
@@ -88,6 +103,16 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
                 if (!seen.Contains(keys[i])) _prevPos.Remove(keys[i]);
         }
 
+        // True while now is within [SwingStartTick, SwingStartTick + animTicks) -- a per-swing pulse that re-triggers
+        // on each chained swing. NetworkTick arithmetic (wrap-safe). Presentation-only, Burst-safe.
+        static bool SwingActive(in MeleeCombo mc, NetworkTick serverTick, uint animTicks)
+        {
+            if (mc.SwingStartTick == 0u || !serverTick.IsValid) return false;
+            var start = new NetworkTick(mc.SwingStartTick);
+            var end = new NetworkTick(TickUtil.NonZero(mc.SwingStartTick + animTicks));
+            return start.IsValid && end.IsValid && !start.IsNewerThan(serverTick) && end.IsNewerThan(serverTick);
+        }
+
         // LOCAL: GhostOwnerIsLocal ENABLED -> exactly the owned player. WithPresent<Dead> so alive
         // (Dead-disabled) players are visited. NOTE: GhostOwnerIsLocal as a WithAll filter respects the
         // enable bit; do NOT take it as an `in` parameter (that matches on presence -> drives remotes too).
@@ -96,7 +121,9 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
         [WithPresent(typeof(Dead))]
         partial struct LocalDriveJob : IJobEntity
         {
-            public FastAnimatorParameter moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead;
+            public FastAnimatorParameter moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead, isAttacking;
+            public NetworkTick serverTick;
+            public uint attackTicks;
 
             void Execute(
                 AnimatorControllerParameterIndexTableComponent indexTable,
@@ -104,11 +131,13 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
                 in PlayerFacing facing,
                 in EffectiveCharacterStats stats,
                 in KinematicCharacterBody body,
+                in MeleeCombo melee,
                 EnabledRefRO<Dead> dead)
             {
                 var a = new AnimatorParametersAspect(parametersArr, indexTable);
                 float3 p = AnimParamMath.LocomotionParams(body.RelativeVelocity, facing.Direction, stats.MoveSpeed);
                 Write(ref a, p, dead.ValueRO, moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead);
+                if (a.HasParameter(isAttacking)) a.SetParameterValue(isAttacking, SwingActive(melee, serverTick, attackTicks));
             }
         }
 
@@ -119,7 +148,9 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
         [WithPresent(typeof(Dead))]
         partial struct RemoteDriveJob : IJobEntity
         {
-            public FastAnimatorParameter moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead;
+            public FastAnimatorParameter moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead, isAttacking;
+            public NetworkTick serverTick;
+            public uint attackTicks;
             public float dt;
             public NativeParallelHashMap<Entity, float3> prevPos;
             public NativeParallelHashSet<Entity> seen;
@@ -131,6 +162,7 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
                 in LocalTransform xform,
                 in PlayerFacing facing,
                 in EffectiveCharacterStats stats,
+                in MeleeCombo melee,
                 EnabledRefRO<Dead> dead)
             {
                 seen.Add(e);
@@ -143,6 +175,7 @@ namespace ProjectM.Client
                 var a = new AnimatorParametersAspect(parametersArr, indexTable);
                 float3 p = AnimParamMath.LocomotionParams(vel, facing.Direction, stats.MoveSpeed);
                 Write(ref a, p, dead.ValueRO, moveX, moveZ, speed, isDead);
+                if (a.HasParameter(isAttacking)) a.SetParameterValue(isAttacking, SwingActive(melee, serverTick, attackTicks));
             }
         }
 

Assets/_Project/Scripts/Editor/PlayerRigTools.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+using UnityEditor;
+using UnityEditor.Animations;
+using UnityEngine;
+
+namespace ProjectM.EditorTools
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// MC-4 — builds the player's procedural MELEE SWING clip and adds the IsAttacking param + MeleeSwing state to
+    /// AC_PlayerTopDown. Mirrors EnemyRigTools' attack recipe (a Root-bone procedural clip — no authored Synty
+    /// Generic melee-swing clip exists; the slash-arc VFX in CombatFeedbackSystem carries the blade read). The clip
+    /// keys ONLY Root rotation (a yaw twist into the swing + a slight forward pitch), leaving the rig's authored
+    /// Root Y offset (feet-on-ground) untouched. PlayerAnimationDriveSystem drives IsAttacking from MeleeCombo.
+    /// Idempotent / re-runnable (menu: ProjectM/Animation).
+    /// </summary>
+    public static class PlayerRigTools
+    {
+        const string SwingClip = "Assets/_Project/Animation/PlayerMeleeSwing.anim";
+        const string PlayerController = "Assets/_Project/Animation/AC_PlayerTopDown.controller";
+
+        [MenuItem("ProjectM/Animation/Player - Build Melee Swing")]
+        public static void BuildPlayerMeleeSwing()
+        {
+            // Horizontal-cleave read: yaw the Root (wind back -> swing across -> recover) + a slight forward pitch.
+            // Root is the top of the Synty Generic rig; locomotion clips don't key Root, so no conflict and it
+            // returns to the authored pose on exit. Rotation-only (no position) so the baked Root Y offset stays.
+            var clip = new AnimationClip { frameRate = 30f };
+            var yaw = new AnimationCurve(
+                new Keyframe(0f, 0f), new Keyframe(0.06f, -22f), new Keyframe(0.16f, 34f), new Keyframe(0.32f, 0f));
+            var pitch = new AnimationCurve(
+                new Keyframe(0f, 0f), new Keyframe(0.14f, 16f), new Keyframe(0.32f, 0f));
+            AnimationUtility.SetEditorCurve(clip, EditorCurveBinding.FloatCurve("Root", typeof(Transform), "localEulerAnglesRaw.y"), yaw);
+            AnimationUtility.SetEditorCurve(clip, EditorCurveBinding.FloatCurve("Root", typeof(Transform), "localEulerAnglesRaw.x"), pitch);
+            var s = AnimationUtility.GetAnimationClipSettings(clip);
+            s.loopTime = false;
+            AnimationUtility.SetAnimationClipSettings(clip, s);
+            AssetDatabase.DeleteAsset(SwingClip);
+            AssetDatabase.CreateAsset(clip, SwingClip);
+            AssetDatabase.SaveAssets();
+
+            var ac = AssetDatabase.LoadAssetAtPath<AnimatorController>(PlayerController);
+            if (ac == null) { Debug.LogError($"[PlayerRigTools] Controller missing: {PlayerController}"); return; }
+
+            if (!HasParam(ac, "IsAttacking"))
+                ac.AddParameter("IsAttacking", AnimatorControllerParameterType.Bool);
+
+            var sm = ac.layers[0].stateMachine;
+            var swingClipAsset = AssetDatabase.LoadAssetAtPath<AnimationClip>(SwingClip);
+
+            var swing = FindState(sm, "MeleeSwing");
+            if (swing == null)
+            {
+                swing = sm.AddState("MeleeSwing");
+                swing.writeDefaultValues = true;
+
+                var toSwing = sm.AddAnyStateTransition(swing);
+                toSwing.hasExitTime = false;
+                toSwing.duration = 0.05f;
+                toSwing.canTransitionToSelf = false;
+                toSwing.AddCondition(AnimatorConditionMode.If, 0f, "IsAttacking");
+
+                var fromSwing = swing.AddExitTransition();
+                fromSwing.hasExitTime = false;
+                fromSwing.duration = 0.10f;
+                fromSwing.AddCondition(AnimatorConditionMode.IfNot, 0f, "IsAttacking");
+            }
+            swing.motion = swingClipAsset; // (re)point at the freshly-built clip
+
+            EditorUtility.SetDirty(ac);
+            AssetDatabase.SaveAssets();
+            Debug.Log("[PlayerRigTools] AC_PlayerTopDown: IsAttacking + MeleeSwing state built; PlayerMeleeSwing.anim created.");
+        }
+
+        static bool HasParam(AnimatorController ac, string name)
+        {
+            foreach (var p in ac.parameters) if (p.name == name) return true;
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        static AnimatorState FindState(AnimatorStateMachine sm, string name)
+        {
+            foreach (var c in sm.states) if (c.state.name == name) return c.state;
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+}

Assets/_Project/Scripts/Editor/PlayerRigTools.cs.meta

@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+fileFormatVersion: 2
+guid: 8727eff958d5ae94c9cf4acbfd2b0220