Project-M/CLAUDE.md

# Project M — CLAUDE.md

Multiplayer game on **Unity DOTS (Entities) + Netcode for Entities** — server-authoritative, input-only clients, client prediction. This file is committed and is the authoritative, cross-machine source of conventions. The `/dots-dev` skill drives feature work; the one-time stack setup lives in `Docs/dots-setup-task.md`.

## Stack — reverting to Unity 6.4.7 (stable) as of 2026-05-30

| Package | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| `com.unity.entities` | **6.4.0** | Entities/Collections/Graphics track the **Editor** version (6.x). |
| `com.unity.entities.graphics` | **6.4.0** | Renders entities under URP 17.4. |
| `com.unity.collections` | 6.4.0 | (transitive) |
| `com.unity.netcode` | **1.13.2** | Netcode **for Entities** (ECS). NOT `com.unity.netcode.gameobjects`. Independent 1.x line on Unity 6.4. |
| `com.unity.physics` | **1.4.6** | Unity Physics (DOTS). Independent 1.x line on Unity 6.4. |
| `com.unity.charactercontroller` | **1.4.2** | Unity Character Controller (DOTS, kinematic collide-and-slide). Player movement foundation (M5b). Declares `entities`/`physics` 1.3.15 but resolves on our 6.4.0/1.4.6 via SemVer floor (no downgrade). |
| `com.unity.transport` | 2.7.2 | (transitive) |
| `com.unity.burst` | 1.8.29 | (transitive) |
| `com.unity.mathematics` | 1.3.3 | (transitive) |

> ✅ Reconciled 2026-06-02: `manifest.json` pins aligned to the resolved **Unity 6.4.7** lock (entities/entities.graphics 6.4.0, URP 17.4.0, test-framework 1.6.0, ugui 2.0.0, multiplayer.center 1.0.1) — a no-op re-resolve (lock unchanged, console clean). The values above now match `packages-lock.json`. See [[DR-008_M5_HomeBase_BaseLayer_Storage]].

> **Version history & status (2026-05-30):** built on **6.4.7** (`6000.4.7f1`; Netcode 1.13.2 / Physics 1.4.6 / Entities 6.4.0). Briefly upgraded to **6.6.0a6**, where Netcode→6.6.0, Physics→6.5.0, Entities→6.5.0 all **renumbered** into the editor line — BUT the alpha's **Netcode/Transport runtime is broken** (all in-editor connections fail with "invalid wrapped network interface"; **confirmed engine bug** via a zero-gameplay repro — see `Docs/Vault` DR-002 and `Docs/UnityBugReport-Netcode-Transport-6.6.0a6.md`). **→ Reverting to Unity 6.4.7 for stable netcode runtime.** If returning to 6.6 later, expect the renumber and re-test the runtime. The M1 player slice should port to 6.4 / Netcode 1.13.2 with no or minimal changes — recompile and `read_console` after the downgrade.

## Namespaces & assembly split

Root namespace: **`ProjectM`**. Code lives under `Assets/_Project/Scripts/` in four asmdefs (never create/edit `.csproj`/`.sln`; only `.asmdef`):

| Assembly | Namespace | Runs in | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| `ProjectM.Simulation` | `ProjectM.Simulation` | **client + server** worlds | Entities, **Unity.Transforms**, Collections, Mathematics, Burst, Unity.Physics, Unity.NetCode |
| `ProjectM.Client` | `ProjectM.Client` | client world only | + Simulation, Unity.Entities.Graphics, **Unity.InputSystem** |
| `ProjectM.Server` | `ProjectM.Server` | server world only | + Simulation, **Unity.Transforms**, Unity.NetCode |
| `ProjectM.Authoring` | `ProjectM.Authoring` | bake time (+ scene runtime) | Simulation, Entities, **Unity.Entities.Hybrid**, Collections, Mathematics, Unity.NetCode |

- **Simulation** = components + systems shared by both worlds (most gameplay). **Client/Server** = world-specific. **Authoring** = `…Authoring` MonoBehaviours + `Baker<T>`.
- Other folders: `Assets/_Project/Subscenes/` (baked entity subscenes), `Assets/_Project/Prefabs/`, `Assets/_Project/Tests/EditMode/`.

### Build gotchas (learned — M1, 2026-05-30)

- **`Unity.Transforms` must be a DIRECT asmdef reference** for any assembly whose source-gen'd systems use `LocalTransform`/`LocalToWorld`. It is its own assembly; transitive visibility compiles your hand-written code but the Entities generator emits **CS0246** inside the `*.g.cs`.
- **Authoring asmdefs need `Unity.Entities.Hybrid`** (defines `Baker<T>`) **and `Unity.Collections`** (baking source-gen). A nested baker class must **not** be named `Baker` (it shadows `Baker<T>` → CS0308/CS0246) — name it `FooBaker`.
- **Never name an `IComponentData` `PlayerInput`**, and don't `using UnityEngine.InputSystem;` in a file that references such a component: it collides with `UnityEngine.InputSystem.PlayerInput`, and the Entities generator binds `RefRW<…>` to the *managed* class → a misleading **CS8377 "must be a non-nullable value type"**. Fully-qualify Input System types (`UnityEngine.InputSystem.Keyboard.current`) instead.
- `IInputComponentData` requires implementing **`FixedString512Bytes ToFixedString()`**.
- An input-gather system that reads the managed Input System belongs in `GhostInputSystemGroup` as a **non-Burst `ISystem`** (or `SystemBase`), never inside the prediction loop.

### Build gotchas (learned — M2 combat, 2026-05-31)

- **The generated Input Actions C# wrapper must live inside an asmdef** any system needs to reference. By default it generates next to the `.inputactions` (e.g. `Assets/Settings/`), which has no asmdef → it compiles into `Assembly-CSharp`, and asmdef assemblies (`ProjectM.Client`) **cannot** reference that. Fix: set the importer's `wrapperCodePath` (in the `.inputactions.meta`) to a path inside the consuming asmdef, e.g. `Assets/_Project/Scripts/Client/Input/ProjectMInput.cs`, and delete the old generated file. Read the action map via a managed `SystemBase` holding the wrapper; gather `Fire` as a netcode **`InputEvent`** (reset the field each frame, `.Set()` on the press edge — netcode latches the absolute `Count` into the command buffer; the live component value is only the per-tick delta).
- **Predicted-spawn classification cannot be `[BurstCompile]`d (Netcode 1.13.2).** The cross-assembly generic `Unity.NetCode.LowLevel.SnapshotDataBufferComponentLookup.TryGetComponentDataFromSnapshotHistory<T>()` trips a Burst **internal compiler error** (type-hash resolution). Make the classifier a plain non-Burst `ISystem` (it only runs when spawns are received — cold path). In 1.13.2 that method takes **`ref DynamicBuffer<SnapshotDataBuffer>`** (the public HelloNetcode sample's by-value `data` is from an older version).
- **A Burst *internal compiler error* corrupts the editor's Burst incremental cache.** After the error is fixed in code, newly-added `[BurstCompile]` entry points (systems **and** generated ghost-component serializers) keep logging `"... is not a known Burst entry point"` and run managed-fallback (slow → server tick-batching, ~30–40s play-enter). A clean compile + green tests + working runtime confirm the code is fine. Clear it with an **editor restart** (or delete `Library/BurstCache` while closed) — a domain reload alone does not.
- **Projectile/area hit tests must be swept, not point checks.** A point distance check tunnels straight through a target when the per-tick step exceeds the target radius — at high projectile speed *or* whenever the server tick-batches under load. Test the segment the projectile traversed this tick (`[curPos - dir*speed*dt, curPos]`) against each target; order the damage system `[UpdateAfter(MoveSystem)]`. (Caught at runtime, not by a point-based unit test — cover hit detection with a tunnelling regression test.)
- **In-editor input injection needs a focused Game view — unless you change two settings.** By default the Input System ignores injected/real device input while the Game view is unfocused, so headless (MCP `execute_code`) keypress simulation won't drive `IInputComponentData`. Fix (both now set in this project): `InputSettings.editorInputBehaviorInPlayMode = AllDeviceInputAlwaysGoesToGameView` + `Application.runInBackground = true`. For deterministic, device-independent validation prefer the editor-only **`DebugInputInjectionSystem`** (`ProjectM.Client`, `#if UNITY_EDITOR`): poke its statics from `execute_code` — `DebugInputInjectionSystem.Fire()` / `.SetMove(x,z)` / `.SetAim(x,z)` / `.Stop()` — to drive the local player's `PlayerInput` through the authentic command→prediction pipeline. (Validated: `SetMove` drives + replicates movement. One-shot `Fire` propagation needs a healthy editor — tick-batching under a degraded/corrupt-Burst editor drops one-shot `InputEvent`s while continuous values survive.)
- **Prototype presentation glue lives in `ProjectM.Client` as MonoBehaviours.** `PrototypeCameraRig` (on the Main Camera) is a tunable player-following ARPG cam (default mid 3/4 ~45° perspective) that reads the local player ghost's `LocalTransform` each LateUpdate. Bright prototype URP-Lit materials are in `Assets/_Project/Materials/` (player cyan, dummy red, projectile yellow, ground grey). `ProjectM.Client` now references `Unity.Transforms` directly (the rig reads `LocalTransform`).

### Build gotchas (learned — M5 physics-in-prediction, 2026-06-01)

- **Editing Assets `.cs` with the raw `Write` tool does NOT reliably trigger a Unity recompile** on an unfocused editor — `refresh_unity` did a domain reload *without* recompiling, so tests + `execute_code` ran a **stale assembly** (symptom: behaviour that exists in *neither* the old nor new source). **Always edit Assets `.cs` via MCP `apply_text_edits` / `create_script`** (Unity's own scripting pipeline) — never `Write`. (`Write`/`Edit` are fine for non-asset files: vault, asmdef JSON, etc.) See [[2026-06-01_M5_Physics_In_Prediction]].
- **Predicted physics is implicit — there is no `PredictedPhysics` toggle.** With the netcode-physics package present (`Unity.NetCode.Physics`, `…Physics.Hybrid`) and predicted ghosts carrying physics components, Netcode relocates `PhysicsSystemGroup` into the **`PredictedFixedStepSimulationSystemGroup`** (a child of `PredictedSimulationSystemGroup`, marked **OrderFirst**). `NetCodePhysicsConfig` only tunes lag-comp / run-mode / history. Put one in the gameplay subscene with `PhysicGroupRunMode = LagCompensationEnabledOrAnyPhysicsEntities` so the group runs whenever physics entities exist.
- **Unity Physics 1.x bakes built-in `UnityEngine` colliders + `Rigidbody`** — the old `PhysicsShapeAuthoring`/`PhysicsBodyAuthoring` (Physics 0.x) are **gone** (`unity_reflect` finds neither). Author a dynamic body with a `CapsuleCollider`/`BoxCollider` + `Rigidbody` (`useGravity=false` → planar/`PhysicsGravityFactor`=0; `isKinematic=false`; `interpolation=Interpolate` → `PhysicsGraphicalSmoothing`). Static colliders = collider, no Rigidbody, baked into the subscene (present identically in server + client worlds, deterministic, no replication).
- **`PhysicsVelocity` auto-replicates** — Netcode ships `PhysicsVelocityDefaultVariant` + a generated serializer, so a predicted-physics ghost needs **no hand-written `[GhostField]`** for velocity (`LocalTransform` is already replicated). Drive the character by writing `PhysicsVelocity.Linear`, not by teleporting `LocalTransform`.
- **`Rigidbody.FreezeRotation` is NOT honored by the DOTS baker** (baked `PhysicsMass.InverseInertia` stays non-zero). Hold a top-down character's facing by zeroing angular velocity each tick + writing rotation directly (`PlayerAimSystem`); set `PhysicsMass.InverseInertia = float3.zero` in a baker/system if a hard lock is needed.
- **Gravity-off bodies accumulate vertical contact impulses permanently** (a capsule rides up a box edge and floats away — looks like tunnelling, isn't). Pin players to the movement plane *after* the physics step: a system in `PredictedSimulationSystemGroup` `[UpdateAfter(PredictedFixedStepSimulationSystemGroup)]` clamping Y to `PlayerSpawner.SpawnPoint.y` + zeroing `Linear.y` (`PlayerPlanarConstraintSystem`).
- **The predicted physics group is OrderFirst**, so a system in `PredictedSimulationSystemGroup` with `[UpdateBefore(PredictedFixedStepSimulationSystemGroup)]` is **ignored** (OrderFirst/OrderLast wins) → 1-tick velocity offset (consistent across server/client/rollback — prediction stays in sync). For same-tick application, put the system *inside* `PredictedFixedStepSimulationSystemGroup` `[UpdateBefore(Unity.Physics.Systems.PhysicsSystemGroup)]` (verified to sort before the step) — but expect cosmetic "invalid UpdateBefore" warnings from the relocation.

### Build gotchas (learned — M5b Unity Character Controller, 2026-06-01)

- **The player is now a Unity Character Controller kinematic character, NOT a dynamic Rigidbody.** `PlayerMoveSystem` + `PlayerPlanarConstraintSystem` (M5) are **deleted**. Movement: `PlayerControlSystem` maps `PlayerInput.Move` × `EffectiveCharacterStats.MoveSpeed` → `CharacterControl` (via the unit-tested `CharacterControlMath.DesiredMovement`); `CharacterProcessor` (collide-and-slide) consumes it in `CharacterPhysicsUpdateSystem` (`[UpdateInGroup(KinematicCharacterPhysicsUpdateGroup)]`, relocated into the predicted loop). The DR-006 predicted-physics infra (`NetCodePhysicsConfig`, baked static walls) is **kept** — the CC character sweeps against that same PhysicsWorld.
- **A package declaring an older `com.unity.entities`/`com.unity.physics` dependency can still resolve on our renumbered stack** — Unity treats the dep as a SemVer **floor**, so Entities 6.4.0 satisfies a `1.3.15` requirement and is NOT downgraded. Don't trust a version-string mismatch as "incompatible": **probe** (add the package, confirm `packages-lock.json` kept Entities 6.4.0 / Physics 1.4.6 / Netcode 1.13.2 + a clean compile; rollback if not). CC 1.4.2 verified this way.
- **CC 1.4.2 API shape = `IKinematicCharacterProcessor<T>` + `KinematicCharacterDataAccess` + static `KinematicCharacterUtilities.Update_*`.** The legacy `KinematicCharacterAspect` (IAspect, instance `Update_*`) also exists but is NOT what the 1.4.x samples use — verify the installed shape with `unity_reflect`, don't assume. (A sub-agent's package-cache read disagreed with reflect; reflect + first-try clean compile won.)
- **`KinematicCharacterUtilities.BakeCharacter` aborts** (logs an error, adds nothing) **if the GameObject has a `Rigidbody`** and requires uniform (1,1,1) scale. The player prefab keeps its `CapsuleCollider` (baked into `PhysicsCollider`) but the M5 `Rigidbody` was removed. Two bakers on one prefab GameObject (`PlayerAuthoring` + `PlayerCharacterAuthoring`) is fine — both resolve the same entity.
- **`CharacterInterpolation` must be PredictedClient-only.** `BakeCharacter` adds it to all prefab versions; a `DefaultVariantSystemBase` registers `CharacterInterpolation → [GhostComponent(PrefabType = GhostPrefabType.PredictedClient)]` so it's stripped from server + interpolated-client prefabs (else double-interp on remotes). Verified: server ghost has no `CharacterInterpolation`, client ghost does.
- **Do NOT copy the CC sample's global `LocalTransform → DontSerializeVariant`.** It is project-wide and would break the non-character ghosts here (projectiles/dummies/pickups) that rely on stock `LocalTransform` replication. Our CC character replicates position via the normal owner-predicted `LocalTransform` path; only the `CharacterInterpolation` variant is registered.
- **Top-down CC config (planar, no gravity):** `AuthoringKinematicCharacterProperties` with `SnapToGround=false`, `InterpolateRotation=false` (rotation owned by `PlayerAimSystem`), `SimulateDynamicBody=false` (players don't physically push each other); gravity is handled in the processor by feeding `float3.zero` to `Update_GroundPushing` and never adding a gravity term. Result: stays on the spawn plane (y≈1) with no planar-pin system.

### Build gotchas (learned — M5 home base + shared storage, 2026-06-02)

- **Ownerless interpolated ghost ≠ owner-predicted for buffer replication.** A server-spawned **ownerless** ghost (e.g. the shared storage chest) replicates a `[GhostField]` `IBufferElementData` to all clients with **no `OwnerSendType` and no `GhostOwner`** — server mutations just propagate. `[GhostComponent(OwnerSendType = SendToOwnerType.All)]` (per `StatModifier`) is **only** for the predicting *owner* to recompute its own state; adding it (or a `GhostOwner`) to an ownerless ghost is wrong.
- **One-off shared-state actions belong on an `IRpcCommand`, not a predicted `InputEvent`.** RPCs are reliable, so deposit/withdraw landed even while the server tick-batched (the M2 one-shot `Fire` InputEvent drops under batching). RPC payloads are **plain blittable fields — no `[GhostField]`**; store an op as a **byte**, not an enum (cross-assembly enum-Burst hazard, same one that de-Bursted `ProjectileClassificationSystem`). For a **single** shared target, resolve it as a **server singleton** — never put an `Entity` (not stable cross-world) in the command; only reach for a ghost-id+spawn-tick (`SpawnedGhostEntityMap`) when there are many targets (and that lookup may force the handler off Burst).
- **Apply server-only RPC effects in the server `SimulationSystemGroup`, NOT the predicted loop** — the predicted loop re-runs on rollback and would double-apply. (Mutating a `DynamicBuffer` is not a structural change, so it's safe to do while iterating a *different* entity query, e.g. the RPC requests.)
- **Build-grid math must be deterministic + integer-stable.** Corner-origin + center-returning + **half-open** cell bounds + `math.floor` (not truncation — negatives). Lock `CellSize`/`PlotSize` as a coordinate space once: M6 placement builds on it; changing them later invalidates placed structures. (`BaseGridMath`, unit-tested in EditMode like `PlayerSpawnMath`.)
- **Runtime-spawn shared ghosts; don't bake them into the subscene.** A one-shot server spawner (mirrors `UpgradePickup`/`TrainingDummy`) keeps the subscene ghost-free and dodges the prespawn section-ack/CRC handshake. Do **not** add such a ghost to a connection's `LinkedEntityGroup` if it must survive that player's disconnect (the shared base is world-owned).
- **Build a correctly-configured ghost prefab by duplicating an existing one** (`UpgradePickup.prefab` → `Storage.prefab`, then swap the authoring MonoBehaviour via `manage_prefabs modify_contents`) rather than hand-adding `GhostAuthoringComponent` — its ownerless/interpolated settings (`HasOwner=0`, `DefaultGhostMode=Interpolated`) + `LinkedEntityGroupAuthoring` come along for free.
- **`execute_code` runs as a method body** — **no `using` directives** (they parse as statements → "Identifier expected"); fully-qualify every type (`Unity.Entities.World`, `ProjectM.Simulation.BaseAnchor`, …). Also: world flags overlap a shared `Game` bit, so identify worlds by `world.Name == "ServerWorld"/"ClientWorld"` rather than `(Flags & GameServer)`.
- **An unfocused editor throttles Edit mode to near-idle** → MCP pings time out and the bridge looks hung (it still *queues* commands — `telemetry_ping` succeeds). `Application.runInBackground` only helps in **Play** mode. If it wedges, focus or restart the editor; don't pile `refresh_unity` calls onto a blocked main thread. Prefer `refresh_unity scope=scripts` for code-only changes (`scope=all force` is heavy and contributed to a mid-session hang).

### Build gotchas (learned — M5.5 game feel & identity, 2026-06-02)

- **Move an ownerless INTERPOLATED enemy ghost SERVER-ONLY in the plain `SimulationSystemGroup`, never in `PredictedSimulationSystemGroup`** (interpolated ghosts aren't predicted; the server has no rollback). Use `[UpdateAfter(PredictedSimulationSystemGroup)]`, **NOT `[UpdateBefore]`** — the predicted group is **OrderFirst** in `SimulationSystemGroup`, so `UpdateBefore`/`After` *it* is silently *ignored* (Unity logs "Ignoring invalid UpdateBefore… OrderFirst/OrderLast has higher precedence"). A plain-`SimulationSystemGroup` server system therefore always runs **after** the predicted group, so a contact `DamageEvent` it appends drains the **following** tick (~16ms, fine for melee). Stock `LocalTransform` replication carries position — **no hand-written `[GhostField]`**. Build the enemy ghost by **duplicating an existing interpolated ghost** (`UpgradePickup.prefab` → `Enemy.prefab`) so the ownerless/interpolated `GhostAuthoringComponent` comes free — the training dummy is **not** a ghost (server-only → invisible to clients). See [[DR-009_GameFeel_Identity_FirstBlood]].
- **Derive an enableable gate from already-replicated state instead of replicating it.** Player `Dead` = a LOCAL enableable derived every predicted tick from the replicated `Health<=0` (`PlayerDeathStateSystem`, runs in **both** worlds, before movement/aim/fire) — the same derive-don't-replicate idiom as `StatRecomputeSystem`/`EffectiveCharacterStats`; rollback-correct on server + owner-client with **no `[GhostEnabledBit]`**. To write the bit on a currently-disabled entity the query must visit it: `.WithPresent<Dead>()` (write) vs `.WithDisabled<Dead>()` (alive-only run); `.WithAll<Simulate>()` ANDs independently. **Bake the enableable DISABLED** (`AddComponent<T>(e); SetComponentEnabled<T>(e, false);` in the baker) so instances spawn in the off state (instantiated entities inherit the prefab's enabled state). Respawn TIMING is server-only (`SimulationSystemGroup`, after the predicted group).
- **All juice/HUD = client-only managed `SystemBase` in `PresentationSystemGroup`** (once per frame, no rollback double-fire) that OBSERVES replicated state — never mutates the sim. Read ECS via `SystemAPI.Query` inside `OnUpdate` + `EntityManager.CompleteDependencyBeforeRO<T>()` — NOT from a MonoBehaviour `LateUpdate` (that throws the job-safety exception the camera rig hit). `Entity` is a stable client dict key for a ghost's lifetime — **prune the cache each frame** (a pruned enemy = a kill → death VFX at its last pos; **never `DestroyEntity` a ghost from the client** — `GhostDespawnSystem` owns despawn). Netcode-safe "hit-stop" = a camera punch, **never `Time.timeScale`** (it would corrupt the deterministic sim).
- **Asset-free presentation:** procedural `AudioClip.Create` SFX; a runtime `ParticleSystem` pool (Sprites/Default material + HDR start color so bursts bloom); a code-built uGUI HUD (`RawImage` over `Texture2D.whiteTexture` for anchor-driven bars + legacy `Text` with `Resources.GetBuiltinResource<Font>("LegacyRuntime.ttf")`). To edit a prefab asset's component in code: `PrefabUtility.LoadPrefabContents` → modify → **`SaveAsPrefabAsset(root, path)`** → `UnloadPrefabContents` (`SavePrefabAsset` rejects the contents root — "Can't save a Prefab instance"). Watch **shared-material bleed** when re-tinting (`M_Dummy` doubled as the wall material → orange walls; Husks got their own `M_Husk`). **ACES tonemapping needs the URP asset color grading mode = HDR** (`m_ColorGradingMode = 1`).
- **The "0 = ready" raw-`uint` cooldown sentinel can collide at tick wraparound** — a computed `ServerTick + delay` can equal 0. Route every cooldown/spawn "next tick" write through **`TickUtil.NonZero(...)`** (coerce 0→1), and compare stored ticks with `new NetworkTick(raw).IsNewerThan(serverTick)` / `.TicksSince(...)` — **never** raw `<` / subtraction — the HUD cooldown bar included. (Caught by the adversarial review; `RespawnMath` already guarded it.)
- **An unfocused editor stalls EditMode test INIT** ("tests did not start within timeout") and slows play-enter domain reloads — pass `run_tests(init_timeout=120000)` and retry; ask the operator to focus Unity for heavy build/test sessions (`Application.runInBackground` only helps in Play mode).

### Build gotchas (learned — art import / Synty packs → URP, 2026-06-03)

The imported store art (BefourStudios; future Synty) is **HDRP-authored** but we run **URP 17.4 + Entities Graphics** → source `M_*` materials render **magenta**. The reusable converter is `Assets/_Project/Scripts/Editor/EnvArtTools.cs` (menu `ProjectM/Art/1. Convert Curated Env Materials`); it outputs stock URP/Lit to `Assets/_Project/Materials/Env/`. See [[DR-010_Art_Import_URP_Conversion_Visual_Upgrade]].

- **Convert, don't switch pipelines.** Re-author to **stock URP/Lit** (`933532a4…`, the same shader our prototypes use → DOTS-instancing/Entities-Graphics compatible). FBX meshes + `T_*_B/_N/_ORM` textures are reusable as-is; the auto-generated `MI_*` URP stubs are blank. Switching the project to HDRP is NOT an option (breaks Entities Graphics).
- **A dark-lit screenshot MASKS material bugs — verify material *values*, not just the render.** `S_General` exposes a **float** `_BaseColorMultiply` and the real Color in `_AlbedoTint`. `HasProperty("_BaseColorMultiply")` is true but `GetColor()` on a float returns **(0,0,0)** (and logs a "doesn't have a color property" warning) → black albedo everywhere. **Always `shader.GetPropertyType(idx)`-guard before `GetColor`/`GetFloat`/`GetTexture`.**
- **Gate source emission on the `_Emissive` (0/1) flag AND a fixture name** — `S_General` carries a non-zero default `_EmissiveColor` even when off; reading it unconditionally makes crates/walls/domes glow (flat color can't reproduce the source emission mask).
- **`VolumeProfile.Add<T>()` does NOT persist the override** — on save the `components` list serializes `{fileID:0}` nulls (works in-session, gone after reload). Use `AssetDatabase.AddObjectToAsset(component, profile)` per effect, then `SaveAssets`; verify non-null refs on disk.
- **`LocalTransform.FromPosition()` resets Scale=1**, silently discarding a ghost prefab's authored scale (Scale is a replicated `[GhostField]` → consistent-but-wrong, not a desync). Server spawners must read the prefab's baked `LocalTransform` and override only Position (fixed in `UpgradePickupSpawnSystem`/`SharedStorageSpawnSystem`).
- **High metallic + no reflection probe + dark skybox = near-black.** Keep converted env metallic low (0.1–0.2); rely on albedo + direct light.
- **Static decor goes in the gameplay subscene** (Entities Graphics renders only baked/EG-spawned entities; a SampleScene MeshRenderer renders via classic URP). **Strip colliders** from cosmetic props (else they bake into the static PhysicsWorld the CC sweeps) and put **no GhostAuthoring** on scenery. Edit the subscene via `manage_scene load … additive` → place → `SaveScene` → `close_scene` (re-bakes on Play); the baked-entity view disappears while it's open additively — verify placement via `execute_code` over the scene roots, not the game view.
- **HUD-free beauty shot** = a **positioned `game_view` capture** (`view_position`/`view_rotation`) — direct camera rendering excludes Screen-Space-Overlay UI. `scene_view` rejects positioned capture.
- **VFX (GabrielAguiar) is now imported** (499 prefabs, ~94% Shuriken; 27 VFX-Graph). Wired into combat via [[DR-011_Synty_World_VFX_Integration]] — see the VFX gotchas below. VFX-Graph (hits/beams) packs still need separate URP setup if wanted.

### Build gotchas (learned — Synty world + GabrielAguiar VFX, 2026-06-03)

The world is now a cohesive **Synty** sci-fi colony + GabrielAguiar combat VFX. See [[DR-011_Synty_World_VFX_Integration]] / [[2026-06-03_Synty_World_And_VFX]].

- **Synty is URP-native — NO conversion** (unlike the HDRP BefourStudios art). The grounded world is built as **cosmetic classic-URP GameObjects in SampleScene** (`SyntyWorld` root), NOT the DOTS subscene — the custom `Synty/Generic_Basic` shader just renders, and you never have to verify its Entities-Graphics DOTS-instancing. Only the gameplay subscene needs Entities Graphics + the baked PhysicsWorld.
- **Cosmetic SampleScene colliders are inert to gameplay** — classic PhysX is separate from the DOTS PhysicsWorld (baked only from the subscene); the planar-pinned CC never sees them. So a cosmetic world needs no collider stripping for *gameplay*.
- **"Grounded" = surround + horizon, not a bigger plane** — a skyline ring of tall buildings + a planet/asteroid backdrop + a `Skybox/6 Sided` space skybox + light fog killed the floating-plane far better than extending the ground.
- **Swap a subscene object's VISUAL while keeping collision:** disable its MeshRenderer but keep the BoxCollider — the collider still bakes to the static `PhysicsCollider`, and a disabled renderer bakes no RenderMesh (invisible wall, collision intact). Used to retire the BefourStudios walls under the Synty world.
- **A GA "projectile" prefab is NOT a passive trail** — it ships a non-kinematic `Rigidbody` + collider + `ProjectileMoveScript` (self-propels, collides, spawns secondary muzzle/hit VFX). Any authored VFX dropped into a cosmetic slot must be **stripped to particles**: destroy `Rigidbody`/`Collider` and disable `Projectile`/`Move`-named MonoBehaviours BEFORE their `Start` runs (`CombatFeedbackSystem.StripCosmetic`). Verify a prefab's *components*, not its name.
- **VFX prefab → client SystemBase bridge:** a MonoBehaviour with a static `Instance` + prefab fields in the bootstrap scene (`VFXConfig`, mirrors `PrototypeCameraRig`) hands authored assets to the managed `CombatFeedbackSystem`; keep a procedural fallback so a null slot still runs. Derive VFX TTL from the prefab's longest ParticleSystem (not a blanket constant) and cap concurrent VFX to bound GC churn under swarms.
- **Projectile-follow VFX:** query `SystemAPI.Query<RefRO<LocalTransform>>().WithAll<Projectile>()` each presentation frame; dict-by-`Entity` spawn/reposition/prune (same idiom as the Health FX cache). The one-shot Fire `InputEvent` still drops under the **unfocused** editor, so fire-driven VFX (muzzle/trail/enemy-death) need a focused editor / real client to fire.

### Build gotchas (learned — aim controls: mouse cursor + gamepad, 2026-06-03)

The KBM/gamepad aim rework is [[DR-012_Aim_Controls_Cursor_Gamepad]] / [[2026-06-03_Aim_Controls_Cursor_Gamepad]].

- **Client-derived aim rides the EXISTING `PlayerInput.Aim` `[GhostField]` — no new netcode surface.** Mouse-cursor aim is computed client-side in `PlayerInputGatherSystem` (managed `SystemBase`, `GhostInputSystemGroup`, once/frame): `Mouse.current.position` → `Camera.main.ScreenPointToRay` → `AimMath.PlanarAimFromRay` (pure, Burst-safe, unit-tested) against the player's movement plane → write the player→cursor direction as `Aim`. Only the resulting direction crosses the wire; predicted/server systems are unchanged. Movement (`Move`) is already decoupled from facing (`Aim`/`PlayerFacing`), so **strafe-while-aiming is free** the moment `Aim` is the cursor. Don't add a mouse binding to the `Aim` action — the gather reads the device directly (no `.inputactions` edit → no wrapper regen).
- **Active input scheme = last-meaningful-actuation-wins, replicated as a `byte` (NOT an enum).** Detect KBM vs gamepad each frame (stick/trigger/button past a 0.04 lengthsq deadzone vs mouse-delta/click/movement-key; `InputDevice.lastUpdateTime` breaks ties; hold last when idle) and stream `PlayerInput.Scheme` (`InputSchemeId.KeyboardMouse=0/Gamepad=1`). It is a **byte** because it is compared inside the Burst-compiled `AbilityFireSystem` (the cross-assembly enum-in-Burst ICE hazard). The server gates the `AutoTarget` cone to `applied.InternalInput.Scheme == Gamepad` (read at the fire tick from the same `GetDataAtTick` lookup) → **precise mouse, gamepad-only assist**; mouse then predicts == server (fewer reconcile snaps).
- **A static presentation bridge must reset on play-enter.** `AimPresentation.Scheme` (mirrors `PrototypeCameraRig`/`VFXConfig` statics) needs `[UnityEngine.RuntimeInitializeOnLoadMethod(RuntimeInitializeLoadType.SubsystemRegistration)]` to reset — statics survive **fast-enter-playmode** domain reloads, and a stale value flashes the wrong cursor/reticle for the first frames (caught by the adversarial review).
- **Cursor/reticle = client `PresentationSystemGroup` `SystemBase` (`AimReticleSystem`) that OBSERVES, never mutates.** A flat world-space ground ring (primitive quad, `Sprites/Default` with a null-guard fallback, procedural ring texture) is the aim indicator for BOTH schemes — KBM at the cursor's ground-projection point, gamepad a fixed distance ahead along replicated `PlayerFacing`. The hardware cursor is **hidden while aiming + focused** (`Application.isFocused`-gated) and restored on focus-loss / `OnDestroy`. A radial **dead-zone** (`AimMath.PlanarAimFromRay` `deadZoneRadius`) holds facing when the cursor is over the character. **The KBM ground point is re-raycast INSIDE `AimReticleSystem`** (PresentationSystemGroup runs after the follow-cam's LateUpdate), not latched from the gather (`GhostInputSystemGroup`, before the move) — latching there drifts the ring a frame behind the cursor under the moving camera. Optional camera **aim look-ahead** (`PrototypeCameraRig.AimLeadDistance`, tunable) leads the framed point toward `PlayerFacing` (not the live cursor projection, to avoid a feedback loop). Headless validation: drive `DebugInputInjectionSystem` (now stamps `Scheme`) + force `AimPresentation.Scheme`; the **real cursor / live device-switch needs a focused Game view** (the unfocused editor can't inject mouse position).

## Bootstrap & worlds

- `ProjectM.Simulation.GameBootstrap : ClientServerBootstrap` → overrides `Initialize`, sets `AutoConnectPort = 7979` (in-editor auto-connect over IPC; set in M1 — was 0), calls `CreateDefaultClientServerWorlds()`. Entering Play Mode creates separate `ServerWorld` (`WorldFlags.GameServer`) and `ClientWorld` (`WorldFlags.GameClient`) — verified.
- `Assets/_Project/Subscenes/Gameplay.unity` is wired into `SampleScene` (GameObject `GameplaySubScene`) as a baking target. Replace `SampleScene` with a dedicated bootstrap scene when building for real.

## DOTS / ECS conventions (authoritative summary)

Full rules: `~/.claude/skills/dots-dev/references/dots-conventions.md` (Windows: `%USERPROFILE%\.claude\skills\dots-dev\references\`). These **replace** classic MonoBehaviour/GameObject patterns.

- **`struct : IComponentData`** is the default (unmanaged, Burst/job-friendly). `class : IComponentData` only for genuine managed refs (main-thread, no Burst). `IBufferElementData` for per-entity arrays. `IEnableableComponent` to toggle state without a structural change.
- **Systems:** `ISystem` (struct) + `[BurstCompile]` is the **default**; `SystemBase` only when touching managed objects. `SystemAPI.Query<…>()` to iterate. **Aspects (`IAspect`) are DEPRECATED (Entities 1.4+) — do not author new ones.** `Entities.ForEach` is legacy.
- **Jobs:** `IJobEntity` / `IJobChunk`; thread `JobHandle` through `state.Dependency`; mark inputs `[ReadOnly]`. Allocators: `Temp` (frame), `TempJob` (one job), `Persistent` (must dispose). Burst breaks on managed types/exceptions/reflection/strings.
- **Structural changes** (add/remove component, create/destroy entity) invalidate handles + cause sync points → batch via **`EntityCommandBuffer`** (Begin/End`Simulation`EntityCommandBufferSystem; `.AsParallelWriter()` in parallel jobs).
- **Baking:** `…Authoring` MonoBehaviour + `class FooBaker : Baker<FooAuthoring>` → `GetEntity(authoring, TransformUsageFlags.…)` then `AddComponent`. Subscenes stream async — entities aren't present the instant a reference exists.
- **Netcode:** ghosts = replicated entities (`GhostAuthoringComponent` + `[GhostField]`); predicted (player-controlled, rolled back) vs interpolated. Core sim runs in `PredictedSimulationSystemGroup` (fixed step, **runs multiple times per frame** on rollback → must be deterministic/idempotent; filter with `.WithAll<Simulate>()`). **Server-authoritative: clients send input (`IInputComponentData`), not state.** RPCs (`IRpcCommand`) for one-off events. **No wall-clock/`Time.deltaTime`/`System.Random` in predicted sim.**
- **Always verify volatile DOTS/Netcode API shape via context7 at code-time** — do not trust memory. See `context7-libraries.md`. Pinned IDs for our versions: Entities → `/websites/unity3d_packages_com_unity_entities_6_5_manual`; Netcode → `/websites/unity3d_packages_com_unity_netcode_1_10_api` (closest published; we run 1.13.2 — re-resolve if a 1.13 set appears); ECS samples → `/unity-technologies/entitycomponentsystemsamples`.

## Testing

- **Default pattern = plain-Entities EditMode test:** create a `World`, register the system in `SimulationSystemGroup`, tick, assert. Public API, always green, version-independent. Example: `Assets/_Project/Tests/EditMode/HeartbeatSystemTests.cs`. Run via Unity Test Runner or MCP `run_tests(mode="EditMode", assembly_names=["ProjectM.Tests.EditMode"])`.
- **`NetCodeTestWorld` is `internal`** in netcode 1.13.2 (`Unity.NetCode.Tests`, assembly `Unity.NetCode.TestsUtils.Runtime.Tests`), exposed only via a fixed `[InternalsVisibleTo]` allow-list of Unity assemblies. To use it you must name a test asmdef to match an entry (e.g. `Unity.NetcodeSamples.EditModeTests`) — or vendor the test utils. See `Docs/Vault/07_Sessions/_Decisions/DR-001_Netcode_Test_Harness.md`. **This does not change on Unity 6.6.** Netcode world boot is covered by the Play Mode check, not a NetCodeTestWorld test.
- Burst/source-gen errors surface at editor compile, not a plain build — always check `read_console` after script changes, and run a play/tick test, not just a compile.

## Guardrails

- **Never** edit a `.meta` independently of its asset; delete an asset **and** its `.meta` together.
- **Never** read/write `Library/`, `Temp/`, `obj/`, `Logs/`, `UserSettings/` (generated/cache). Use MCP resources for editor state instead.
- **Never** create/edit/commit `.csproj`/`.sln` — only `.asmdef`.
- **No asset/scene edits during Play Mode.** Check `editor_state.advice.ready_for_tools` before mutating; package adds/refreshes trigger domain reloads — wait for `is_compiling=false`.

## Memory — four layers (which tool when)

| Layer | Use for | Crosses machines? |
|---|---|---|
| **In-repo vault** `Docs/Vault/` | Design docs, decision records (DR-###), session logs, roadmap — human-facing truth | **Yes** (git) |
| **basic-memory** MCP | Semantic/wikilink recall over those same vault files | Yes (indexes the vault) |
| **serena** MCP | C# symbol nav (`find_symbol`, references) of `Assets/_Project/` | N/A (from code) |
| **Native Claude memory** (`memory/`, `MEMORY.md`) | Machine-local facts, working-style, preferences | **No** |

- Where is X defined / who calls it → **serena** (fallback `Grep`/`Glob`). What did we decide / how does Z work → **basic-memory** → read the vault note. Literal string / asset GUID → **Grep/Glob**. Current DOTS API → **context7**. Conventions → this file.
- **Cross-machine rule:** durable truth goes in the **vault** or **this file** (both committed). Native `memory/` is local-only and does NOT sync — never the sole home of a decision.
- **serena C# caveat:** its language server is flaky on Unity (can auto-install the wrong .NET, `.sln` load timeouts). If `find_symbol` errors/stalls, **fall back to `Glob`/`Grep`** (or add `claude-context` with local embeddings as a code-search index). serena live-verification was deferred at setup; confirm on first use.

## Per-machine setup (NOT in git — redo on each machine)

`.mcp.json` is committed and portable (`${CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR}` only). The **`dots-dev` skill now travels with the repo** at `.claude/skills/dots-dev/` (project-level, auto-discovered by Claude Code on clone — no manual `~/.claude/skills/` copy needed). But each machine still needs:
1. `uv`/`uvx`, the Obsidian app + `obsidian-cli`. (The `unity-mcp-skill` and native `memory/` notes remain machine-local and do **not** sync — re-install / re-create them per machine if wanted.)
2. **basic-memory project registration** (machine-local config): `uvx basic-memory project add gamevault "<repo>/Docs/Vault" --default`, then `uvx basic-memory reindex --full --search --embeddings --project gamevault`.
3. Unity 6.4 opens the project and the CoplayDev Unity-MCP bridge connects (`mcpforunity://editor/state` → `ready_for_tools`).