# Get started with 3D game development

> Overview of the workflow to create a 3D game.

> **Tip:**
>
> If you have never used the Unity Editor before, start with the [First time users](/engine/6000.7/manual/get-started/first-time-user.md) documentation.

Everything in the Unity documentation, other than the 2D section, is relevant to 3D game development.

## Select platforms and render pipelines

The first two choices you must make are your 3D render pipeline and the platforms you want to support. These choices affect each other: some platforms don't support the High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP).

To get started, review the documentation for:

* [Platforms](/engine/6000.7/manual/platform-specific.md)
* [Choosing a render pipeline](/engine/6000.7/manual/render-pipelines/choose-a-render-pipeline.md)

## Check third-party application compatibility

If you need to import assets from third-party applications, check that all applications can produce formats that Unity can import. For more information, refer to [Supported asset type reference](/engine/6000.7/manual/assets-and-media/asset-types/assets-supported-types.md).

## Create the game

What you focus on next depends on your role, but if you're a sole creator, you might want to consider the following:

1. Create an environment in your game:

   * For a natural environment, use the [Terrain system](/engine/6000.7/manual/creating-environments/script-terrain.md) or import an environment from a third-party modeling application.
   * For a built environment, such as buildings and rooms, you can start with [placeholders](/engine/6000.7/manual/working-with-gameobjects/gameobject-fundamentals/primitive-objects.md) or import [models](/engine/6000.7/manual/assets-and-media/asset-types/models.md).

2. Use [meshes](/engine/6000.7/manual/assets-and-media/asset-types/mesh.md) to place objects in the environment.

3. Change [lights](/engine/6000.7/manual/lighting-overview.md) and [visual effects](/engine/6000.7/manual/visual-effects.md) to create the right mood for your game.

4. [Animate](/engine/6000.7/manual/animation-section.md) characters and objects.

5. Create user [input controls](/engine/6000.7/manual/input.md) and user [interfaces](/engine/6000.7/manual/uitoolkits.md).

6. Make your game [accessible](/engine/6000.7/manual/accessibility.md) to reach a wider player base.

## Additional resources

* [Unity Essentials](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/unity-essentials)
* [2D Beginner: Adventure Game](https://learn.unity.com/course/2d-beginner-adventure-game)
* [Create a 2D Rougelike Game](https://learn.unity.com/course/2d-roguelike-tutorial)
* [Tanks: Make a battle game for web and mobile](https://learn.unity.com/course/tanks-make-a-battle-game-for-web-and-mobile)
* [John Lemon's Haunted Jaunt: 3D Beginner](https://learn.unity.com/project/john-lemon-s-haunted-jaunt-3d-beginner)
* [Create with Code](https://learn.unity.com/course/create-with-code)
* [Getting Started with Unity Web](https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/getting-started-with-unity-web#)
* [Unity for first-time users](/engine/6000.7/manual/firstime-user.md)
* [The Editor interface](/engine/6000.7/manual/unity-editor.md)
* [Best practice guides](/engine/6000.7/manual/best-practice-guides.md)