Quick start

Open the sample, play through a short story, and then create your own project.

Before you start

Get the current demo and launch instructions from Download the demo. Purchases and installation of the full product will be handled through official stores. See store availability for the current status.

If you have a development build, follow its launch instructions. The current build uses names such as maker.exe; keep the matching player.exe beside it to export games. Check your build’s instructions for supported operating systems and executable names. You do not need Go or a C compiler to run the editor or an exported game.

If you received a game ZIP, see Play and export.

Play the sample

1. Choose Sample to open The Dark Lighthouse.
2. Choose Save and select a project folder.
3. In Scenes and actions, inspect the text and choices. After editing, choose Apply, then Save.
4. Run Validate to check references and branches.
5. Open Preview and try the choices, checks, combat, and endings.
6. Choose Export, then select the play mode and output folder.

Start a blank project

Choose New project. Set the title and content version in the Project tab, then save. An unfinished draft can be saved, but preview and export require a valid starting scene and a path to an ending.

For a quick start, choose a narrative, d20, or combat component in Components. Review the proposed addition before confirming. The entire addition can be undone in one step.

If the project already has a starting scene, added scenes are not connected automatically. Connect them in Scenes and actions. See Component templates for details and limitations.

For a story-only game, start with the Story component. Add d20 checks or combat only if needed. See Optional rule packs for the planned basic-story workflow.

Apply and save

Apply updates the project currently being edited. Choose Save as well to write changes to files. Use ↶ / ↷ to undo or redo edits.

Use Open and select a project folder to load an existing project. Use Save to another folder to work on a separate copy.

Read next

• Worlds and scenes: write settings and choices.
• Play and export: validate and create a game ZIP.
• Troubleshooting: resolve launch and export problems.

Find instructions by menu

Use the editor menu guide to find each menu’s role. Choose a starting point in Project settings, then build your first choice in Scenes and actions.