Unlock your creativity with our beginner-friendly course on 3D modeling! Dive into Blender and Unity to create stunning game environments. No experience needed!

Craft Your Game World - Course

# Transform Your Game Design Dreams into Reality!

Welcome to the ultimate beginner’s journey into 3D game environment creation! In this course, you’ll harness the power of Blender and Unity to craft immersive worlds that captivate players. Get ready to learn essential modeling, texturing, and integration skills, culminating in your very own playable game environment!


### Who is it for?

This course is perfect for aspiring game developers and artists eager to dive into the world of 3D modeling. Whether you have little experience or none at all, if you're motivated to learn how to create engaging game environments, this course is for you!

- Students looking to kickstart their careers in game design.
- Hobbyists wanting to explore the world of 3D modeling.
- Professionals seeking to enhance their portfolio with practical skills.

**Recommended skill level: Beginner**


### Prerequisites

Don't worry if you're a complete beginner! All you need are basic computer skills and a willingness to learn. Familiarity with 3D concepts is a plus, but not mandatory.

- 🖥️ Basic computer skills
- 📐 Familiarity with 3D concepts is a plus

### What's inside

This course is packed with engaging content designed to take you from novice to confident creator!

- Foundations of 3D Modeling
- Texturing Techniques Unleashed
- Integrating Assets into Unity
- Lighting and Atmosphere Mastery
- Creating Interactive Elements
- Finalizing Your Game Environment

**Interactive Quizzes**

Each module includes quizzes to reinforce your learning and ensure you grasp essential concepts.

**Homework**

Hands-on assignments will challenge you to apply what you’ve learned, from creating 3D models to integrating them into Unity.

**Practical Project**

Build a simple 3D game environment using Unity and Blender, focusing on modeling, texturing, and integration.

**Before You Start**

A quick guide to set you up for success before diving into the course material.

**Books to Read**

Recommended reading materials to deepen your understanding of 3D modeling and game design concepts.

**Glossary**

A glossary of key terms to help you navigate the world of 3D modeling and game environments.


### What will you learn

By the end of this course, you’ll have mastered key skills in 3D modeling and game design!

- Master the fundamentals of 3D modeling using Blender.
- Create immersive textures and UV maps for game environments.
- Integrate 3D assets into Unity effectively.

**Time to complete this course: Invest just 8-10 weeks of your time, dedicating 15-20 hours per week, to unlock your potential in 3D game environment creation.**


### Enroll now and start crafting your game world today!

Familiarity with basic computer operations is crucial as you'll navigate software tools and online resources throughout the course.

Basic Computer Skills

Having a basic understanding or interest in 3D concepts will help you grasp the modeling techniques and principles discussed in the course.

Interest in 3D Concepts

Being open to learning new software like Blender and Unity is essential, as these tools are central to creating your game environment.

Willingness to Learn Software Tools

## Transform Your Game Design Dreams into Reality!
Welcome to the ultimate beginner’s journey into 3D game environment creation! In this course, you’ll harness the power of Blender and Unity to craft immersive worlds that captivate players. Get ready to learn essential modeling, texturing, and integration skills, culminating in your very own playable game environment!

### Who is it For
This course is perfect for aspiring game developers and artists eager to dive into the world of 3D modeling. Whether you have little experience or none at all, if you're motivated to learn how to create engaging game environments, this course is for you!
- **Skill Level**: Beginner
- **Audience**:
  - Students looking to kickstart their careers in game design.
  - Hobbyists wanting to explore the world of 3D modeling.
  - Professionals seeking to enhance their portfolio with practical skills.

### Prerequisites
Don't worry if you're a complete beginner! All you need are basic computer skills and a willingness to learn. Familiarity with 3D concepts is a plus, but not mandatory.
- **Requirements**:
  - Basic computer skills
  - Familiarity with 3D concepts is a plus

### What's Inside
This course is packed with engaging content designed to take you from novice to confident creator!
- **Modules**:
  - Foundations of 3D Modeling
  - Texturing Techniques Unleashed
  - Integrating Assets into Unity
  - Lighting and Atmosphere Mastery
  - Creating Interactive Elements
  - Finalizing Your Game Environment
- **Quizzes**: Each module includes quizzes to reinforce your learning and ensure you grasp essential concepts.
- **Assignments**: Hands-on assignments will challenge you to apply what you’ve learned, from creating 3D models to integrating them into Unity.
- **Practical Project**: Build a simple 3D game environment using Unity and Blender, focusing on modeling, texturing, and integration.
- **Before You Start**: A quick guide to set you up for success before diving into the course material.
- **Books to Read**: Recommended reading materials to deepen your understanding of 3D modeling and game design concepts.
- **Glossary**: A glossary of key terms to help you navigate the world of 3D modeling and game environments.

### What Will You Learn
By the end of this course, you’ll have mastered key skills in 3D modeling and game design!
- **Skills**:
  - Master the fundamentals of 3D modeling using Blender.
  - Create immersive textures and UV maps for game environments.
  - Integrate 3D assets into Unity effectively.

### Time to Complete
Invest just 8-10 weeks of your time, dedicating 15-20 hours per week, to unlock your potential in 3D game environment creation.

### Enroll now and start crafting your game world today!

The process of creating three-dimensional objects using software like Blender, crucial for game environments.

An open-source 3D modeling software used for creating, animating, and rendering 3D graphics.

A popular game engine that allows developers to create and integrate 3D environments into games.

The technique of applying images to 3D models to give them color and detail, enhancing realism.

The process of projecting a 2D image texture onto a 3D model's surface to define how textures wrap around it.

The arrangement and manipulation of light sources in a scene to create mood and enhance visibility.

The virtual setting in which a game takes place, including terrain, buildings, and objects.

The process of importing and organizing 3D models and textures into a game engine like Unity.

Components in a game that respond to player actions, enhancing engagement and gameplay.

Writing code to control game behavior and interactions, often using C# in Unity.

A tool in Blender that allows you to apply non-destructive effects to your 3D models.

The process of saving a 3D model from Blender in a format compatible with Unity.

The process of creating a skeleton for a 3D model to enable movement and animation.

The technique of creating motion for 3D models, often used to bring characters and objects to life.

Effects applied to a scene after rendering to enhance visual quality, such as bloom and color grading.

Lighting that changes based on game events, enhancing realism and immersion in a game.

Dark areas created by blocking light, adding depth and realism to 3D environments.

A software platform that provides the tools and technology to develop and run video games.

Creating an early model of a game to test concepts and gameplay mechanics.

The means by which a player interacts with a game, including menus and buttons.

The process of creating the layout and structure of game environments, focusing on gameplay.

The method of detecting when two objects in a game interact or collide.

The process of improving performance and efficiency in a game, ensuring smooth gameplay.

The rules and systems that govern player interactions and experiences in a game.

A collection of work showcasing a student's skills and projects, often used for job applications.

Blender is a powerful open-source 3D modeling software that is widely used in the gaming industry. Understanding its interface is crucial for your success as a 3D artist.

Upon opening Blender, you are greeted with a rich interface filled with tools and options. Familiarizing yourself with the layout is the first step to becoming proficient.

The 3D Viewport is where you will spend most of your time modeling.

The Toolbar on the left contains essential tools for creating and manipulating objects.

The Properties Panel on the right allows you to adjust settings for selected objects.

The Outliner provides a hierarchical view of all objects in your scene.

🛠️ **Tip:** Spend time exploring each section of the interface. Familiarity will speed up your workflow!

In Blender, you can create basic shapes using the 'Add' menu. Start by adding a cube, which is the default object in Blender.

Once you have created your cube, you can manipulate it using the following techniques:

**Extrusion:** Select a face and press 'E' to extrude it.

**Scaling:** Press 'S' to scale the object.

**Rotation:** Press 'R' to rotate the object.

Understanding Properties and Transformations

Each object in Blender has properties that define its appearance and behavior. Understanding these properties is essential for effective modeling.

The Location property determines where the object is in the 3D space.

The Rotation property controls the object's orientation.

The Scale property adjusts the size of the object.

📍 **Common Mistake:** Forgetting to reset transformations can lead to unexpected results. Always check your object's transformations before starting a new modeling task!

Hands-On Exercise: Create Your First Object

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Follow these steps to create a simple object in Blender:

Open Blender and delete the default cube.

Use the extrusion, scaling, and rotation tools to modify the cube into a more complex shape.

Document your process in a journal, noting the techniques you used.

Keeping a record of your modeling process is vital for reflection and improvement. Make notes about what worked, what didn’t, and how you can apply these lessons to future projects.

"The more you document your process, the more you learn from it." - Anonymous

With a basic understanding of Blender’s interface and tools, you are now ready to dive deeper into modeling techniques in the next lesson.

Homework: Create Your First 3D Object

Welcome to Blender: Your 3D Journey Begins

Blender Interface Quiz

In this lesson, we will focus on three fundamental modeling techniques: extrusion, scaling, and rotation. These techniques will allow you to create complex shapes from basic forms, essential for designing engaging 3D environments.

Extrusion is a powerful technique that allows you to extend a shape into 3D space. By selecting a face of a mesh and pulling it outward, you can create walls, floors, and other structural elements.

Tip: Always consider the flow of your geometry when extruding. This will help maintain clean topology, which is vital for texturing and animation later on.

Scaling allows you to adjust the size of your models. This is particularly useful when refining the proportions of your environment objects.

# Example of scaling an object in Blender
import bpy

# Select the object
obj = bpy.context.active_object

# Scale the object
obj.scale = (1.5, 1.5, 1.5)

In this example, we scale the selected object by 1.5 times its original size. This is useful for adjusting the height of buildings or the size of props to fit your environment.

Rotation is essential for positioning your models correctly in the 3D space. It allows you to orient objects in a way that enhances the overall composition of your scene.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to apply transformations can lead to unexpected results when exporting your models. Always apply your transformations before finalizing your model!

Practical Exercise: Create a Simple Structure

Now, let's put these techniques into practice. Your task is to create a simple structure using extrusion, scaling, and rotation.

1. Start with a basic cube in Blender.
2. Use extrusion to create walls for a small building.
3. Scale the top face to create a roof.
4. Rotate any additional elements to enhance the structure's design.

As you work on your model, remember to document your process. Take screenshots of your progress and note down the techniques you used. This will help you reflect on your learning and improve in future projects.

"Documentation is key to growth. Reflecting on your process will guide you in your future endeavors." - Industry Expert

By mastering these basic modeling techniques, you are laying a strong foundation for your future work in 3D game environments. In the next lesson, we will explore modifiers that can further enhance your models.

Homework: Create Your First Model

Shape Your World: Basic Modeling Techniques

Basic Modeling Techniques Quiz

Modifiers in Blender are a powerful feature that allows you to make non-destructive changes to your models. This means you can enhance your 3D creations without permanently altering the original geometry. Understanding how to use modifiers can significantly improve your modeling efficiency and creativity.

Modifiers are tools that apply effects to your objects in Blender. They can change the appearance of your models, add complexity, or even create animations without modifying the original mesh. This non-destructive approach is crucial for maintaining flexibility in your workflow.

Here are some common types of modifiers you will encounter:

**Subdivision Surface:** Smoothens your model by adding geometry.

**Mirror:** Creates a mirrored version of your model, saving time on symmetrical designs.

**Array:** Duplicates your model in a specified pattern.

**Boolean:** Combines or subtracts shapes to create complex forms.

To apply a modifier, select your object and go to the Modifiers tab in the Properties panel. Click on 'Add Modifier' and choose the desired modifier from the list. Adjust the settings to see real-time changes in your model.

🛑 Common Pitfall: Always remember that changes made by modifiers are not permanent until you apply them. This gives you the flexibility to experiment without fear of losing your original work.

Hands-On Exercise: Experiment with Modifiers

Create a simple object, like a cube, and apply different modifiers to it. Take note of how each modifier changes the object. Try combining multiple modifiers to see how they interact.

Keep a journal of your experiments with modifiers. Document which modifiers you used, the settings you adjusted, and the results. This will help you reflect on your learning and improve your skills.

Real-World Application: Enhancing Game Assets

In the gaming industry, efficient modeling is key. Using modifiers can help you create high-quality assets quickly, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of game design.

"The beauty of modifiers is that they allow for creativity without the risk of losing your original design." - Industry Expert

☐ Familiarize yourself with the Modifiers tab in Blender.

☐ Experiment with at least three different modifiers.

☐ Document your process and outcomes in your project journal.

☐ Reflect on how modifiers can improve your modeling efficiency.

Homework: Modifiers in Action

Modifiers Magic: Enhancing Your Models

Modifiers Mastery Quiz

Understanding transformations in 3D modeling is fundamental. In Blender, every object exists in a 3D space defined by three axes: X, Y, and Z. Mastery of these transformations—translation, rotation, and scaling—will enable you to manipulate your models with precision.

Translation refers to moving an object from one position to another in 3D space. In Blender, you can translate an object using the following methods:
- **G Key**: Pressing the 'G' key allows you to grab and move the selected object freely.
- **Axis Constraints**: You can constrain movement to a specific axis by pressing 'G' followed by 'X', 'Y', or 'Z'.

Tip: Use the grid and axis lines in Blender to help visualize your object's position and movement. 🗺️

Rotation is about changing the angle of an object around a specific axis. In Blender, the following techniques are used:
- **R Key**: Pressing 'R' allows you to rotate the object freely.
- **Axis Constraints**: Use 'R' followed by 'X', 'Y', or 'Z' to rotate around a specific axis.

Scaling modifies the size of an object. In Blender, you can scale an object using:
- **S Key**: Press 'S' to scale the object uniformly.
- **Axis Constraints**: Use 'S' followed by 'X', 'Y', or 'Z' to scale along a specific axis.

Common Pitfall: Over-scaling can distort your models. Always check the proportions after scaling! ⚠️

Practical Exercise: Transformations in Action

To solidify your understanding of transformations, follow these steps:
1. Create a simple object (like a cube) in Blender.
2. Practice translating it across the X, Y, and Z axes.
3. Rotate the cube around each axis, observing how its orientation changes.
4. Scale the cube up and down, noting how its size affects your view.

As you manipulate objects, it's crucial to understand their spatial relationships. This means knowing how objects relate to one another in terms of position, orientation, and scale. Here are some tips:
- **Grouping Objects**: Use collections to group related objects, making it easier to manage them.
- **Parenting**: Parent objects to create hierarchical relationships, allowing for coordinated transformations.

"In 3D modeling, understanding how to manipulate space is as important as the models themselves." - Industry Expert

Keeping a record of your transformation processes helps in future projects. Document your methods, challenges, and solutions in a project journal. This practice not only aids in self-assessment but also provides a reference for similar tasks in the future.

Practice translating, rotating, and scaling objects in Blender. Document your process and any challenges faced.

Homework: Mastering Transformations

Navigating Transformations: Coordinate Systems Unlocked

Transformations in Blender Quiz

In this lesson, we'll dive into the foundational skills required to create your first 3D environment in Blender. You'll learn how to design a simple layout, understand composition principles, and combine various modeling techniques to bring your vision to life.

Composition is the art of arranging visual elements in a way that is pleasing to the eye. In 3D environments, good composition helps guide players through the scene and enhances their experience.

Rule of Thirds: Divide your scene into a grid and place important elements along the lines or intersections.

Focal Points: Create areas that draw attention, such as a striking object or a point of interest.

Balance: Ensure that your scene feels stable, whether through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements.

🎨 Composition Tip: Start with a rough sketch of your environment layout to visualize the placement of key elements!

Now, let’s get hands-on! We'll create basic shapes that will serve as the building blocks for our environment.

Use the 'Add' menu to create new shapes like cubes, cylinders, and planes.

Manipulate these shapes using the move, scale, and rotate tools to start forming your environment.

import bpy

# Create a new cube
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=2)

# Move the cube to a new location
bpy.context.object.location[0] += 3

As you create your environment, you'll want to combine different techniques to add complexity and detail.

Use extrusion to extend shapes and create walls or structures.

Apply modifiers like Subdivision Surface to smooth out your models.

Experiment with different materials and textures to enhance realism.

🛠️ Common Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding your scene with too many objects. Focus on quality over quantity!

Documentation is essential for reflecting on your progress and improving your skills.

Keep a project journal detailing your modeling techniques and decisions.

Take screenshots of your work at different stages to track your development.

Write down any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

"Good documentation is the key to improvement and learning."

Hands-On Exercise: Create Your First Environment

Now it's your turn! Use the techniques learned to create a simple environment. Focus on composition, basic shapes, and combining modeling techniques.

Create a simple environment layout using Blender.

Document your modeling process, including screenshots and notes.

Reflect on your work and identify areas for improvement.

Homework: Your First Environment

Building Blocks: Creating Your First Environment

Building Blocks Quiz

Documentation is often seen as a mundane task, but in the realm of 3D modeling, it is a crucial step that can significantly enhance your learning experience. By documenting your modeling process, you create a valuable resource that not only tracks your progress but also helps you identify areas for improvement.

Understanding the Importance of Documentation

Every artist has a unique journey, and documenting that journey allows you to reflect on your growth. It helps you understand what techniques worked, what did not, and why. This reflection can lead to better decision-making in future projects.

📝 **Tip:** Keep your documentation organized. Use folders or notebooks to categorize different projects and techniques. This will make it easier to refer back to your notes later.

A modeling journal should include details about your projects, such as the tools and techniques used, challenges faced, and solutions discovered. Here’s how to create one:

Start with a project overview, including the goal and inspiration.

Document the modeling techniques you use, such as extrusion, scaling, and modifiers.

Note any challenges you encounter and how you resolve them.

Include images or screenshots of your progress.

Reflect on what you learned and how you can apply it to future projects.

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth. After completing a project, take the time to review your documentation and ask yourself:

How did my choices affect the final outcome?

Self-assessment is essential for continuous improvement. Use your documentation to evaluate your skills regularly. Identify patterns in your work that indicate strengths and weaknesses.

📈 **Common Pitfall:** Avoid being overly critical of your work. Instead, focus on constructive feedback that can guide your future projects.

Practical Exercise: Start Your Modeling Journal

Begin your journey by creating a modeling journal for your upcoming project. Document each step, including techniques used and reflections on your progress.

Set up a folder or digital document for your modeling journal.

Write a project overview for your next modeling task.

Document at least three techniques you plan to use.

Reflect on your modeling process after completing your project.

Homework: Document Your Next Project

Documenting Your Journey: The Modeling Process

Modeling Process Reflection Quiz

Dive into the world of 3D modeling by mastering the Blender interface and essential modeling techniques. This module lays the groundwork for understanding the building blocks of game environments, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your creative journey.

Foundations of 3D Modeling

UV mapping is the process of projecting a 2D image texture onto a 3D model's surface. This technique allows artists to wrap textures around their models, giving them depth and realism. The term 'UV' refers to the axes of the 2D texture space, as opposed to the XYZ axes of the 3D model.

Understanding UV mapping is essential for several reasons:
- **Texture Application**: Proper UV mapping ensures that textures are applied correctly, avoiding distortions and misalignments.
- **Visual Quality**: Well-mapped UVs enhance the overall visual appeal of a model, making it more engaging in a game environment.
- **Efficiency**: Efficient UV layouts can optimize texture usage and improve performance in game engines.

🔍 **Tip:** Always aim for a uniform distribution of UV islands to minimize texture stretching and maximize detail.

When a texture is applied to a model, the UV map dictates how the 2D image corresponds to the 3D surface. If the UVs are poorly laid out, the texture may appear stretched, compressed, or misaligned, which can detract from the model's realism.

There are several UV mapping techniques you can use, including:
- **Unwrapping**: This technique involves flattening a 3D model’s surface into a 2D representation, allowing for precise texture placement.
- **Box Mapping**: A quick method that projects textures from multiple sides of a model, useful for simple shapes.
- **Cylindrical and Spherical Mapping**: These methods are ideal for cylindrical or spherical objects, wrapping textures around them seamlessly.

Hands-On Exercise: Creating a UV Map in Blender

To practice UV mapping, follow these steps in Blender:
1. **Select your model** and switch to Edit Mode.
2. **Unwrap the model** by selecting all faces (press 'A') and then using the shortcut 'U' to bring up the unwrap menu.
3. Choose **Smart UV Project** for a quick unwrap, or experiment with different methods.
4. Open the UV Editor to see the resulting UV map and make adjustments as needed.

✨ **Common Mistake:** Forgetting to check the UV layout after unwrapping can lead to unexpected texture issues later on. Always review your UV maps before applying textures!

Maintaining a record of your UV mapping process is crucial. Document the techniques you used, any challenges faced, and how you resolved them. This will serve as a valuable reference for future projects and help you improve over time.

In the gaming industry, UV mapping is a vital skill. Game artists use it to ensure that their models look great in various lighting conditions and environments. For instance, a well-UV-mapped character model will appear more lifelike when textured with intricate details, contributing to the overall immersion of the game.

"Good UV mapping is the backbone of great texturing. It's the difference between a model that looks flat and one that truly comes to life." - Industry Expert

Mastering UV mapping is a fundamental step in creating visually appealing 3D models. By understanding its principles and applying effective techniques, you will significantly enhance your skills in 3D modeling and game design.

Homework: UV Mapping Practice

Understanding UV Mapping Basics

UV Mapping Quiz

UV mapping is the process of projecting a 2D image onto a 3D model's surface. Think of it as unfolding a cardboard box into a flat shape, allowing you to paint or texture it accurately. Understanding how UV mapping works is crucial for creating realistic textures.

🔍 **Tip:** Always check your UV layout before applying textures. A well-organized UV map will save you time and effort later on!

Creating UV maps in Blender involves several steps. Here’s a simplified guide to get you started:

1. **Select Your Model:** Start by selecting the 3D model you want to unwrap.
2. **Enter Edit Mode:** Press `Tab` to switch to Edit Mode.
3. **Select Faces:** Choose the faces you want to unwrap. You can select all faces by pressing `A`.
4. **Unwrap:** Press `U` to bring up the unwrap menu and select `Unwrap`. This will create a UV map based on the selected faces.

// Example of unwrapping a model in Blender
// 1. Select the model
// 2. Press Tab to enter Edit Mode
// 3. Select all faces with A
// 4. Press U and choose Unwrap


UV islands are the separated parts of your 3D model's UV map. They represent different areas of the model that will be textured. Seams are the edges where these islands meet. Understanding how to create and manage seams is essential for avoiding visible lines in your textures.

⚠️ **Common Mistake:** Avoid placing seams in highly visible areas of your model. This can lead to noticeable texture lines that detract from the overall quality.

Practical Application of UV Mapping Techniques

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to apply your knowledge. Follow these steps to create a UV map for a simple object:

1. **Create a Simple Object:** Start with a basic shape like a cube or a sphere.
2. **Unwrap the Object:** Use the unwrap method discussed earlier.
3. **Check the UV Layout:** Open the UV editor to see how your UV islands are laid out.
4. **Apply a Texture:** Choose a simple texture and apply it to your model to see how it fits.

// Example of applying a texture in Blender
// 1. Open the Shader Editor
// 2. Add an Image Texture node
// 3. Connect it to the Base Color of the Principled BSDF
// 4. Load your texture image


As you create UV maps, it’s essential to document your process. This will help you understand what worked and what didn’t, allowing for improvements in future projects. Consider keeping a journal where you note down:
- The challenges faced during UV mapping
- The techniques that worked well
- Any adjustments made to improve the UV layout.

"Documentation is not just a task; it's a tool for growth and improvement." - Industry Expert

Hands-On Exercise: Create Your Own UV Map

Now it's your turn! Create a UV map for a simple object in Blender. Follow these steps:
1. Create a basic object (like a cube or cylinder).
2. Unwrap the object and check the UV layout.
3. Apply a texture and see how it fits.
4. Document your process, noting any challenges and solutions.

Creating UV Maps in Blender

Textures are essentially images applied to 3D models to give them color, detail, and realism. Understanding the types of textures available and how to use them effectively is key to creating immersive environments.

Exploring Texture Types

Unlock the secrets of texturing and UV mapping, essential skills for adding realism to your 3D models. This module will guide you through the process of creating visually stunning textures that breathe life into your game environments.

Blender For Dummies

The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses

Game Programming Patterns

Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design

3D Game Engine Architecture

The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics: Computer Modeling & Animation

Unity in Action: Multiplatform Game Development in C#

Digital Lighting and Rendering

Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games

The Game Maker's Toolkit: Game Development Essentials

Dive into these transformative reads to elevate your skills and creativity in 3D game environment design. Your journey to mastery begins now!