Unity releases

2021.2 Tech Stream programming features

The 2021.2 Tech Stream release comes loaded with updates and iteration speedups that will empower you to optimize your games and make better use of your coding time.

A space scene with footsteps and astronaut on planet

Optimized coding workflows in Unity 2021.2 Tech Stream

The Tech Stream release is for creators and coders who value having early access to the latest features so they can stay on the cutting edge. With a focus on increasing stability and robustness, 2021.2 includes an upgrade to the latest Mono, faster workflows with feature sets, performance improvements for rendering particles, and more.

What’s new in Unity 2021.2

Unity 2021.2 Tech Stream will help you be more productive with faster build times, more efficient imports, and other updates.

Mono upgrade and new .NET profile

We’ve upgraded the Unity-bundled Mono version from 2018 to a more recent version. This allowed us to improve C# 8 support, enable parallel debugging, and enhance implementation quality. We now support the .NET Standard 2.1 API.

Incremental build

When build time scales with the scope of your changes rather than the total project size, you can save time testing your game in those crucial later stages of production. Incremental player build support is now available for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and WebGL.

Feature sets

Feature sets are a new way to efficiently add related packages to your project with one click. Gain confidence that you’re not missing any essential features to achieve a specific outcome, such as 2D or VR development.

VFX Graph improved for Universal Render Pipeline (URP)

Visual Effect (VFX) Graph is now officially supported by URP for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. We’ve added support for rendering lit particles. You can now also receive large amounts of data via Graphics Buffers to create your own complex simulations like boids, large data rendering, fluids, hair simulation, or crowds.

Emscripten 2.0.19

We know that both iteration speeds and load times are critical when you’re creating projects targeting the web as a platform. We’ve updated to Emscripten 2.0.19 to generate smaller WebAssemblies for WebGL builds, while reducing build time during development.

Take control of your build

Customize your build settings to reduce code output and build time with code generation for generics in the IL2CPP process. This also enables you to improve iteration speed with test builds through the revised Build Settings window.

Improved URP performance on WebGL

Unity 2021.2 adds WebGL support for the SRP Batcher, enabling improved performance that’s in line with our goal of achieving parity between the Built-In Render Pipeline and URP.

Synchronous API support for Addressables

Version 1.17.4 of the Addressable Asset System package allows for synchronous loading as well as the existing async process. The new Synchronous Addressables APIs are suitable for projects with very finely controlled download management.

Fast asset workflows

Unity 2021.2 shortens the iteration loop between asset creation and the Editor with texture and model import optimizations and a new option to import textures and meshes in parallel.

Improved search

Visualize complex search queries across multiple properties with new Table Views. The integrated search also provides a more streamlined Asset Picker experience.

Native Editor support for Apple silicon

New native support for the Unity Editor on Apple silicon ensures your games will run seamlessly on current and future Mac systems.

Improved performance in HDRP

Boost your performance and visual quality on PC and consoles with HDRP’s new dynamic resolution upscalers (NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR and TAA Upscale), and run applications at 4K or high frame rates.

Full release information

View the complete list of performance and productivity boosts, new features, and bug fixes before getting started on your upgrade.

Access Unity release notes

See the notes for all recent Unity releases, including new features, upgrades, bug fixes, and known issues.

Upgrade Guide

Move to the latest releases of Unity with guidance from our documentation.

Dive into the 2021.2 Tech Stream release

Discover more ways to dig into what’s new in this release.

Create stunning visuals

Unlock optimized workflows for producing gorgeous graphics that engage players.

Choose the right release for you

We offer two different release versions, Tech Stream and Long Term Support (LTS). Discover the strengths of each release, so you can select the solution that better fits your needs.

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You can manage all of your Unity projects and installations with the Unity Hub. Use the Hub to access multiple installations of the Unity Editor, and create new or open existing projects.

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Frequently asked questions

What version do you recommend for my project?

If you are in production or close to launch, we recommend the LTS release. If you want to use the latest Unity features in your project or are just getting started with production, the Tech Stream is recommended.

Learn more about our different releases here.

What is a Tech Stream release?

This release is for creators who value exploring in-progress features to stay on the cutting edge for their next project. This version is primarily recommended for the preproduction discovery, and prototyping phases of development.

Learn more about our different releases here.

What’s an LTS release?

Long Term Support is the release for creators who value maximum stability and support for their next project. This is our default release and is primarily recommended for creators past the preproduction phase of development and who are about to lock in production on a specific version of Unity.

Learn more about our different releases here.

What’s the difference between a Verified package and a Released package?

In an effort to provide more clarity around package readiness and expected release dates, better-quality packages, and as a direct response to feedback from you, we’ve created a more rigorous process for labeling packages, as well as a new categorization system.

Learn more here.

How do I get access to your alpha and beta releases?

Both our alpha and beta releases are open to everyone, so no signup is required. Get started by downloading them from the Unity Hub. Because there may be feature-stability issues with these early releases, we do not recommend them for projects in production, and we highly recommend that you back up any project before you open it with an alpha or beta release.

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