> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gaming.skillfulai.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gaming.skillfulai.io/unity-gaming-sdk/services/smart-npcs/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

## `Smart NPCs Quick Start Guide`

Let's get started with adding voice to your game characters. This guide will show you how to implement Smart NPCs in your Unity project.

### `Adding Your First Smart NPC`

You have two ways to implement a Smart NPC:

#### `Method 1: Through Code`

Create a new script (e.g., `ExampleSmartNPC.cs`) with this basic implementation:

```csharp
using SkillfulAI.SmartNPCs;
using UnityEngine;

public class ExampleSmartNPC : MonoBehaviour
{
    private void Start()
    {
        // Add the Smart NPC component
        SmartNPC myNpc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();

        // Set a voice by category
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByCategory(myNpc, VoiceCategories.Female);

        // Set the output audio source for the NPC. 
        myNpc.audioSource = gameObject.AddComponent<AudioSource>();

        // Make the NPC speak!
        myNpc.Speak("Hello! I'm your first Smart NPC!");
    }
}
```

#### `Method 2: Using the Unity Inspector`

1. Create an empty GameObject
2. Add the SmartNPC component

<figure><img src="/files/veZGV3pquOSLXYLoWWWi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Add an AudioSource component (required for speech playback)
2. Create a script to interact with it:

```csharp
using SkillfulAI.SmartNPCs;
using UnityEngine;

public class NPCController : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SmartNPC npc;

    private void Start()
    {
        // Get reference to existing SmartNPC component
        npc = GetComponent<SmartNPC>();
        
        // Select a voice and speak
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByName(npc, "YourVoiceNameHere");
        npc.Speak("Hello, I'm ready to talk!");
    }
}
```

### `Voice Selection Options`

Smart NPCs offers several ways to select voices:

```csharp
public class VoiceExample : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SmartNPC npc;

    void Start()
    {
        npc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();

        // Option 1: Select by category
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByCategory(npc, VoiceCategories.Male);

        // Option 2: Select by specific voice name
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByName(npc, "VoiceName");

        // Option 3: Select a random voice
        VoiceSelector.SetRandomVoice(npc);
    }
}
```

### `Customizing Voice Settings`

Fine-tune your NPC's voice characteristics:

```csharp
public class VoiceCustomization : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SmartNPC npc;

    void Start()
    {
        npc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();

        // Customize voice settings
        npc.voiceSettings = new VoiceSettings
        {
            stability = 0.5f,            // Voice consistency
            similarity_boost = 0.5f,      // Similarity to original
            use_speaker_boost = true     // Enhanced clarity
        };

        // Test the customized voice
        npc.Speak("This voice has been customized!");
    }
}
```

### `Integrating with Skillful Agents`

Create an NPC that can think and speak:

```csharp
public class TalkingNPC : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SkillfulAgent agent;
    private SmartNPC npc;

    void Start()
    {
        // Setup both components
        agent = gameObject.AddComponent<SkillfulAgent>();
        npc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();

        // Configure them
        agent.SelectAgentByName("YourAgentName");
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByCategory(npc, VoiceCategories.Female);

        // Start a voiced conversation
        agent.SendMessage("Introduce yourself", response => {
            npc.Speak(response);
        });
    }
}
```

### `Managing Speech Queue`

Handle multiple speech requests:

```csharp
public class QueuedSpeechManager : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SmartNPC npc;

    void Start()
    {
        npc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByCategory(npc, VoiceCategories.Male);

        // Queue multiple speeches
        npc.Speak("First message");
        npc.Speak("Second message");
        npc.Speak("Third message");
        
        // Messages will play in order automatically
    }

    public void StopTalking()
    {
        npc.StopSpeaking(); // Clears queue and stops current speech
    }
}
```

### `Creating a Basic Dialogue System`

Implement a simple dialogue system:

```csharp
public class DialogueNPC : MonoBehaviour
{
    private SmartNPC npc;
    private SkillfulAgent agent;
    private Queue<string> dialogueQueue = new Queue<string>();

    void Start()
    {
        // Setup components
        npc = gameObject.AddComponent<SmartNPC>();
        agent = gameObject.AddComponent<SkillfulAgent>();

        // Configure
        VoiceSelector.SetVoiceByCategory(npc, VoiceCategories.Female);
        agent.SelectAgentByName("DialogueAgent");
    }

    public void StartDialogue()
    {
        agent.SendMessage("Greet the player", response => {
            npc.Speak(response);
        });
    }

    public void PlayerResponse(string input)
    {
        agent.SendMessage(input, response => {
            npc.Speak(response);
        });
    }
}
```

### Next Steps

Now that you have your Smart NPC working, consider:

1. Experimenting with different voices and settings
2. Creating more complex dialogue systems
3. Implementing voice-based tutorials
4. Adding ambient NPC chatter
5. Creating voiced cutscenes

Check out the Service Reference for more detailed implementation options and advanced features.