Unity developers often encounter crashes, which can be frustrating, especially when working on unsaved scenes. Fortunately, there are ways to recover your unsaved work. Here's a detailed guide on how to rescue your Unity scene after a crash:

1. Check the Temp Folder for Backup Files

Unity temporarily stores project data in the "Temp" folder, which might still contain useful files after a crash.

  • Step 1: Navigate to your project folder.
  • Step 2: Locate the "Temp" folder (it usually holds temporary Unity files).
  • Step 3: Look for files named like __Backup-scene0.
  • Step 4: If found, copy these files to a safe location.
  • Step 5: Rename them with the .unity extension and try importing them back into your project.

2. Check for Auto-Save Files in Library or Backup Folder

Unity creates automatic backups in certain folders. These can sometimes save your progress even if you haven’t manually saved your scene.

  • Step 1: Open your project folder and look for Library or Backup folders.
  • Step 2: Search for files such as CurrentScene or similar.
  • Step 3: Rename and import these files back into your project if they seem like the correct scene files.

3. Enable Unity’s Auto-Save and Asset Serialization Features

To prevent future data loss, you can configure Unity to auto-save scenes regularly.

  • Step 1: Go to "Preferences" in Unity.
  • Step 2: Under "General," enable the auto-save feature (if not already activated).
  • Step 3: In the "Editor" section, set "Asset Serialization Mode" to Force Text to store scenes in text format, making it easier to recover them.

4. Use Version Control Systems (VCS) for Regular Backups

Setting up a version control system like Git can be a lifesaver in case of crashes.

  • Step 1: If you’re using Git, check your last commit to recover lost scenes.
  • Step 2: You can use git revert or git checkout to restore the project to a stable state before the crash.

5. After a Crash: Immediate Steps

  • Check the Scene Recovery Prompt: Unity might offer to recover the last open scene when you restart the project.
  • Look at Temp and Backup Files: As outlined earlier, explore these folders for any recoverable files.
  • Review Unity Logs: Unity logs can help you identify which scene was open before the crash, guiding your recovery efforts.

Conclusion:

While Unity crashes can be stressful, recovering unsaved scenes is often possible using these methods. To prevent future loss, always save your work regularly, enable auto-backup features, and utilize version control. If a crash does occur, calmly follow the steps to retrieve your files.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle Unity crashes and minimize lost progress. Always back up your projects to avoid unnecessary stress!