How to Add Lua Scripts to a Highrise World (2026 Guide)

TL;DR

Adding Lua scripts to a Highrise World requires Highrise Studio (built on Unity), where you create script files via the Project panel, choose one of five script types, write your code, and attach scripts to GameObjects. Lua is the only supported scripting language in Highrise Studio. This guide walks through every step of that process and defines every key term you’ll encounter along the way, from --!Type() annotations to Network Values and the Payments API.

What Is Lua in Highrise Studio?

Lua is a lightweight scripting language originally designed for embedded systems and game development. If you’ve ever scripted anything in Roblox, you’ve already used Lua. Highrise chose it for the same reasons: it’s simple to learn, flexible enough for complex game logic, and easy to integrate into existing engines.

In Highrise Studio, Lua is the primary (and only) scripting language. You cannot use C# scripts, even though Studio runs on Unity. This trips up a lot of Unity developers who arrive expecting to write MonoBehaviours in C#. Any C# scripts in your project simply won’t be included in the build.

When you learn how to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World, you’re learning the single skill that separates a static 3D scene from an interactive experience with player movement, object interactions, multiplayer features, and monetization. If you want to see what other creators have already built, browse published Worlds for inspiration before writing your first line of code.

Essential Setup Terms

Before you write a single script, you need the right tools installed and a basic understanding of the Unity interface. Here’s what each piece means and why it matters.

Highrise Studio

The development environment for building 3D Worlds on the Highrise platform. It runs on Unity and adds a custom layer of tools, components, and APIs specific to Highrise. It’s free to use, and you download it through the Studio Hub.

Studio Hub

The installer and project manager for Highrise Studio. It handles downloading the correct Unity version and the Highrise Studio Package so you don’t have to manually match versions. Think of it as your launchpad. You can grab it from create.highrise.game/highrise-studio.

VS Code and the Highrise Studio Tools Extension

Visual Studio Code is the recommended code editor. The Highrise Studio Tools extension adds syntax highlighting, code completion, and type definitions specific to Highrise’s Lua API. Without it, you’re coding blind. Install both before you start.

Project Panel

The Unity window that shows all the files in your project, including scripts, models, textures, and scenes. This is where you right-click to create new Lua scripts.

Hierarchy Panel

Lists every GameObject in your current scene, organized in a tree structure. When you want to add an empty object to attach a script to, you right-click here.

Inspector Panel

The panel on the right side of Unity’s editor where you view and edit a selected GameObject’s properties. When you attach a Lua script, its Serialized Fields appear here so you can tweak values without touching code.

For the latest updates on Studio features and tools, check the Highrise news page.

The Five Script Types

Understanding script types is the single biggest conceptual hurdle when learning how to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World. Highrise Studio supports five distinct script types, and picking the wrong one is a common source of bugs.

The official Highrise YouTube channel dedicates an entire episode to this topic, covering client-type scripts and Unity lifecycle functions, because the distinction is that important for beginners.

Client Scripts

Run on the player’s device. Use these for anything that only affects the local player: camera movement, visual effects, input handling, UI animations. They have access to lifecycle functions like self:Awake(), self:Start(), and self:Update().

When to use: Local interactions, visual feedback, sound effects, input detection.

Server Scripts

Run on Highrise’s servers. Use these for authoritative game logic: score tracking, data persistence, payment processing, anything involving Gold. Because they run server-side, players can’t tamper with them.

When to use: Leaderboards, in-world purchases, spawning shared objects, anti-cheat logic.

Client/Server Scripts

A hybrid type that runs on both sides. Code is split using prefixed lifecycle functions: ClientAwake(), ServerAwake(), ClientUpdate(), ServerUpdate(), and so on. Variables defined outside these functions are shared; variables inside stay local to that execution context.

When to use: Features that need coordinated behavior, like a door that animates locally (client) but checks a key inventory (server).

Module Scripts

Contain reusable functions and variables shared across multiple scripts. They’re singletons, meaning every script that imports a Module gets the same instance. You import them with require("ModuleName").

When to use: Utility functions, shared constants, math helpers, configuration tables.

UI Scripts

Specialized scripts for controlling user interface elements. They work alongside UXML files (for structure) and USS files (for styling). Each UI script has an Output property with three settings: World (renders in 3D space), Above Chat (floats above the chat window), and HUD (fixed to the screen).

When to use: Health bars, inventory menus, dialog boxes, scoreboards.

Quick Reference Table

Script Type	Runs On	Best For
Client	Player’s device	Input, visuals, local effects
Server	Highrise servers	Game logic, payments, persistence
Client/Server	Both	Coordinated features
Module	Both (as imported)	Reusable code, shared config
UI	Client (with server hooks)	Interface elements

The --!Type() Annotation

Every Lua script in Highrise must start with a type annotation comment. This looks like --!Type(Client), --!Type(Server), --!Type(Module), or --!Type(UI). It tells Highrise Studio where the script should execute.

This is not standard Lua syntax. It’s a Highrise-specific directive. If you forget it or misspell it, your script won’t work as expected. When you create a script through the Unity menu, the annotation is added automatically, but if you’re creating files manually or copying code from tutorials, always double-check the first line.

Creating and Attaching Scripts: Step by Step

Here’s the actual process for how to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World, from creating the file to seeing it run.

Step 1: Create the Script File

Open your project in Unity. In the Project panel, right-click and select Create > Highrise > Lua Script. Choose your script type (Client, Server, ClientAndServer, Module, or UI). Name your script something descriptive and press Enter.

The official documentation walks through this exact flow if you want screenshots.

Step 2: Write Your Code

Double-click the script to open it in VS Code. You’ll see the --!Type() annotation already in place. Start simple:

--!Type(Client)

function self:Start()
    print("Hello, World!")
end

This prints a message to the console when the script initializes. It’s the smallest possible proof that your script is working.

Step 3: Create a GameObject

Back in Unity, right-click in the Hierarchy panel and select 3D Object > Create Empty. Rename it to something meaningful (like “GameManager” or “WelcomeMessage”). This empty object serves as a container for your script.

Step 4: Attach the Script

Select your new GameObject in the Hierarchy. Then drag the script file from the Project panel onto the Inspector panel. You’ll see a new component appear, which is called a LuaBehavior. This component is the bridge between your Lua code and the Unity GameObject.

Step 5: Test in Play Mode

Click the Play button at the top of Unity’s editor. Check the Console window for your “Hello, World!” message. If it appears, congratulations: you’ve successfully added a Lua script to your Highrise World.

Step 6: Publish

When you’re ready to share your World, click the Upload button in Unity. Then head to the Creator Portal at create.highrise.game, navigate to your World’s dashboard, go to Builds, and click Release. Assign a version number and publish.

Practitioners on the Highrise Create Forums report that the publish flow is straightforward, but creator Arylux notes in a video tutorial that beginners often forget the two-step nature of publishing: uploading the build is not the same as releasing it. You must do both.

Lifecycle Functions

Lifecycle functions are special functions that Unity calls automatically at specific moments. Understanding their order is essential when you add Lua scripts to a Highrise World, because code that runs at the wrong time produces bugs that are hard to track down.

The execution order is:

1. Awake() fires when the object initializes. If you have multiple objects, the order of their Awake calls is random. Don’t depend on another object being ready yet.
2. Start() runs after all Awake calls finish. Safe to reference other initialized objects here.
3. Update() runs once per frame. Use it for input checks, visual updates, and non-physics movement.
4. FixedUpdate() runs at a fixed interval regardless of frame rate. Use it for physics calculations.
5. LateUpdate() runs after all Update functions. Good for camera follow scripts that need to react to player movement.

The official Highrise YouTube series (Episode Five) covers each of these functions with practical examples, walking through when and why you’d use each one.

Client/Server Prefixed Variants

In Client/Server scripts, lifecycle functions get prefixes: ClientAwake(), ServerAwake(), ClientStart(), ServerStart(), ClientUpdate(), ServerUpdate(), and so on. This is how Highrise splits execution between the player’s device and the server within a single file.

Interactivity Terms

Once your scripts are running, you need ways for them to communicate and react to players. These are the building blocks.

Events

Events handle communication between client and server sides of your code. You create them with Event.new("EventName"), connect listeners with :Connect(function), and fire them across the network using :FireServer(data) or :FireClient(player, data).

Forum discussions on the Highrise Create Forums show that FireClient usage is one of the most common confusion points for new creators. The key detail people miss: FireClient requires you to specify which player should receive the event. You can’t broadcast to all clients with a single FireClient call.

Network Values

Synchronized variables that share data between client and server. Six types are available: IntValue, StringValue, BoolValue, Vector3Value, NumberValue, and TableValue. You create them with TypeValue.new("Name", initialValue, player).

Each Network Value triggers a Changed event whenever its value updates, making them perfect for scoreboards, health bars, or any data that needs to stay in sync across all players.

Serialized Fields

Mark a variable with the --!SerializeField directive, and it becomes editable in the Inspector panel. This lets you (or a teammate) tweak values like speed, spawn count, or timer duration without opening the script.

--!Type(Client)

--!SerializeField
local speed : number = 5.0

The --! prefix is a Highrise-specific directive, not standard Lua. Like the --!Type() annotation, it’s processed by the Studio editor.

TapHandler

A built-in component that fires an event when a player taps on an object’s collider. Properties include Check Distance (whether to enforce a maximum interaction range), Distance (the range itself), and Walk To (whether the character auto-walks to the object before interacting). The GameObject must have a collider attached, or the TapHandler won’t register taps.

Triggers and Collisions

Unity’s physics system gives you OnTriggerEnter, OnTriggerStay, and OnTriggerExit for trigger zones (like doorways or pickup areas), plus OnCollisionEnter and related functions for physical collisions. The official Highrise YouTube Episode Four demonstrates OnTriggerEnter in a practical context, using it to create interactive zones that respond when a player walks through them.

Code Organization

As your World grows, so does your codebase. Keeping things organized from the start saves real pain later.

Module Scripts and require()

Module scripts act as shared libraries. Because they’re singletons, every script that calls require("ModuleName") gets the exact same instance. This makes them ideal for configuration tables, utility functions, or shared game state.

File Structure

The recommended best practice is to organize scripts under Assets/Scripts/ with subfolders by category (Client, Server, Modules, UI). This mirrors the script type system and makes it obvious where to find things.

Serialized Fields for Asset References

Beyond simple numbers and strings, Serialized Fields can reference other GameObjects, prefabs, or assets. This is how you wire up a script to a specific 3D model, sound effect, or particle system without hardcoding paths. If you’re interested in designing custom items and assets to reference in your Worlds, explore Highrise Concepts for the asset creation pipeline.

Publishing and Monetization

Creators don’t just learn how to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World for the technical satisfaction. They want to build experiences people love, and many want to earn from their work.

The Publishing Flow

1. Click Upload in Unity to push your build to Highrise’s servers.
2. Visit the Creator Portal and navigate to your World’s dashboard.
3. Go to Builds, click Release, assign a version number, and publish.

Your World is now live. Players on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Steam can find and join it.

In-World Purchases (IWP) and the Payments API

The Payments API lets you sell items, abilities, or cosmetics directly inside your World. Revenue splits 90% to the creator and 10% to Highrise. Payment logic must run in Server scripts for security. If you process payments client-side, they won’t work and could expose your World to exploits.

Engagement Payouts

Beyond direct purchases, Highrise pays creators based on how much time HR+ subscribers spend in their Worlds. This means even a free-to-play World with no in-world purchases can generate income if the experience keeps people engaged.

World Wallet

A programmatic wallet tied to your World that can hold and distribute Gold. Useful for prize pools, quest rewards, or tipping systems. Managed through the Wallet API in server-side scripts.

The connection between Lua scripting skills and earning potential is direct. A creator featured in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list reportedly earned around $300,000 from a poker-style speakeasy World built with these exact tools. Visit the Highrise shop to understand the Gold and item economy your scripts can tap into.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

“C# scripts are not included in the build”

This warning appears if you have any C# files in your project. Highrise Studio ignores them entirely. Remove or exclude them to keep your project clean.

Wrong Script Type

Using a Client script for logic that should be server-authoritative (like payment processing) is a security problem. Using a Server script for something that needs instant visual feedback creates laggy experiences. Match the script type to the job.

Variable Scoping in Client/Server Scripts

In Client/Server scripts, variables defined outside the prefixed functions are shared across both contexts. Variables defined inside ClientUpdate() or ServerStart() stay local to that side. Mixing this up causes nil reference errors that seem random.

Script Naming Conflicts

Two scripts with the same name, even in different folders, can cause import conflicts with require(). Use unique, descriptive names.

FireClient Targeting

As mentioned earlier, forum threads on the Highrise Create Forums confirm this is a recurring stumbling block. FireClient requires a specific player reference. To notify all players, you need to loop through connected players and fire the event to each one.

If you hit a wall, the Highrise community is active and helpful. Multiple Game Jams (Build-An-Obby, Spring Jam '25, and others) run on the Create Forums, and participating creators frequently share solutions to scripting problems.

Putting It All Together

Learning how to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World is a progression. You start with the setup (Studio Hub, Unity, VS Code), create your first script file, understand the five script types, attach code to GameObjects, test in Play Mode, and eventually publish. Along the way, you pick up lifecycle functions, events, Network Values, and the publishing workflow.

The official documentation splits this knowledge across more than fifteen separate pages. This guide consolidates those concepts so you have a single reference point. But the real learning happens when you build something. Start small, a door that opens on tap, a coin counter, a welcome message. Then scale up.

If you’re ready to start building, download Highrise and install Studio Hub to get your development environment running. For ideas about what to build or features you wish existed, submit your ideas to shape the platform’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use C# instead of Lua in Highrise Studio?

No. Lua is the only supported scripting language in Highrise Studio. Even though Studio runs on Unity, C# scripts are not included in the build. Any C# files in your project will be ignored.

What’s the difference between Client and Server scripts?

Client scripts run on the player’s device and handle local things like input, visuals, and sound. Server scripts run on Highrise’s servers and handle authoritative logic like scoring, payments, and data persistence. If something involves security or Gold, it should be a Server script.

Do I need to know Unity to add Lua scripts to a Highrise World?

You need basic familiarity with Unity’s interface (the Project panel, Hierarchy, and Inspector), but you don’t need deep Unity expertise. Highrise Studio abstracts most of the engine complexity. The official YouTube tutorials cover the Unity basics you need in under 15 minutes.

What is the --!Type() annotation at the top of every script?

It’s a Highrise-specific directive that tells Studio where the script should execute. Options are --!Type(Client), --!Type(Server), --!Type(ClientAndServer), --!Type(Module), and --!Type(UI). It looks like a Lua comment, but Studio’s toolchain processes it as a configuration instruction.

How do I make a variable editable in the Inspector?

Use the --!SerializeField directive above the variable declaration. This exposes the variable in Unity’s Inspector panel so you can change its value without editing the script file.

Can I earn money from my Highrise World scripts?

Yes. Creators earn through in-world purchases (where you keep 90% of revenue), engagement-based payouts from HR+ subscriber time, and other monetization tools like the World Wallet and tipping. Scripting is what makes these features possible.

What’s a Module script and when should I use one?

A Module script holds reusable functions and variables that other scripts can import with require(). It’s a singleton, so every script that imports it shares the same instance. Use Modules for utility functions, configuration constants, or shared game state.

Where can I get help if my Lua script isn’t working?

The Highrise community forums are active, and creators frequently help each other debug scripting issues. The official YouTube channel also publishes step-by-step tutorials covering common scripting patterns and pitfalls.