> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mutate.games/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mutate.games/guides/how-to-get-started-using-mutate.md).

# How to get started using Mutate

### Welcome! **👋**

We’re going to guide you through the first steps of using Mutate — all the basics of signing up, creating your first game, and sharing it to build with as many friends as you want.

#### Let’s get moving! 

**First off, you need access to a valid key.** You can join our [**Discord**](https://discord.gg/rNNmBGD) to get exclusive early access, or get an invitation from a friend already using Mutate.

* Click the link you’ve received — seems obvious.

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*_kJWkBmFuGGeS6fp)

* The link will take you to a page with your **unique invite code**, which you need to copy down. Here you can also download and install Mutate, which you should probably do if you want to start playing!

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*gGJOf40unxt3RSjj)

* Launch Mutate as you would any other game. In the launcher, you can either **sign in** or **register** as a new user — which is you! To register, just enter your email address, pick a username and password, and fill in your invite code (you haven’t forgotten it, right?)

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*b0kDnjiVPH7GUlvH)

* Once your account is set up, there might be a new update out that needs installing before you can get down to the good stuff! If that’s the case, you’ll see an icon like a **cardboard box** in the **top left corner**. All you have to do is click and confirm to install the update.

Updates usually take only a minute or so to install, so it’s easy as pie!

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*SF1zOFxEzpkddkMi)

* To get started with creation, you need to join a **community**. For newcomers, we recommend joining the main **Mutate** one — a hub with all the team who can help you out to build whatever cool stuff you want.

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*aDPsRkL-oQjyirFC)

* On the left sidebar, go to the **Create** tab and select “Create Game” to create a new game. This practically writes itself! 
* Now you can choose to start with an awesome template, provided by the team and other community members, or an empty world that’s entirely your own to design 🎨

![](/files/H08bnPKle5HQrGxdSpXZ)

* Now, if you want to **collaborate** with a friend, you can click the **share** icon at the top of your game’s info page. This will copy a link that you can send to a friend or in Discord. If they open the link, they can come join you at any time.

![](https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0*dqW_hk9DIEsv8wbJ)

### That’s it — you’re ready to make things happen! 🎉 <a href="#id-780a" id="id-780a"></a>

Now, let's crack on with some real tutorials, shall we?