Create instance with alt +D (Instead of duplicates)

:: Note :: Instances cannot have light-maps

Creating Instances

Method 1 - Manual

• Select object you want to instance
• Alt+D to create a linked duplicate ("instance")
• Linked duplicates derive all their geometry and properties directly from the original copy
• Any edits made to the original geo will automatically transfer to the instances
• The NWR sees linked duplicates as valid instances

Method 2 - Scattering

• This method lets you generate instances of an object automatically & randomly by using a different mesh as a template
• First install the add-on "Object: Scatter Objects" in Preferences and enable it
• Create an object to scatter your instances over. (ex. to make a spherical shell of instances, create a sphere that matches the size and location of where you want to have the instances)
• Select your instanced object, and then shift-select the object to scatter over, and click Object > Scatter Objects
• Now use the mouse to draw lines over the surface, and it will start scattering instances where you draw
• Go to the Tool Settings tab of the Properties panel, and tweak the Object Scatter settings to change how the instances are being generated.
• Once you're happy with the result, press enter and a new instanced mesh will be generated. You can now delete the scattering mesh if you don't need it again.
• Select the instanced mesh and go to Object > Apply > Make Instances Real to turn each part of the larger instanced mesh into individual instances of the original object

Before doing Make Instances Real, each instance is actually a single triangular polygon that "projects" a copy of the original object (the M&M shape). They are also all combined into one object. This won't show up in engine