To update from Spine 4.0.0 runtime to the latest 4.2 package, it's generally recommended to follow the upgrade guides sequentially to ensure compatibility and to address any potential issues that may arise during the update process. This means you would first update from 4.0 to 4.1, following the guidelines provided in the Spine-Unity 4.0 to 4.1 Upgrade Guide, and then proceed to update from 4.1 to 4.2, adhering to any specific instructions or notes provided for this transition.
It's important to back up your project before starting the update process to prevent any potential data loss. Additionally, you should re-export your Spine projects with the corresponding Spine Editor version to ensure compatibility with the updated runtime. Be aware that there might be changes in the API or functionality between versions, so reviewing the CHANGELOG.md
and any upgrade guides thoroughly is crucial to identify any adjustments needed in your project.
While direct updates (skipping intermediate versions) are sometimes possible, they are not recommended due to the risk of missing critical changes or updates that could affect your project. Following the sequential upgrade path allows you to address these changes incrementally, reducing the risk of significant issues.