ProblemFix
Sprite is pinkOpen Master Setup and run Full Rebuild for Project Pipeline. Then check that the object uses a variant from the same pipeline.
UI Image does not show the effectUse a GUI variant. SpriteRenderer variants are not for Canvas UI.
URP 2D lights do not affect the spriteUse 2D Lit URP or 2D Lit Additive URP and make sure the project uses the URP 2D Renderer.
Outline looks rough when scaledUse SDF outline and bake an SDF texture for that sprite.
Runtime value changed but visual did not updateCall MarkEffectDirty(EffectId.YourEffect) after changing one effect from code. Use MarkDirty() only for a full refresh.
Too many sprites are expensiveReduce blur, glow, soft shadow, trails, heavy noise, and thick outlines on repeated objects.