Android Studio is optional because you can download Android SDK with old version of Android SDK Manager #1
Description
The download link: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/tools_r25.2.5-windows.zip
It's should be safe because it's from Google's server, and it's still working and can download current latest Android build tool, AVD, SDK, and more except NDK.
I recommend to use NDK r23 cuz it's still supporting non-ARMv7 NEON cuz not all phones are supporting NEON architecture especially if they're playing it on old Android phone or tablet.
But it'll be tricky for newbies to set the path, but actually you can set the path inside Visual Studio 2022 by choosing File > Account Settings > Account Options > Cross Platform > C++ > Android, then check Android SDK, Android NDK, and Java SE Development Kit. Press browse and choose their respective folders on your system.