Unity 5: 2D Pathfinding

32mIntermediate2016-10-10

Authors

Jesse Freeman

Head of Partner and Framework Marketing at Amazon

Course details

Learn how to move characters and objects from point A to B with this introduction to pathfinding in Unity 5. This training focuses on pathfinding in the 2D world: programming simple ways to connect different locations in 2D games. Jesse Freeman starts by explaining the data structures (graphs and nodes) and the A* pathfinding algorithm: the technology that makes traversal of 2D games possible. Then he shows you how to connect paths in a 2D map, and find the fastest path between two points. You'll also build a simple demo map to illustrate and test the pathfinding logic.

Learning objectives
What is A*?
Adding node classes and properties
Storing and indexing graph nodes
Building the search class
Traversing the nodes
Searching adjacent nodes
Testing the search
Building a test map
Creating and coloring a grid

Skills covered

Real-TimeGame DevelopmentUnityVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingSoftware DevelopmentDeep Dive (X:Y)

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - Exercise files

1. Pathfinding Introduction

03 - What is A
04 - Setting up the project

2. The Node Class

05 - What is a node
06 - Adding the node property

3. The Graph Class

07 - What is a graph
08 - Storing the node
09 - Indexing the nodes
10 - Testing for neighbors

4. The Search Class

11 - Building the Search class
12 - Starting the search
13 - The Step method
14 - Traversing the nodes
15 - Continuing the search
16 - Searching adjacent nodes
17 - Getting the node index

5. Testing the Search

18 - Building a test map
19 - Running the search
20 - Creating a grid in Unity IU
21 - Changing colors on the grid
22 - Showing the path

Conclusion

23 - Next steps