Unity 5: 2D Pathfinding

Learn how to move characters and objects from point A to B with this introduction to pathfinding in Unity.

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.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Exercise files

1. Pathfinding Introduction

• What is A*?
• Setting up the project

2. The Node Class

• What is a node?
• Adding the node property

3. The Graph Class

• What is a graph?
• Storing the node
• Indexing the nodes
• Testing for neighbors

4. The Search Class

• Building the Search class
• Starting the search
• The Step method
• Traversing the nodes
• Continuing the search
• Searching adjacent nodes
• Getting the node index

5. Testing the Search

• Building a test map
• Running the search
• Creating a grid in Unity IU
• Changing colors on the grid
• Showing the path

Conclusion

• Next steps