Unity Hex Mapping

Unity Hex Mapping is a feature in Unity that allows developers to create hexagonal maps. These maps are commonly used in strategy and role-playing games. The hexagonal shape allows for more natural-looking and organic terrain that can accommodate different elevations.

Why Use Unity Hex Mapping?

There are several benefits to using Unity Hex Mapping:

1. Hexes are more versatile than squares or rectangles. The six-sided shape allows for a more natural and organic terrain that is easier to work with.

2. Hexes allow for more movement and placement options. Units can move in six directions instead of the four directions offered by squares or rectangles.

3. Hexes are easier to tessellate. Creating a seamless pattern with hexagons is easier than with squares or rectangles.

Getting Started with Unity Hex Mapping

To get started with Unity Hex Mapping, there are a few things that you'll need to do:

1. Create a grid of hexagons. You can do this by creating a hexagonal pattern in an image-editing program like Photoshop or GIMP and then using it as a texture on a hexagonal mesh.

public class HexGrid : MonoBehaviour
{
    public int width = 6;
    public int height = 6;

    private HexCell[] cells;

    private void Awake()
    {
        GenerateCells();
    }

    private void GenerateCells()
    {
        cells = new HexCell[width * height];

        for (int z = 0, i = 0; z < height; z++)
        {
            for (int x = 0; x < width; x++)
            {
                CreateCell(x, z, i++);
            }
        }
    }

    private void CreateCell(int x, int z, int i)
    {
        Vector3 position;

        position.x = (x + z * 0.5f - z / 2) * (HexMetrics.innerRadius * 2f);
        position.y = 0f;
        position.z = z * (HexMetrics.outerRadius * 1.5f);

        HexCell cell = cells[i] = Instantiate(cellPrefab);
        cell.transform.SetParent(transform, false);
        cell.transform.localPosition = position;
    }
}

2. Define the terrain. You can do this by creating a terrain texture that defines the different elevations and then using it as a height map in Unity.

3. Add units and obstacles. You can do this by adding GameObjects to the grid and then using collision detection to detect collisions between units and obstacles.

Conclusion

Unity Hex Mapping is a powerful feature that can make your strategy and role-playing games more immersive and natural-looking. By creating a hexagonal grid and defining the terrain, you can create a game world that can accommodate different elevations and movement patterns.