2D game development
Resources and workflows for creating applications in 2D.
Read time 2 minutesLast updated 4 days ago
While Unity is famous for its 3D capabilities, you can also use Unity to create 2D projects. Use this section to learn how to develop 2D projects in Unity, including how to use sprites, create Tilemaps, and use the 2D physics system in your projects.
Some examples of typical 2D game types
Many areas of Unity’s documentation apply to both 2D and 3D development. This section focuses on 2D-specific features and functionality. To choose the right mode for your project, refer to 2D and 3D Projects. For a comparison on two modes, refer to 2D and 3D mode settings.
Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to 2D | Understand the available features of 2D projects in Unity. |
| 2D game development | Resources for creating 2D games in Unity. |
| Sprites | Use Sprites within your 2D game. |
| Tilemaps | Use the Tilemap system to create 2D levels. |
| 2D Physics | Use Unity’s physics system to handle physics 2D components. |
| 2D game development in URP | Understand how to implement 2D lights, 2D lighting effects, and the pixelated visual style in your projects in URP. |
Additional resources and examples
- 📖 E-Book:2D game art, animation, and lighting for artists
- ⚙️ Sample project:Dragon Crashers - URP 2D Sample Project
- ⚙️ Sample project:Happy Harvest - 2D Sample Project
- ⚙️ Sample project:Gem Hunter Match - 2D Sample Project
- 📝 How-to guide:How to use 2D lights in Unity to set the mood
- 📝 How-to guide:Optimize performance of 2D games with Unity Tilemap
- 📝 How-to guide:2D light and shadow techniques in URP
- 📝 How-to guide:How to animate 2D characters in Unity 2022 LTS
- 📝 How-to guide:How to create art and gameplay with 2D tilemaps
- 📝 How-to guide:Create 2D special effects in Unity with the VFX Graph and Shader Graph
- 📺 Video:Happy Harvest URP 2D sample game customization tutorial
- 📺 Video:20 advanced 2D shader effects - part 1
- 📺 Video:20 advanced 2D shader effects - part 2
- 📺 Video:Secondary textures - Lit sprites and 2D VFX tutorial
- 📺 Video:Sprite atlas best practices in Unity 6
- 👥 Community:Join the conversation on Unity Discussions