The Explorer 2D Game Kit is a collection of mechanics, tools, systems and assets to hook up gameplay without writing any code. We’ve also created a game example using these systems, so you can see how they work together in Unity.

Unity Brighton’s Content Team – who brought you learning projects Survival Shooter, Adventure Game and Trash Dash – are now unveiling their latest creation: a 2D Gamekit for anyone who want to learn hands-on how to build a game in Unity. This game kit includes everything you need to hook up gameplay without writing any code. Download the kit and you’ll get a collection of art, gameplay elements, tools and systems, and, to show how these elements can be used, we’ve also created a game example using these systems. If you’re an artist, designer or anything in between, this is a great way to get your creative teeth into Unity.

Not just great assets but a galactic backstory to boot

Meet Ellen – our Principal Engineer. She has crash-landed her ship on a mysterious planet and has to make her way through the hazardous remains of an ancient alien civilisation, fighting tiny acid spitting creatures, deadly crystal spikes and bubbling murky pools to discover what is hidden in the deep, long forgotten crypts of this overgrown island… sounds good right?

With some seriously lush environments using loads of sprite assets, the Content Team have included some platformer classics in the kit including moving platforms, pushable boxes, switches and magical glowing keys for giant alien stone doors. Plus of course, some adorable (and some not so adorable) enemies to defeat.

Create platformer levels with Tilemap

Open the Unity engine and navigate to Scenes in the Project window. From there you will find the pre-made levels 1-5 as well as a Template scene. This template scene shows Ellen standing on a single platform. Add more ground and platforms using Tilemap, throw in some doors and some vegetation sprites, a few little snapping creatures to defeat and bam – you’ve got yourself a miniature level. Get creative with spikes, acid water, teleporters and more.

To start making your own 2D platformer, check out the Getting Started guide. If you’re interested in learning about how each component works, you’ll find the Reference Guide super helpful. You can also find all the supporting documentation in the project’s Documentation folder. Use it as a glossary, a step by step or simply as a reference if you get stuck.

There are a few ways to access 2D Game Kit. Head to our Learn site or the Asset Store. You can also access the Asset Store from within the Unity engine itself and search for ‘2D Game Kit’.

Watch the recording of our live training session on the Game Kit featuring the Content Team’s Producer Aurore Dimopoulos below. You can also discuss the project on our dedicated forum thread.

Stay tuned! The Content Team also have another trick up their sleeve. If you’re excited about the 2D Game Kit you might be pleased to know their next project is going to be a 3D Game Kit with the same theme but all in a 3D environment.