Hexagonal Grids: A Guide for Game Developers
Hexagonal Grids Hexagonal grids are a powerful tool in game development, especially for strategy games, RPGs, or any game that involves a tactical layer. Unlike square grids, hexagonal grids have some unique properties that allow for more natural movement patterns, smoother transitions, and more interesting gameplay dynamics. In this article, we’ll cover how to implement hexagonal grids in your games, focusing on the math behind them, different types of hexagonal coordinate systems, and C# code examples to help you get started. The Basics of Hexagonal Grids Hexagonal grids are composed of hexagons that tile a 2D plane without any gaps. Each hexagon has six neighbors (as opposed to the four neighbors in a square grid), which creates more natural movement patterns, especially for diagonal movements. Hexagonal grids are commonly used in games that require pathfinding, strategic placement, or any gameplay mechanic that benefits from a more organic grid layout.