When using Unity Software for your game development project, you will want to utilize tools, assets, and extensions that can save time, fill skill gaps and improve the workflow of your project.
Unity can be a challenging program for some beginners, but certain assets and applications can make using Unity a lot easier and faster! You no longer need to be held back but not being able to code, or not being a 3D specialist. Many of the tools and assets that can be downloaded with Unity improve workflow and help game developers.
Below is a list of best ( opinion ) assets, that can help you get started with using Unity.
It should be noted that this list is for general assets across a variety of games and simulation types. And not a specific type of game.
Another great thing with regards to some of the best assets to get started with when using Unity is… the best assets don’t need to necessarily cost anything.
Getting started with some of the best assets for Unity ( beginners )
Starter Assets – First Person Character Controller | URP
This character controller is a great asset if you’re just getting started in creating indie games or game prototypes. For getting started, this asset takes out a lot of the legwork for creating first-person character controllers. You can walk, look around, run, jump, and generally navigate your way around your first-person scene. This is asset is created by Unity.
I have used this pack on numerous occasions to test making micro games. It is great for beginners and non-coders too.
Starter Assets – Third-Person Character Controller
Also by Unity, The third person character controller is another great starter asset if you’re just getting into creating indie games in Unity. As above with the first person character controller, you can walk, run, jump, and look around. But, the camera has changed. You can now view everything from over the player’s shoulder view. And you get a 3D model too.
Free-Climb System PRO
Want to fast-track making a climbing game? This set of assets allows the game developer to create a climbing game without having to code and build everything from scratch. The Free Climb System PRO allows the player to; move around sheer faces, cliffs, climb walls, move around corners, and climb up onto ledges to name a few.
The asset is suitable for getting started if you are wanting to make a 3D climbing game.
UI Samples
This free UI kit is ideal if you want to fast-track setting up a slick user interface ( UI ). This pack is completely free to use and is a great starting for those just getting started with interfaces and HUDs in their Unity games.
Bolt
Hate code or won’t code? You no longer need to feel that being unable to code is an obstacle to creating your game. Bolt is an asset that allows you, as a game designer, to create your game using ‘blocks’ to formulate the logic that makes the game work. The term I have seen used to describe assets such as Bolt is – visual scripting.
Easy Save
Another set of assets that can help you get started with creating a save system. When getting started with unity, having this asset can certainly be one of the best time savers. With Easy Save you can create download and use a save game system for your Unity game.
Gaia
Want to create some stunning environments that can look triple ‘AAA’ in the right hands? Gaia and all of its subsidiaries are a great set of assets for outdoor world-building. Gaia is not a cheap asset for certain, but it is one of the best for creating 3D worlds.
Nature Starter Kits
The nature starter kits are perfect if you’re just starting out. The nature kits are bundles of tree textures and other brushes which you can use to create 3D outdoor environments.
Dot Tween Pro
Dot Tween Pro is a visual animation editor which can be integrated into Unity. With got tween pro, you can animate text, game objects, shapes, cameras, and various other objects in your game. Akin to animation programs such as Adobe Animate or After Effects.
Playmaker
Playmaker is another visual code editor, similar to Bolt. If you can’t code or don’t know how to code the good news is that you can still make games.
This asset allows you to get started with making your game and concentrate on the creative stages. As with Bolt and other visual code editors, Playmaker brings a visual approach to create the logic for your game.
Enviro
If you are looking at getting started with weather systems in Unity then this asset could be he solution for you. You can create your own custom weather systems for your 3D games! The visuals look stunning too.
Adventure Creator
This is a great asset if you want to get started with creating an adventure in Unity. With Adventure Creator, you can create first-person, third-person, point and click, graphics ventures, eight-direction adventure games and 2.5D adventures.
Adventure Creator comes with a range of pre-made tools and logic for you to use to get to get started right away. Adventure Creator, or AC is a very powerful set of tools if you’re looking to create 2D or 3D adventures.
Terrain Sample Asset Pack
I couldn’t end this list and not mentioned the sample asset pack which has been created by Unity. This set of assets and tools is perfect to get you started creating your 3D terrains. It is simple and easy to use if you know how to use Unity at a beginner level.
This set of assets is perfect for helping you get started with creating 3D outdoor environments.
Assets for getting started in Unity
Many of the assets mentioned in this post are free or time-saving tools that can help you in getting started and create a game in Unity. If you found this page helpful please feel free to save it to your favourites.