The Ultimate Guide to Unity’s New Input System for Movement

Have you ever found yourself wrestling with Unity’s old input system, trying to create smooth and responsive character movement? You’re not alone. Many game developers have struggled with the limitations and complexities of the legacy input system. But what if there was a better way?

Enter Unity’s New Input System – a game-changer for developers looking to create more intuitive and versatile movement controls. 🎮 This powerful tool promises to revolutionize how you approach character movement in your games. But with great power comes… well, a bit of a learning curve. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got you covered with The Ultimate Guide to Unity’s New Input System for Movement.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Unity new input system. From understanding its core concepts to implementing advanced movement techniques, we’ll help you master this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to set up the system, create basic character movement, and even dive into performance optimization and customization. So, whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced developer aiming to level up your skills, this guide has something for you. Let’s dive in and transform the way you handle movement in your Unity projects! 🚀

Understanding Unity’s New Input System

Key features and improvements

The Unity New Input System brings a host of powerful features and improvements to enhance your game development experience. Here are some key highlights:

• Action-based input: Define input actions independently of specific devices, allowing for more flexible and reusable input logic.
• Device-agnostic approach: Create input schemes that work across multiple platforms and input devices seamlessly.
• Input rebinding: Easily implement customizable controls for players to remap their inputs.
• Enhanced control schemes: Support for complex input combinations and sequences.

Feature	Old Input System	New Input System
Cross-platform support	Limited	Extensive
Input remapping	Manual implementation	Built-in support
Action-based input	Not available	Core feature
Performance	Good	Optimized

Advantages over the old input system

The New Input System offers several advantages that make it a superior choice for modern game development:

1. Improved code organization and maintainability
2. Better support for different input devices (keyboards, gamepads, touch screens)
3. Easier implementation of complex input scenarios
4. Enhanced debugging tools for input-related issues

Compatibility with different platforms

Unity’s New Input System shines when it comes to multi-platform development. You can create input schemes that work seamlessly across:

• PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
• Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
• VR/AR platforms

This compatibility ensures that you can develop your game once and deploy it to multiple platforms with minimal adjustments to your input logic. Now that you understand the fundamentals of the New Input System, let’s explore how to set it up in your Unity project.

Setting Up the New Input System

Installing and enabling the package

To get started with Unity’s New Input System, you’ll need to install and enable the package. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open your Unity project
2. Go to Window > Package Manager
3. Search for “Input System”
4. Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete
5. When prompted, click “Yes” to enable the new Input System and restart Unity

Once installed, you’ll need to enable it in your project settings:

1. Navigate to Edit > Project Settings > Player
2. Find the “Active Input Handling” option
3. Set it to “Both” or “Input System Package (New)”

Old Input System	New Input System
Enabled by default	Requires installation
Limited device support	Extensive device support
Less flexible	Highly customizable
Global Input Manager	Action-based approach

Creating an Input Action Asset

Now that you’ve installed the package, it’s time to create an Input Action Asset:

1. Right-click in your Project window
2. Select Create > Input Actions
3. Name your asset (e.g., “PlayerControls”)
4. Double-click the asset to open the Input Action editor

Configuring input actions for movement

In the Input Action editor, you’ll set up actions for character movement:

1. Click the “+” button to add a new action map (e.g., “Player”)
2. Within the action map, add actions for movement:
   • “Move” (Vector 2)
   • “Jump” (Button)
3. Configure each action’s properties in the Properties panel

Binding keys and controls

Finally, you’ll bind keys and controls to your actions:

1. Expand an action to reveal its bindings
2. Click “+” to add a new binding
3. Choose the appropriate control scheme (e.g., Keyboard/Mouse)
4. Select the desired key or control for each binding

Remember to save your Input Action Asset after making changes. With these steps completed, you’re ready to implement basic character movement using Unity’s New Input System.

Implementing Basic Character Movement

Creating a player controller script

To implement basic character movement in Unity new Input System, you’ll start by creating a player controller script. This script will serve as the central hub for managing your character’s movement behaviors.

1. In Unity, right-click in your Project window
2. Select Create > C# Script
3. Name it “PlayerController”

Open the script and add the necessary namespaces:

using UnityEngine;
using UnityEngine.InputSystem;

Next, create variables for movement speed and the character’s Rigidbody component:

public class PlayerController : MonoBehaviour
{
    public float moveSpeed = 5f;
    private Rigidbody rb;

    void Start()
    {
        rb = GetComponent<Rigidbody>();
    }
}

Reading input values

Now that you have your player controller script set up, you’ll need to read input values from the new Input System. Here’s how:

1. Create an Input Action asset in your Unity project
2. Define movement actions (e.g., WASD keys or gamepad stick)
3. Generate C# class from the Input Action asset

In your PlayerController script, add:

private PlayerInput playerInput;
private InputAction moveAction;

void Awake()
{
    playerInput = GetComponent<PlayerInput>();
    moveAction = playerInput.actions["Move"];
}

Translating input to character movement

With input values available, you can now translate them into character movement:

void FixedUpdate()
{
    Vector2 input = moveAction.ReadValue<Vector2>();
    Vector3 movement = new Vector3(input.x, 0f, input.y);
    rb.MovePosition(rb.position + movement * moveSpeed * Time.fixedDeltaTime);
}

This code reads the input values, creates a movement vector, and applies it to the character’s position.

Handling different movement types

To handle various movement types like walking, running, and sprinting, you can implement a simple state machine:

Movement Type	Speed Multiplier	Input Condition
Walk	1x	Default
Run	1.5x	Shift key held
Sprint	2x	Shift + Ctrl

private float currentSpeedMultiplier = 1f;

void Update()
{
    if (Keyboard.current.shiftKey.isPressed && Keyboard.current.ctrlKey.isPressed)
    {
        currentSpeedMultiplier = 2f; // Sprint
    }
    else if (Keyboard.current.shiftKey.isPressed)
    {
        currentSpeedMultiplier = 1.5f; // Run
    }
    else
     1f; // Walk
    }
}

Modify your FixedUpdate method to incorporate the speed multiplier:

rb.MovePosition(rb.position + movement * moveSpeed * currentSpeedMultiplier * Time.fixedDeltaTime);

With these implementations, you’ve successfully created a basic character movement system using Unity’s new Input System. Next, we’ll explore advanced movement techniques to further enhance your character’s mobility and responsiveness.

Advanced Movement Techniques

Implementing smooth acceleration and deceleration

To create more realistic character movement, you’ll want to implement smooth acceleration and deceleration. This technique adds a natural feel to your character’s motion, making the game more immersive.   Here’s how you can achieve this effect:

1. Use Vector3.SmoothDamp() for gradual speed changes
2. Implement a coroutine for acceleration over time
3. Apply drag to simulate deceleration

Parameter	Description	Typical Value
Current velocity	Current speed of the character	Vector3
Target velocity	Desired speed	Vector3
Ref velocity	Reference velocity for smooth transitions	Vector3
Smooth time	Time to reach target velocity	0.1f – 0.5f

Adding jump and gravity

Jumping is a crucial element in many games. To implement a realistic jump mechanic:

1. Apply an initial upward force when the jump button is pressed
2. Simulate gravity by constantly applying downward force
3. Use raycasts to detect ground contact

Here’s a simple implementation:

void Jump()
{
    if (IsGrounded() && Input.GetButtonDown("Jump"))
    {
        velocity.y = Mathf.Sqrt(jumpHeight * -2f * gravity);
    }
    
    velocity.y += gravity * Time.deltaTime;
    controller.Move(velocity * Time.deltaTime);
}

Incorporating character rotation

Smooth character rotation enhances the overall movement experience. You can achieve this by:

1. Using Quaternion.Slerp() for gradual rotation
2. Aligning the character with the movement direction
3. Implementing a look-at function for targeting

Handling different terrains and slopes

Adapting your character’s movement to various terrains and slopes adds depth to your game. Consider these techniques:

• Use raycasts to detect surface normals
• Adjust movement speed based on terrain type
• Implement slope limits to prevent unrealistic climbing

By mastering these advanced movement techniques, you’ll create a more dynamic and engaging character controller. Next, we’ll explore how to optimize these movement mechanics for better performance.

Optimizing Movement Performance

Using Time.deltaTime for frame-rate independence

When optimizing movement performance in Unity‘s new Input System, one crucial aspect is ensuring frame-rate independence. This is where Time.deltaTime comes into play. By incorporating this value into your movement calculations, you can create smooth and consistent motion across different devices and frame rates.   Here’s how you can implement Time.deltaTime in your movement code:

void Update()
{
    Vector2 movement = inputActions.Player.Move.ReadValue<Vector2>();
    transform.Translate(movement * moveSpeed * Time.deltaTime);
}

Using Time.deltaTime multiplies your movement by the time elapsed since the last frame, ensuring consistent speed regardless of frame rate.

Implementing input buffering

Input buffering is a technique that can significantly improve the responsiveness of your game. It allows you to store inputs for a short period, executing them even if they’re received slightly before or after the ideal frame.   Here’s a simple example of how you might implement input buffering:

Buffer Component	Description
Input Queue	Stores recent inputs
Buffer Time	Duration to hold inputs
Process Method	Executes buffered inputs

private Queue<InputAction.CallbackContext> inputBuffer = new Queue<InputAction.CallbackContext>();
private const float bufferTime = 0.1f; // 100ms buffer

void Update()
{
    ProcessBuffer();
}

void OnJump(InputAction.CallbackContext context)
{
    inputBuffer.Enqueue(context);
}

void ProcessBuffer()
{
    while (inputBuffer.Count > 0 && Time.time - inputBuffer.Peek().time <= bufferTime)
    {
        var input = inputBuffer.Dequeue();
        // Process the buffered input
    }
}

Reducing input lag

To minimize input lag, you can employ several strategies:

1. Use Input.GetKeyDown() instead of Input.GetKey() for more responsive inputs
2. Implement prediction algorithms for network-based games
3. Optimize your game’s overall performance to reduce frame time

Remember, the goal is to create a responsive and smooth player experience. By combining these techniques, you’ll significantly enhance the performance of your movement system using Unity’s new Input System.

Customizing and Extending the Input System

Creating custom input actions

When working with Unity’s New Input System, creating custom input actions allows you to tailor your game’s controls to your specific needs. Here’s how you can create and implement custom input actions:

1. Open the Input Action Asset
2. Add a new action map
3. Create a new action within the map
4. Define the action’s properties
5. Bind the action to specific controls

Step	Description
1	Open Input Action Asset in Project window
2	Click “+” to add new action map
3	Right-click in action map to add new action
4	Set action name, type, and control type
5	Drag controls from binding section to action

By following these steps, you can create unique input actions that perfectly suit your game’s mechanics and feel.

Implementing context-sensitive controls

Context-sensitive controls allow your game to respond differently to the same input based on the current game state. This adds depth and flexibility to your control scheme. To implement context-sensitive controls:

1. Create multiple action maps for different contexts
2. Use C# scripts to switch between action maps
3. Utilize action callbacks to execute context-specific code

For example, you might have separate action maps for “Combat” and “Exploration” modes. When the player enters combat, you switch to the Combat action map, changing how certain inputs behave.

Supporting multiple control schemes

To make your game accessible to a wider audience, it’s crucial to support multiple control schemes. Here’s how you can implement support for keyboard, gamepad, and touch controls:

1. Create separate control schemes in your Input Action Asset
2. Define bindings for each control scheme
3. Use device-specific UI elements for different input methods

Control Scheme	Advantages
Keyboard	Precise, familiar for PC gamers
Gamepad	Comfortable for console-style play
Touch	Intuitive for mobile devices

By supporting multiple control schemes, you ensure that players can enjoy your game regardless of their preferred input method. Remember to test each control scheme thoroughly to provide a smooth experience across all platforms. Now that you’ve customized and extended the Input System, let’s move on to debugging and troubleshooting common issues you might encounter.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Using the Input Debugger

The Input Debugger is your best friend when it comes to troubleshooting issues with Unity’s new Input System. This powerful tool allows you to visualize and analyze input events in real-time, making it easier to identify and resolve problems.   To access the Input Debugger:

1. Go to Window > Analysis > Input Debugger
2. Select the devices you want to monitor
3. Start your game and observe the input events

The Input Debugger provides valuable information such as:

• Active input devices
• Button states
• Axis values
• Touch inputs

Feature	Description
Event Trace	Shows a chronological list of input events
Device State	Displays the current state of all connected devices
Action Map	Visualizes the mapping between inputs and actions

Common movement-related issues and solutions

When implementing character movement with the new Input System, you might encounter some common issues. Here are a few problems and their solutions:

1. Unresponsive movement:
   • Ensure your Input Action Asset is properly set up
   • Check if the Player Input component is correctly configured
2. Jittery or inconsistent movement:
   • Use Time.deltaTime to smooth out frame-rate dependent movement
   • Implement interpolation or extrapolation for networked games
3. Input lag:
   • Reduce the number of intermediate layers between input and movement
   • Consider using Input System’s lower-level APIs for direct input polling

Performance profiling for input-heavy games

For games with complex input requirements, performance optimization is crucial. Use Unity’s Profiler to identify and address input-related bottlenecks:

1. Open the Profiler (Window > Analysis > Profiler)
2. Focus on the CPU Usage and Input System categories
3. Look for spikes or consistent high usage in input-related methods

To optimize input performance:

• Use Input System’s event-driven model instead of polling
• Implement input buffering for combos or complex input sequences
• Consider using Unity’s Job System for parallel input processing in large-scale games

By mastering these debugging and optimization techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to create smooth, responsive movement systems using Unity’s new Input System. Next, we’ll explore some advanced topics and best practices to further enhance your game’s input handling. Also Check :

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Conclusion:

Unity’s New Input System revolutionizes how you handle character movement in your games. By mastering this powerful tool, you’ve unlocked a world of possibilities for creating responsive, intuitive, and customizable controls. From basic character movement to advanced techniques and performance optimization, you now have the knowledge to elevate your game development skills.

As you continue your journey with Unity’s New Input System, remember to experiment, customize, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re working on a simple 2D platformer or a complex 3D adventure, the flexibility and power of this system will serve you well. Keep refining your skills, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to explore the vast potential of Unity’s New Input System in your future projects.

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