Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this advanced course, you will learn how to build complex, multi-level dungeons programmatically using modular assets. You’ll start by replacing maze pieces with dungeon assets, adding larger rooms, walls, pillars, and doorways. The course walks you through essential dungeon construction techniques, including the integration of structural elements, proper placement patterns, and resolving 3D issues like Z-Fighting. By the end of this section, you’ll be able to design and programmatically manage a fully functional dungeon environment in Unity. Next, you will explore generating multiple dungeon levels and connecting them with vertical elements like manholes and stairwells. You’ll also refine your maze’s structure by creating a maze manager to help organize and oversee the placement of assets across different floors. The course then delves into A* pathfinding for navigating the maze and generating corridors between rooms. You'll apply this knowledge in your final project to design a unique multi-level environment with dynamic lighting, teleportation, and pathfinding systems. This course is ideal for those with prior game development or programming experience who are eager to build more complex, interactive environments. While basic knowledge of Unity is recommended, no advanced prior experience is required. The course offers an intermediate-to-advanced challenge, providing learners with valuable skills for dungeon creation and programming. By the end of the course, you will be able to design, build, and navigate multi-level dungeon environments, implement pathfinding algorithms, and complete a fully functional game-level project with dynamic features such as lighting, teleportation, and waypoint systems.

Syllabus

Programmatically Building a Dungeon with Modular Assets

In this module, we will dive into the process of programmatically building a dungeon using modular assets. You'll learn how to replace maze pieces with dungeon components, define room layouts, and place structural elements such as walls, pillars, and doorways. Additionally, we’ll address potential challenges like Z-fighting and the need for proper asset placement tracking to refine your dungeon's design.

Generating Multiple Storeys

In this module, we will explore the process of generating and managing multiple storeys within a dungeon environment. You’ll learn how to categorize map modules, implement vertical connections like stairwells and manholes, and build a Maze Manager to organize multiple levels. By the end, you will have mastered the techniques needed to create a complex, multi-storey maze system with seamless vertical navigation and structural consistency.

Creating Corridors

In this module, we will focus on creating corridors within a dungeon using pathfinding algorithms and stairwell systems. You'll gain an understanding of the A* algorithm and how to implement it for optimal navigation through a maze. We’ll also work on transforming path data into functional corridors and integrating these corridors between multiple maze levels, ensuring smooth vertical and horizontal transitions. By the end of this module, you will have the skills to create complex, multi-level dungeon layouts with efficient connectivity.

Final Project with Challenges

In this module, we will complete your dungeon-building journey with a final project that challenges you to integrate everything you've learned. You’ll create a multi-level environment, enhance it with lighting and artifacts, and implement systems like teleportation and A* pathfinding for seamless navigation. As you wrap up your project, you’ll also set up a waypoint system to guide particles, completing the immersive experience. By the end of this module, you’ll have a polished, interactive dungeon environment ready for exploration.

Final Words

In this final module, we will wrap up the course with some closing thoughts from Penny. We’ll summarize the key lessons learned, reflect on the techniques and skills you've gained, and offer suggestions for continuing your learning journey in dungeon design and game development. This module will leave you with the tools and inspiration to take your skills to the next level.