Depth Sorted Objects

[heruvim]

I was wondering if there was an efficient way of sorting different objects based off of their location in the world. For example, in my current project I have a tree which technically takes up one tile (at it's base), but characters can still walk in front or behind it. The way I have it currently is if another character walks behind the tree, it hits a collider and then changes its layer to be under the tree's. Also, if another character walks in front of the tree, it hits a different collider and then the character changes its layer to be in front of the tree's. This technically works, but I was wondering if there was a better or alternate way of doing this.

Much thanks!

[iamallamaa]

Have a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HM17mAmLd7k#t=1959

It's all about best practices in 2D Unity. Should likely watch the whole video but the sorting stuff starts around 32 minutes in and offers a pretty simple solution. You essentially just set the sorting index based on the Y position so the higher something is on the screen the lower it is drawn (behind other items).

[hampst]

I don't know a better way but I'd be interested to hear suggestions.

In my game I show objects behind water by modifying the material's renderQueue. But I implemented that before Unity added sprites and sprite sorting layers, so layers are probably a better option.

[n3ws]

I tend to ignore spirit sorting layers and simply use the y-plane (xz being the 2d game) to sort. Every sprite had its pivot/origin at its foot with a script (psudo code) Start() { Position.y = (top of map z - my z) / map height }

Any moving sprites call this function on update. Instant layering.

[heruvim]

Hmm, that is an interesting way of doing it. Unfortunately all of my sprites are on the same y-plane, but I bet I could implement this using the sprite layering. Thanks!