Unity3D Version Differences

With each new version, Unity brings new features and improvements to the engine. In this post, we will discuss the differences between Unity versions in detail, highlighting the major features and improvements added in each version.

Unity 2017 #

Unity 2017 introduced a number of new features and improvements to the engine. One of the major changes in Unity 2017 was the introduction of the Scriptable Render Pipeline (SRP), which gave developers more control over the rendering pipeline of their projects. Unity 2017 also introduced the C# Job System, which allowed developers to take advantage of multiple CPU cores for faster performance. In addition, Unity 2017 brought a number of improvements to the engine’s lighting system and the editor interface.

Unity 2018 #

Unity 2018 brought a number of new features and improvements to the engine. One of the major changes in Unity 2018 was the introduction of the Entity Component System (ECS), which allowed developers to write more efficient code and take better advantage of modern hardware. Unity 2018 also introduced the Visual Scripting tool Bolt, which allowed developers to create visual scripts without writing code. In addition, Unity 2018 brought a number of improvements to the engine’s particle system and animation tools.

Unity 2019 #

Unity 2019 introduced a number of new features and improvements to the engine. One of the major changes in Unity 2019 was the introduction of the Package Manager, which made it easier for developers to manage their project’s dependencies. Unity 2019 also introduced the Shader Graph, which allowed developers to create custom shaders without writing code. In addition, Unity 2019 brought a number of improvements to the engine’s 2D tools, including the new 2D Animation Package.

Unity 2020 #

Unity 2020 brought a number of new features and improvements to the engine. One of the major changes in Unity 2020 was the introduction of the High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP), which allowed developers to create high-quality graphics for their projects. Unity 2020 also introduced the Universal Render Pipeline (URP), which provided a lightweight rendering solution for mobile and low-end devices. In addition, Unity 2020 brought a number of improvements to the engine’s terrain tools and the editor interface.

Unity 2021 #

Unity 2021 introduced a number of new features and improvements to the engine. One of the major changes in Unity 2021 was the introduction of the new Scriptable Objects architecture, which allowed developers to create modular data structures that could be reused across different parts of their projects. Unity 2021 also brought a number of improvements to the engine’s physics system, the animation tools, and the editor interface.

Compare 2017 – 2022 Unity3D #

Feature	Unity 2017	Unity 2018	Unity 2019	Unity 2020	Unity 2021	Unity 2022
Scriptable Render Pipeline (SRP)	No	Yes, with 2 SRPs (Lightweight and High Definition)	Yes, with additional Universal SRP	Yes, with updated Universal SRP	No	No
C# Job System	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ECS (Entity Component System)	No	No	Yes, in preview	Yes, in preview	Yes	Yes
Visual Scripting (Bolt)	No	Yes, as a paid asset	Yes, as a built-in package	Yes, as a built-in package	Yes, as a built-in package	Yes, as a built-in package
Package Manager	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shader Graph	No	Yes, as a paid asset	Yes, as a built-in package	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features
High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP)	No	No	Yes, as a preview	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features
Universal Render Pipeline (URP)	No	Yes, with limited features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features
2D Animation Package	No	Yes, as a built-in package	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features	Yes, with updated features
Terrain Tools	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Unity Collaborate (Version Control)	Yes, in beta	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scriptable Objects	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

What to look for when checking for compatibility #

1. Scriptable Render Pipeline (SRP)
2. C# Job System
3. ECS (Entity Component System)
4. Visual Scripting (Bolt)
5. Package Manager
6. Shader Graph
7. High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP)
8. Universal Render Pipeline (URP)
9. 2D Animation Package
10. Terrain Tools
11. Unity Collaborate (Version Control)
12. Scriptable Objects

Unity3D Migration FAQ #

Q1. What should I do before updating my Unity3D version? #

A: It’s recommended to backup your project before updating, especially if you have a large project or if you’re updating to a major version. You should also check the release notes of the new version to see if there are any changes that could affect your project.

Q2. Will my project work with the new Unity3D version? #

A: It depends on your project and the changes made in the new version. Some projects may require changes to work with the new version. It’s recommended to test your project in the new version before fully committing to it.

Q3. Can I still use assets and packages from older Unity3D versions in the new version? #

A: Generally, yes. However, there may be compatibility issues with some assets or packages. It’s recommended to check with the asset/packaging provider to see if their product is compatible with the new version.

Q4. Will my scripts work with the new Unity3D version? #

A: Most likely, yes. However, there may be changes in the new version that could affect your scripts. It’s recommended to check the release notes and documentation of the new version to see if there are any changes that could affect your scripts.

Q5. What should I do if my project doesn’t work with the new Unity3D version? #

A: If your project doesn’t work with the new version, you may need to make changes to your project or scripts to make them compatible with the new version. You could also try contacting Unity Support or posting on Unity Forums to get help.

Q6. Can I revert to an older Unity3D version if I don’t like the new version? #

A: Yes, you can revert to an older version. However, keep in mind that changes made in the new version may not be compatible with the older version.

Q7. Should I update to every new version of Unity3D? #

A: It’s not necessary to update to every new version of Unity3D, especially if you’re working on a stable project that doesn’t require new features or improvements. It’s recommended to update if there are features or improvements that could benefit your project.

Q8. Will updating Unity3D affect my team collaboration? #

A: It depends on your team’s workflow and the changes made in the new version. It’s recommended to communicate with your team and make sure everyone is on the same page before updating.

Q9. Can I have multiple versions of Unity3D installed on my computer? #

A: Yes, you can have multiple versions of Unity3D installed on your computer. However, it’s recommended to keep track of which version you’re using for each project to avoid compatibility issues.

Q10. Should I wait for a few patches before updating to a new Unity3D version? #

A: It’s not necessary to wait for patches, but it’s recommended to check the release notes and forums to see if there are any known issues with the new version. If there are major issues, you may want to wait for a patch before updating.