10 Best Unity Courses in 2024 [Free + Paid] | Learn Unity Engine

Unity is one of the most popular game engines in the world and a highly sought-after skill in the game development industry. Unity’s engine is used to power roughly 50% of all mobile games and more than 60% of all virtual reality and augmented reality content. 

Unity development involves creating video games and other interactive experiences using the Unity game engine, but to become a Unity developer, you'll need a strong foundation in C#, as well as an understanding of game design principles and 3D modeling.

If you're considering a career in game development or are interested in creating your own games, Unity is an excellent platform. The video game industry is projected to reach $372 billion in 2024, and Unity developers are in high demand, with average annual salaries in excess of $70K, depending on your experience and location.

In this article, we'll cover a range of the best Unity courses for game development in 2024, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, we've found courses that will help you hone your skills and take your game development to the next level.

Featured Unity Courses [Editor’s Picks]

• [Udemy] The Ultimate Guide to Game Development with Unity (Official)
• [Coursera] C# Programming for Unity Game Development Specialization
• [Unity Technologies] Junior Programmer Pathway
• [CodeMonkey] Learn Unity Beginner/Intermediate 2024

Choosing the Best Unity Game Development Courses 

To help us find the 10 best Unity courses online in 2024, we’ve used the following criteria.

• Creator Expertise: How experienced are they with teaching Unity development? And what was the ratio of positive student reviews?
• Course Content: How comprehensive is the course curriculum? How engaging is the style of presentation? Are the topics relevant to real-world challenges for a Unity game developer?
• Community: How many people have taken the course or are currently enrolled? Is it easy to reach out to other students if you get stuck?

The 10 Best Unity Courses for Game Development in 2024

1. [Udemy] The Ultimate Guide to Game Development with Unity (Official)

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Why we chose this course

This official Unity covers beginner to advanced game development concepts, with over 100 hours of video content, 200+ interactive challenges.

You’ll also build portfolio-worthy projects like a polished 2D galaxy shooter game with cinematic effects, a 3D click-to-move stealth game, and a 2D dungeon crawler mobile game; the course emphasizes practical coding and game development skills.

The course is officially backed by Unity, providing access to unique artwork, Team Collaboration service, and interactive challenges. The teaching method enables students to develop games while thoroughly understanding the applied concepts, such as learning C#, creating player movement, power-ups, enemies, and sound effects. Students give it a 4.6-star rating, praising its comprehensive coverage and interactive challenges. 

Pros

• Includes over 100 hours of video content and 200+ interactive challenges
• Provides portfolio-worthy projects that emphasize practical coding skills
• Officially backed by Unity, providing access to unique artwork and services
• Uses a unique applied learning method 

Cons

• Only residents of the US and Canada are allowed in the Facebook Group for students 
• May contain outdated material

2. [Udemy] Complete C# Unity Game Developer 3D

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Why we chose this course
This is an updated version of the popular online Unity course, Complete Unity Developer, with new projects and teaching techniques based on feedback from over 1 million previous students.

The course offers 30.5 hours of content covering C# from scratch, object-oriented programming, building in-game obstacle courses, designing third and first-person shooter (FPS) games, and source control. It also includes practical exercises for students to demonstrate their abilities in each lesson.

Led by the GameDev.TV team, the course has a 4.7-star rating and over 200,000 previously enrolled students, with many praising the course’s comprehensive coverage and engaging instructors. 

Pros

• Comprehensive course covering a wide range of topics
• Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging
• Affordably priced, given the amount of content provided 
• Project-based, immediately applying learned concepts to practice 

Cons

• May contain outdated material
• Does not provide in-depth knowledge on any one topic

3. [Coursera] C# Programming for Unity Game Development Specialization

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Why we chose this course

This specialization from Coursera teaches beginner programmers how to program Unity games using C#. The program is offered by the University of Colorado and taught by Dr. Tim Chamillard, an associate professor of Computer Science.

Throughout the four separate courses, learners will cover various topics, including C# syntax, object-oriented programming, game mechanics, abstraction design, iteration/looping, user interfaces, and game physics. Each course includes 10-20 exercises designed to teach learners small concepts in C# and Unity, as well as two complete games.

The capstone project allows you to implement your game idea using Unity and C#, allowing you to showcase your abilities to potential employers. With a 4.7-star rating and over 10,000 previously enrolled students, this specialization is ideal for those seeking a career in the video game industry.

Pros

• Comprehensive program consisting of four courses
• Provides a foundation for building commercial-quality games
• Includes practical projects, including three complete games
• Taught by an associate professor at the University of Colorado

Cons

• Courses within the specialization must be taken in order

4. [Coursera] Game Design and Development with Unity 2020 Specialization

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Why we chose this course

Offered by Michigan State University, this Unity Specialization provides a theoretical, technical, and practical understanding of game development. 

The program, taught by Professor Brian Winn, comprises five separate courses covering level design, game balancing, prototyping, playtesting, and game asset creation techniques. It includes five projects, where learners will build multiple 2D and 3D shooter games in Unity 

With a 4.8-star rating and over 12,000 enrolments, Michigan State University's game program is ranked one of the top programs in North America.

Pros

• Comprehensive program covering five separate Unity game development courses
• Opportunities to build four complete Unity game projects and create an original game
• One of the top programs in North America, offered by Michigan State University

Cons

• Courses within the specialization must be taken in order

5. [Unity Technologies] Junior Programmer Pathway

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Why we chose this course

The Junior Programmer pathway from Unity Learn (that’s right, Unity themselves!) is a comprehensive and well-structured course designed for anyone interested in learning to code or obtaining an entry-level Unity role. 

The program teaches students various programming concepts, from beginner to advanced, including application scripting, version control, code optimization, debugging, and programming theory. 

The pathway is 12 weeks, and upon completion, learners will be prepared to get Unity Certified and demonstrate their job readiness to potential employers. Over 7020 learners have already completed the pathway, and the course has a proven track record of success. 

Pros

• Comprehensive and well-structured course from Unity
• Covers a range of programming concepts
• Learners will be prepared to get Unity Certified upon completion

Cons

• None

6. [FreeCodeCamp] Learn Unity - Beginner’s Game Development Tutorial

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Why we chose this course

This beginner Unity course covers the basics of game development with over 7 hours of concise video tutorials. Students will learn about Unity's interface, UI elements, variables, loops, accessibility modifiers, player animations, scene navigation, and menu creation, all while building a monster chase game, where they can apply their knowledge real time. 

As part of the FreeCodeCamp initiative, this course is completely free and has received excellent reviews from students. The instructor is praised for his clear and engaging teaching style, making it an ideal starting point for those new to game development.

Pros

• Free and easily accessible on YouTube
• Comprehensive coverage of the Unity game engine for beginners
• In-depth coverage of fundamental programming concepts
• Course instructor praised for clear and engaging teaching style

Cons

• Limited interactivity and opportunities for students to ask questions

7. [LinkedIn Learning] Introduction to C# with Unity

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Why we chose this course

Designed by Microsoft, this super short course is a great option for absolute beginners who are curious about using C# with Unity for game development.

It covers a range of introductory topics, including Visual Studio, C# scripting, and specific Unity features such as the input system, collisions and physics, debugging, and code analysis. 

The instructor also discusses the differences in building Unity Applications for different platforms. Upon completion, learners receive a LinkedIn Learning certificate, which can be shared on their profile. While some users have suggested including more lesson topics, overall, the introductory course is praised for its clear instruction and helpful content. 

Pros

• Created by Microsoft .NET
• Beginner-friendly instruction
• Comprehensive coverage of C# and Unity fundamentals

Cons

• Could benefit from additional lesson topics for intermediate users
• Only 39 minutes long

8. [CodeMonkey] Learn Unity Beginner/Intermediate 2024

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Why we chose this course

Code Monkey, the Unity Awards 2021 Winner for Best Unity Insider Tutorial Creator, offers a 10-hour beginner Unity course on YouTube, covering every aspect of game development with Unity.

This Unity course centers around building an arcade game while providing practical experience and high-quality, clean code. Users will learn various topics such as character controllers, animations, collision detection, scriptable objects, and C# events. 

The course has received many positive reviews from past students who praise the instructor's clear teaching style and effective examples. Code Monkey offers support to students through a community forum, ensuring that students have the help they need to succeed. It's completely free and accessible to everyone.

Pros

• Covers a wide range of important topics for beginner and intermediate Unity users
• Builds a complex game from scratch
• Emphasizes good practices and clean code
• Completely free and accessible on YouTube

Cons

• None

9. [SkillShare] The Ultimate Guide To C# Unity 2D Programming (2022)

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Why we chose this course

Led by Michael Murr, a game developer and software engineer, this comprehensive course teaches modern game development techniques for creating 2D games using Unity.

It covers a range of beginner-friendly topics, including navigating the Unity interface, first-time coding tutorials for C#, variables, player input, prefabs, tile maps, transitions, collisions, jumping, climbing, attacks, and SFX. 

The course is divided into six sections, each building on the previous one, with a bonus section that dives deeper into the UI canvas. The main project, Castle Conquest, spans six sections, with a bonus section on UI canvas, and offers a hands-on approach to learning.

It contains 10 hours of content, and learners can reach out to the instructor for support. 94% of students have said the course has either met or exceeded their expectations. 

Pros

• Comprehensive guide to modern game development techniques
• Hands-on approach with a main project
• Up-to-date content and latest technologies
• Self-paced learning
• User support available

Cons

• Instructor rushes through coding concepts in the final lessons

10. [Udacity] Learn ARKit Using Unity

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Why we chose this course

This free course from Udacity is ideal for learners who are already familiar with Unity and want to enhance their skill set by creating dynamic and responsive augmented reality scenes.

The course is divided into two sections: Introduction to ARKit with Unity and Advanced ARKit with Unity. Topics include visual-inertial odometry, raycasting, magic tricks, anchor points, lighting and shadows, anchoring 3D objects, and positional tracking. It has students build an AR app from scratch. 

This free 1-month course includes instructor videos, experiential activities, and interactive quizzes. It’s taught by a range of industry experts, and it can be applied towards Udacity’s Introduction to Programming Nanodegree, which acts as a new career pathway in the Web and App Development industry. 

Pros

• Covers computer vision mechanisms that enable ARKit
• Can be used towards the Udacity Introduction to Programming Nanodegree
• Has students develop several ARKit apps, including games with particle effects

Cons

• None

Why Learn Unity Game Development? 

As one of the most versatile game engines available (often used by large game development studios), learning Unity game development offers numerous benefits as it allows developers to create games for various platforms and reach a large number of users.

Moreover, Unity has a large and supportive community of developers offering a wealth of resources, including the best Unity books, courses (which is why you’re here!), and online forums, making it easy for beginners to learn the Unity engine and create games.

In terms of career opportunities, there’s high demand for Unity developers in the game development industry. At the time of writing, there are hundreds of job ads for Unity developers in the US alone. By learning Unity, developers can open up various career opportunities in the game development industry and work on exciting and innovative projects.

Unity Developer Jobs: What Employers Are Looking For

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Unity Developer, taking a Unity course is a good start, as employers typically look for candidates with a strong foundation in programming, game design, and Unity development, which can be acquired through a well-structured course. 

Employers also value candidates with good communication skills, creative problem-solving skills, and that can work well in a team. Having a strong portfolio of work that showcases your skills and experience can also be a valuable asset in securing a Unity Developer job.

Unity Developer Salaries: How Much Can You Make

Unity Developer salaries can vary depending on location, experience, industry, and specialization. According to Glassdoor, Unity developers can earn average salaries north of $70K, with a range of $48K to $110K+. Senior-level Unity developers with specialized skills and experience can earn significantly more.

If you want to increase your earning potential as a Unity developer, consider skills like proficiency in multiple programming languages for game development, experience with game design, or knowledge of 3D modeling and animation.

Unity vs. Other Game Engines: Which is the Best Choice for Your Career? 

Unity, Unreal, and Godot are some of the most popular game engines available, each with unique features and benefits. And while the Unity vs Unreal debate is unlikely to end any time soon, let’s take a look at some of the key features and differences in the table below.

Conclusion

As one of the most popular game engines in the world in 2024, Unity development skills are highly sought-after in the ever-expanding game development industry. 

One of the best ways to break into a career in game development is to enroll in a top-quality Unity course, as this can help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this competitive field. And with average annual salaries north of $70K, this rewarding career can also be very lucrative!

So whether you're a complete beginner seeking to learn the basics or an experienced developer looking to expand your skill set, we’ve found the 10 best Unity courses online in 2024, with a range of free and paid options for all skill levels.

With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for games and game development into a successful career. Happy learning!

Want to level up your game development skills? Check out:

The Best Programming Languages for Game Development

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Best Unity Courses?

The best Unity courses are those that cater to your skill level, learning style, and interests in game development. You’ll find a variety of courses in this article, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

If you’re completely new to Unity, we recommend enrolling in one of Unity’s official courses such as The Ultimate Guide to Game Development with Unity on Udemy or the Junior Programmer Pathway. 

2. Is Unity Better Than C++?

Unity and C++ serve different purposes. Unity is a game engine that uses C# as its primary programming language, whereas C++ is a programming language commonly used in game development. Both have their advantages, but Unity provides an accessible, feature-rich platform for developers, making it a popular choice for creating games.

3. What Should I Learn for Unity?

To start with Unity, you should learn the basics of C# programming, familiarize yourself with Unity's interface and tools, and explore various aspects of game development. You can also enhance your skills by enrolling in any of the courses we’ve listed above.

4. Which Language Is Best for Unity?

C# is the best programming language for Unity, as it is the primary language supported by the engine. Learning C# will allow you to write scripts, create game mechanics, and develop interactive experiences within Unity.

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