# Trying Out Free Grid Maps in Unity: A Guide to Getting Started with the Map Series

- Link: https://catstudio.sakura.ne.jp/cms001/?p=787&lang=en
- Published: 2026-11-01T17:26:23+09:00
- Author: Editor T

When creating a map in Unity, you need to verify more than just its appearance; 
you must also check whether characters can pass through, whether vehicles can be
placed, and whether the collisions for floors and walls function as intended.

We are offering “Grid Map for FREE” (for Map Series 1) and “Grid Map 2 for FREE”(
for Map Series 2) at no cost. Both can be used for tasks such as planning the placement
and movement of characters or vehicles, as well as configuring collisions. This 
article explains how to choose between these two free assets and highlights key 
points to consider when setting them up.

![icon_big-3 Trying Out Free Grid Maps in Unity: A Guide to Getting Started with
the Map Series](https://catstudio.sakura.ne.jp/cms001/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/
icon_big-3.png)

## What you can check on the Grid Map

Grid Map is a free asset designed to help you explore the “Map Series” system within
your own Unity project. It can be used for verifying collisions, as well as for 
planning the placement and control of characters or vehicles.

 * The process of constructing a map by combining Prefabs
 * Behavior of collisions set on floors, walls, etc.
 * The sense of scale when placing the characters and vehicles you own
 * The feel of movement when navigating through corridors or rooms
 * Whether a Series 1 or Series 2 configuration is suitable for the stage you wish
   to create

Grid Map itself does not provide character controllers or vehicle systems. Please
prepare the characters, vehicles, cameras, and input settings required for your 
control tests, in accordance with your specific project.

## Choose from two free Grid Maps

| Comparison items | Grid Map for FREE | Grid Map 2 for FREE | 
| Series | Map Series 1 | Map Series 2 | 
| Primary uses | Series 1 placement and collision verification | Series 2 placement and collision verification | 
| Approach to placement | The focus is on specialized parts designed for specific directions of rotation. | Rotate and place in 90-degree increments | 
| Structural features | Entrance/Exit, Passageway, Gate, Room | Entrance/Exit, Passageway, Gate, Room, Slope, Grade separation | 
| Distribution format | Download the ZIP from the official page | Download the ZIP from the official page | 
| License | MIT License | MIT License |

If you would like to test Series 1—which focuses on flat corridors and rooms—consider“
Grid Map for FREE”; if you wish to explore the Series 2 layout—which includes elevation
changes, slopes, and multi-level crossings—”Grid Map 2 for FREE” is the option to
choose.

If you have already decided on the product series you intend to use, please select
the free version from that same series.

## Things to prepare before starting

 * A Unity project for verification, or a working environment where changes can 
   be reverted.
 * Information on the Unity version and render pipeline currently in use
 * Character or vehicle used for operational checks
 * ZIP file obtained from the official distribution page

We recommend verifying the content and functionality in a test project before adding
it to your existing production project. As supported Unity versions and installation
procedures may be subject to change, please always refer to the latest information
provided on the public-facing page or in the included manual.

## Steps for trying out Grid Map

### 1 Decide which series to use

If you are considering products from Series 1, select “Grid Map for FREE”; if you
are considering Series 2, select “Grid Map 2 for FREE.” If you have not yet decided,
please refer to the comparison table provided earlier and consider whether the map
you wish to create requires features such as slopes, overpasses/underpasses, or 
variations in elevation.

### 2 Download from the official website

Free assets are provided as ZIP files on the official Cat Studio website. Please
use the links from the official website rather than files redistributed by third
parties.

[Grid Map for FREE Official](https://www.catstudio.jp/ua_gridmapforfree.html) 
[Grid Map 2 for FREE Official](https://www.catstudio.jp/ua_ms2_gridmap2forfree.html)

### 3 Check the license and manual.

Before use, please read LICENSE.txt to ensure it meets your requirements. Next, 
open the manual from the official website and review the placement rules, collision
settings, textures, and folder structure.

### 4 Integrate into a project for verification purposes

Extract the downloaded file and integrate it into your test project by following
the instructions provided in the included manual. As the interface and procedures
may vary depending on the Unity version or the time of release, this article does
not specify fixed names for menus or folders.

### 5 Place a prefab into the scene

The official Map Series page provides guidance on how to construct a map by placing
Prefab files into a Unity scene. Begin by placing a single component into an empty
scene, then verify its position, orientation, and scale. Next, add further components—
such as corridors or rooms—ensuring they are positioned so that no gaps or height
offsets occur at the connection points.

n Series 1, the system relies on specific components designed for particular rotation
orientations, whereas in Series 2, map components are placed by rotating them in
90-degree increments. Please refer to the respective manuals for the definitive 
placement rules.

### 6 Place characters or vehicles

Place your characters and vehicles onto the Grid Map. Ensure that their starting
positions are not embedded within the floor, that there is sufficient clearance 
for passageway widths and ceiling heights, and that they are able to navigate corners
and slopes.

### 7 Verify collision and movement

 * Could it pass through the floor or fall unintentionally?
 * Could it pass through walls or gates?
 * Might it get caught at the junction of the passageways?
 * Can it navigate routes that include slopes or grade-separated crossings?
 * Will the camera interfere with the wall or ceiling?
 * Whether the sizes of characters and vehicles are appropriate for the map

If an issue arises, begin by separately examining the component placement within
the Map Series, as well as the colliders, character controllers, and physics settings
of your characters or vehicles. To help isolate the cause, avoid placing too many
components at once; instead, start with a minimal configuration.

![icon_big-2 Trying Out Free Grid Maps in Unity: A Guide to Getting Started with
the Map Series](https://catstudio.sakura.ne.jp/cms001/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/
icon_big-2.png)

## Next steps for verification

Once you have familiarized yourself with the basic layout and controls using the
Grid Map, explore the galleries, videos, WebGL demos, and latest specifications 
for products that align with the environment you wish to create. You can find products
tailored to specific themes—such as caves, forests, underground facilities, the 
sky, lava, or sci-fi settings—on the respective product line pages within the Map
Series.

[Map Series 1 Lineup](https://www.catstudio.jp/ua_mapseries.html) 
[Map Series 2 Lineup](https://www.catstudio.jp/ua_mapseries2.html)

When acquiring a paid product, in addition to verifying it using the free version,
please check the product page and the Unity Asset Store for details such as the 
supported Unity versions, compatible render pipelines, included content, and current
sales status at the time of purchase.

[Unity Asset Store – CatStudio](https://assetstore.unity.com/ja-JP/search?q=catstudio)

> [Comprehensive Guide to Map Series for Unity: Choosing Map Assets Based on Your Desired Game Environment](https://catstudio.sakura.ne.jp/cms001/?p=784&lang=en)