How to Remove a GameObject from the Scene without Destroying it in Unity

SF Games
February 04, 2023

How to Remove a GameObject from the Scene without Destroying it in Unity

Unity is a powerful game engine that provides developers with a range of tools and features for creating engaging and interactive games. One of these features is the ability to manipulate and control objects within the scene, such as removing a GameObject from the scene without destroying it. This is an important technique for many game developers, as it allows for dynamic and responsive gameplay experiences. In this article, we will explore the different ways to remove a GameObject from the scene without destroying it in Unity. We will go over the pros and cons of each method, as well as provide code examples to help you get started.

Setting a GameObject inactive

The first method we will explore is setting a GameObject inactive. This method is one of the simplest ways to remove an object from the scene without destroying it. When you set a GameObject inactive, it will no longer be visible or interactable within the scene, but it will still exist in memory and can be reactivated later.

To set a GameObject inactive, simply call the SetActive method and pass in false as the argument:

gameObject.SetActive(false);

Pros:

  • Simple to implement

  • Does not use any additional memory

Cons:

  • The object will still exist in memory, so it can impact performance if there are a large number of inactive objects

  • The object will no longer receive updates or messages, so it may not be suitable for objects that need to be updated regularly

Moving a GameObject to a different parent

Another method to remove a GameObject from the scene without destroying it is to move it to a different parent. When you move a GameObject to a different parent, it will no longer be visible within the scene, but it will still exist in memory and can be moved back to the original parent later.

To move a GameObject to a different parent, simply call the SetParent method and pass in the new parent GameObject:

gameObject.transform.SetParent(newParent.transform);


Pros:

  • The object will still receive updates and messages, so it may be suitable for objects that need to be updated regularly

  • The object will still exist in memory, so it can be moved back to the original parent later

Cons:

  • More complex to implement than setting a GameObject inactive

  • The object will still exist in memory, so it can impact performance if there are a large number of inactive objects

Destroying a GameObject and instantiating a new one

Finally, we will look at destroying a GameObject and instantiating a new one. This method is more complex than the others, but it can be useful for cases where you need to completely remove an object from the scene and free up memory.

To destroy a GameObject and instantiate a new one, call the Destroy method and then use the Instantiate method to create a new instance of the object:

Destroy(gameObject);
Instantiate(newObject, transform.position, transform.rotation);


Pros:

  • The object will be completely removed from memory, freeing up resources

  • The new object will be a completely separate instance, so it will not have any references or connections to the original object

Cons:

  • More complex to implement than setting a GameObject inactive or moving it to a different parent

  • The object will be completely destroyed, so it cannot be restored later

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few different ways to remove a GameObject from the scene without destroying it in Unity. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the best approach will depend on your specific use case.

Setting a GameObject inactive is a simple solution that does not use any additional memory, but it can impact performance if there are a large number of inactive objects and the object will no longer receive updates or messages. Moving a GameObject to a different parent is a more complex solution that allows the object to still receive updates and messages, but it can also impact performance if there are a large number of inactive objects. Destroying a GameObject and instantiating a new one is a more complex solution that frees up memory, but the object will be completely destroyed and cannot be restored later.

No matter which method you choose, it is important to consider the performance impact of removing objects from the scene and choose the solution that is most appropriate for your project. With the right approach, you can create engaging and dynamic games that provide players with an immersive and enjoyable experience.