When moving from Godot 3.x to Godot 4.x, one of the few regressions was support for 2D tilemaps. However, after the 4.0 release, several features were reintroduced to make Godot the same as the previous versions. In the upcoming Godot 4.3 release (currently in beta 1), the TileMap class has some major changes. In fact, the class itself has been deprecated and replaced by the new TileMapLayer class.
Details from the Godot 4.3 Beta 1 release blog:
TileMap layers as nodes
TileMap layers are now represented as separate TileMapLayer nodes (GH-89179), which means less clutter in the inspector, a simpler API, and more in line with Godot’s general design patterns.
To avoid the minor drawbacks associated with these changes, we’ve added new editor features, such as the ability to select all layers in an edited scene. The TileMap node itself is marked as deprecated, but will be around for a while (although it won’t get any new features).
To help with the transition, you can automatically turn a TileMap node into a set of TileMapLayer nodes using the dropdown menu entry in the editor. You’ll have to update your scripts, but don’t worry, the API is very similar.
Key links
Developer snapshot: Godot 4.3 beta 1
Humble Bundle Assets from the demo
You can learn more about the end of TimeMap support and how to use the new TileMapLayer replacement in the video below.