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I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

To answer a question in the comments, here's how to parameterize the grid size. Note that this version has the change to support the cylinders all sharing a base height as well.

Also note that this group would support the ability to color the sides and tops differently if you added these nodes:

I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

To answer a question in the comments, here's how to parameterize the grid size. Note that this version has the change to support the cylinders all sharing a base height as well.

Also note that this group would support the ability to color the sides and tops differently if you added these nodes:

Thanks to Markus von Broady for the comment correcting my material handling.

I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

To answer a question in the comments, here's how to parameterize the grid size. Note that this version has the change to support the cylinders all sharing a base height as well.

Also note that this group would support the ability to color the sides and tops differently, but I haven't added the nodes for setting materials.

I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

To answer a question in the comments, here's how to parameterize the grid size. Note that this version has the change to support the cylinders all sharing a base height as well.

Also note that this group would support the ability to color the sides and tops differently if you added these nodes:

I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

I think this one might be the simplest:

both in terms of node count, and in ease of explanation:

1. Create a hex grid.
2. Populate it with Cylinders with Vertices set to 6 to make them hex shaped.
3. Assign a random value to the Cylinder Scale.

You need a combine XYZ node that only randomizes X and Y if you want the cylinders all on the same base height.

I think that joining two grids that are offset is a bit of a cheat, but it does give you a good hex pattern; and all of this in just six nodes. (7 if you want the cylinder bases at the same height.)

To answer a question in the comments, here's how to parameterize the grid size. Note that this version has the change to support the cylinders all sharing a base height as well.

Also note that this group would support the ability to color the sides and tops differently, but I haven't added the nodes for setting materials.