Make Your FIRST 2D Game with Godot 4! | FULL Beginner Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create your first 2D platformer game using Godot 4. This guide walks you through the entire process, from designing your game levels to implementing character movement, adding collectibles, and even creating a main menu. By the end, you will have a fully functional game that you can export and share.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

1. Download and Install Godot

   • Visit the Godot Engine website and download the latest version.
   • Install the engine on your computer.

2. Create a New Project

   • Open Godot and click on "New Project."
   • Name your project and choose a directory to save it.
   • Select "2D" as the project type and click "Create."

Step 2: Designing Your Level with Tilemaps

1. Create a New Scene

   • Click on "Scene" and select "New Scene."
   • Set the root node to "TileMap."

2. Import Tilemap Assets

   • Download the tilemap assets from Mossy Cavern by Maaot.
   • Import the assets into your project’s filesystem.

3. Set Up the Tilemap

   • In the TileMap node, select the tileset you imported.
   • Use the tile painting tool to design your level layout.
   • Create layers for different elements, like background and platforms.

Step 3: Implementing Character Movement

1. Create a Character Scene

   • Create a new scene and set the root node to "KinematicBody2D."
   • Add a "Sprite" child node to display the character.

2. Add Movement Script

   • Attach a new script to the KinematicBody2D node.
   • Use the following code snippet to handle basic movement:

   extends KinematicBody2D
   
   var speed = 200
   var velocity = Vector2()
   
   func _physics_process(delta):
       velocity = Vector2()
       if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_right"):
           velocity.x += 1
       if Input.is_action_pressed("ui_left"):
           velocity.x -= 1
       velocity = velocity.normalized() * speed
       move_and_slide(velocity)
   

3. Define Input Actions

   • Go to "Project" > "Project Settings" > "Input Map."
   • Add actions for "ui_right" and "ui_left" and bind them to the arrow keys.

Step 4: Adding Collectibles

1. Create Coin Scene

   • Create a new scene with a "Node2D" as the root and add a "Sprite" for the coin.
   • Add a script to handle collision detection.

2. Implement Coin Logic

   • Use the following code to register when the player collects the coin:

   extends Node2D
   
   func _on_Coin_body_entered(body):
       if body.is_in_group("player"):
           queue_free()  # Remove coin from the scene
   

3. Add Coins to the Level

   • Instance the coin scene in your main level scene where you want collectibles to appear.

Step 5: Creating Enemies

1. Create Enemy Scene

   • Similar to the coin, create a new scene for your enemy using "KinematicBody2D."
   • Add a "Sprite" and a collision shape.

2. Implement Enemy Logic

   • Add a script to control enemy movement and collision with the player.

   extends KinematicBody2D
   
   var speed = 100
   
   func _process(delta):
       # Logic to move the enemy back and forth
   

Step 6: Adding Particles and Projectiles

1. Create Particle Effects

   • Add a "Particles2D" node to your enemy or player node for effects like explosions.

2. Implement Projectiles

   • Create a projectile scene and attach a script to handle its movement and collision.

Step 7: Adding Music and Sound Effects

1. Download Audio Assets

   • Get music from Alkakrab and sound effects from Kronbits.

2. Implement Audio in Your Game

   • Use the "AudioStreamPlayer" node to play background music and sound effects on events like collecting coins or enemy collisions.

Step 8: Creating a Main Menu

1. Design the Menu Scene

   • Create a new scene for the main menu with buttons for "Start Game" and "Exit."

2. Implement Menu Logic

   • Use scripts to manage button actions, such as starting the game or closing the application.

Step 9: Exporting Your Game

1. Set Up Export Settings

   • Go to "Project" > "Export."
   • Choose the platforms you want to export to and configure settings.

2. Export Your Game

   • Click "Export Project" and save your executable.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have created your first 2D platformer game using Godot 4. You can now expand on this foundation by adding more features, levels, and mechanics. Consider experimenting with different assets and gameplay styles to make your game unique. Happy game developing!