2D Platform Movement in Godot 4

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating 2D platform movement in Godot 4, incorporating features like animations, a state machine, and visual effects such as parallax backgrounds and particle effects. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a functional platformer character with smooth movement and engaging graphics.

Step 1: Setting Up Animations

• Create an AnimationPlayer node for your character.
• Add animations for various states like idle, running, and jumping.
• Ensure each animation has a proper duration and keyframes set for smooth transitions.

Step 2: Configuring AnimationTree

• Add an AnimationTree node to your character.
• Set the AnimationTree to use the AnimationPlayer you created.
• Create a transition between different states:
  • Use a blend space for smooth movement transitions.
  • Define conditions for moving between animations, such as speed and direction.

Step 3: Implementing State Machine

• Use a state machine to manage the character's states.
• Create a script to handle state changes based on player input:
  • Define states such as Idle, Running, Jumping, and Attacking.
  • Use a method to switch states based on conditions (e.g., key pressed, collision).

Sample Code for State Machine

enum State { IDLE, RUNNING, JUMPING, ATTACKING }
var current_state = State.IDLE

func _process(delta):
    match current_state:
        State.IDLE:
            # Handle idle logic
        State.RUNNING:
            # Handle running logic
        State.JUMPING:
            # Handle jumping logic

Step 4: Combo Reset and Attack Delay

• Implement a combo system to allow for sequential attacks.
• Create a timer to delay the next attack after a combo is executed:
  • Reset the combo if the player does not input actions within a specific timeframe.

Step 5: Mid Air Sprite Flip

• Enhance character movement by flipping the sprite based on the direction of movement while in the air.
• Check the horizontal movement input and apply the flip when jumping.

Sample Code for Sprite Flip

if is_on_floor() and input_vector.x != 0:
    $Sprite.scale.x = sign(input_vector.x)

Step 6: Understanding Group State Machine

• (Optional) Learn how to group states for more complex character behaviors.
• Create a system to manage groups of states, allowing for shared behaviors across different state types.

Step 7: Setting Up Parallax Background

• Create a ParallaxBackground node and add layers for depth effect.
• Adjust the speed of each layer to create a sense of movement as the player moves.

Step 8: Using TileMap and TileMapLayer

• Set up a TileMap node for your game level.
• Use TileMapLayer to manage different layers of tiles for better organization and visual effects.

Step 9: Implementing Falling Leaf Particle Effect

• Add a Particle2D node for visual effects like falling leaves.
• Configure particle parameters like emission shape, speed, and lifetime to achieve a natural look.

Step 10: Adding Sound Effects

• Import sound effects for actions like jumping and attacking.
• Use the AudioStreamPlayer node to play sounds based on the character's actions.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a 2D platform movement system in Godot 4 with animations, state management, and engaging visual effects. Experiment further by adding more features such as different terrains, enemy interactions, or additional player abilities. Keep refining your game mechanics to create a polished and enjoyable platformer experience.