Basic Scene Transitions in Godot 4+ || How to add Transitions Between different Scenes in Godot ||

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating basic scene transitions in Godot 4+. Scene transitions enhance the visual appeal of your game by providing smooth animations between different scenes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, understanding these transitions can significantly improve your game's user experience.

Step 1: Set Up Your Godot Project

1. Create a New Project

   • Open Godot and create a new project.
   • Choose a suitable project name and directory.

2. Add Your Scenes

   • Create multiple scenes that you want to transition between. For example, a main menu and a game scene.
   • Save each scene with clear names (e.g., MainMenu.tscn and GameScene.tscn).

Step 2: Configure the ColorRect Node

1. Add a ColorRect Node

   • In the scene where you want to implement transitions, add a new node by right-clicking in the Scene panel.
   • Select Add Child Node and choose ColorRect.

2. Adjust ColorRect Properties

   • With the ColorRect selected, modify the following properties in the Inspector:
     • Width: Set to 100% to cover the whole screen.
     • Height: Set to 100% to cover the whole screen.
     • Color: Choose a color for the transition, typically black or a color that fits your theme.
     • Visible: Set to false initially.

Step 3: Add Transition Logic

1. Create a Script for Transitions

   • Attach a new script to the root node of the scene.
   • Use the following sample code to manage scene transitions:

   extends Node
   
   var color_rect
   
   func _ready():
       color_rect = $ColorRect
       color_rect.hide()
   
   func fade_to_scene(scene_path: String):
       color_rect.show()
       color_rect.modulate.a = 0
       color_rect.fade_in()
       yield(get_tree().create_timer(1), "timeout")  # Adjust duration as needed
       get_tree().change_scene(scene_path)
   

2. Implement Fade In Logic

   • Add the fade-in function to gradually show the ColorRect:

   func fade_in():
       var tween = Tween.new()
       add_child(tween)
       tween.interpolate_property(color_rect, "modulate:a", 0, 1, 1, Tween.TRANS_LINEAR, Tween.EASE_IN)
       tween.start()
   

Step 4: Customize Node Parameters

1. Fine-Tune Transition Effects
   • You can customize the transition duration and color in your script.
   • Adjust the yield timer duration in the fade_to_scene function for longer or shorter transitions.

Step 5: Add Shader for Enhanced Effects

1. Create a Shader for Transition Effects

   • Create a new Shader file and attach it to your ColorRect.
   • Use the following shader code example for a smooth transition effect:

   shader_type canvas_item;
   
   void fragment() {
       vec4 texColor = texture(TEXTURE, FRAGCOORD.xy / SCREEN_SIZE);
       vec4 transitionColor = vec4(1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 - MODULATE.a);
       COLOR = texColor * transitionColor;
   }
   

2. Apply the Shader to ColorRect

   • In the Inspector, set the Shader property of ColorRect to the shader you just created.

Conclusion

You have now successfully set up basic scene transitions in Godot 4+. By following these steps, you can enhance your game's visuals and create a more engaging user experience. Consider experimenting with different colors, durations, and effects to match the theme of your game. As a next step, explore adding more complex transitions or effects using shaders and animations. Happy game developing!