How to Create a 3D Platformer Using Godot Engine

Godot Engine is a versatile platform that allows you to create engaging 3D games even if you are an absolute beginner. In this guide, we will take you through the process of setting up a basic 3D platformer using the Godot Engine. Let's dive in and start building!

Installing Godot Engine

To begin, visit godotengine.org and download the latest version (currently version 4.1) for your operating system. The engine is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and mobile platforms.

Setting Up Your Project

Open Godot and create a new project named "Basic 3D Platformer."
Familiarize Yourself with the Godot Editor
- Top Bar: Contains menu buttons, main screens, and playback controls.
- Scene Tree: Displays virtual objects in the game.
- File System: Access resources like images and sound files.
- Inspector: Configure game objects.

Setting Up the 3D Scene

Now that you are familiar with the Godot Editor, it's time to set up your 3D scene.

Create a Camera: Add a new Camera 3D node to the scene to visualize the game world.
Add Environment and Light: Customize the default world environment by adding a sun and directional light to illuminate the scene.

Running Your Scene

To see your scene in action:

Click the Run current scene button.
Save your scene as "level" when prompted.

Adding a Floor and Camera Movement

Create a Floor: Add a Mesh Instance 3D node to represent the floor. Customize its shape and size.
Adjust Camera Position: Update the camera's height and orientation to ensure a clear view of the scene.

Configuring Project Settings

Access the Project Settings to customize your game's display, including window dimensions, anti-aliasing options, and shadow quality.

Adding Player Controls

Next, let's set up player controls and movements:

Create a Player Scene: Add a RigidBody 3D node to create a physics-based player character.
Implement Player Script: Attach a script to the player to listen to key presses and move the player accordingly.

Adding Camera Movement

Set Up Camera Pivot: Create pivot nodes for camera rotation.
Integrate Mouse Input: Capture mouse input for camera rotation based on mouse movement.

Fine-Tuning the Camera

Adjust pivot positions and camera angles for optimal player perspective:

Set Camera Focus: Position the camera pivot nodes to control the camera angle effectively.
Limit Camera Rotation: Ensure the camera cannot rotate beyond specific angles to maintain a realistic view.

Enhancing Player Movement

Update Player Movement: Adjust player movement based on camera orientation to move forward effectively.
Incorporate Mouse Inputs: Integrate mouse inputs to allow camera rotation and player movement synchronization.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing the initial setup for your 3D platformer in Godot Engine! By following these steps, you have set the foundation for an engaging game development journey. Stay tuned for advanced topics on transitioning between levels, creating grid maps, and more in the upcoming sections of Godot for Beginners.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment, explore, and have fun creating your 3D platformer masterpiece with Godot Engine!

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