How to Make a Platformer on Scratch
Are you looking to create an exciting platformer game but don’t know where to start? Scratch, a free online platform, is an excellent tool for beginners to develop their coding skills while building engaging games. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a simple platformer game using Scratch. By the end, you’ll have a basic understanding of how to make a platformer on Scratch and be ready to expand your game with more features and complexity.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Scratch Account
Before you begin, make sure you have a Scratch account. If you don’t have one, visit scratch.mit.edu and sign up for a free account. This will allow you to save your projects and share them with others.
Step 2: Creating a New Project
Once you have logged in to your Scratch account, click on the “Create” button and select “Project.” Choose a template to start with or create a blank project if you prefer. For a platformer game, a blank project is recommended.
Step 3: Adding Characters
To create a platformer game, you’ll need at least one character. Click on the “Costumes” tab and click on the “+” button to add a new costume. You can either upload an image or choose from the available Scratch costumes. Make sure your character has a platformer-friendly design, such as a sprite with legs and a simple shape.
Step 4: Programming the Character
Switch to the “Scripts” tab to start programming your character. The Scratch programming language is based on a visual block system, making it easy to understand and use. Here are some essential blocks to get you started:
– When Green Flag Clicked: This block is the starting point for your game. Place it at the beginning of your script.
– Set X to [X position] and Y to [Y position]: Use this block to set the initial position of your character.
– Change X by [number] and Y by [number]: This block allows you to move your character left, right, up, or down. You can adjust the number to control the speed of your character.
– If on Edge, bounce: This block ensures that your character bounces off the edges of the screen when it reaches the top or bottom.
Step 5: Adding Platforms
To create platforms, you’ll need to add more sprites to your project. You can use the same method as before to add new costumes for your platforms. Place these sprites on the stage where you want your character to walk.
Step 6: Programming the Platforms
In the “Scripts” tab, create a new script for your platforms. You can use the same blocks as before to control the movement of your platforms. However, you may want to add some additional blocks to create more interesting gameplay:
– Repeat [number] times: This block allows you to repeat a set of blocks multiple times. Use it to create moving platforms.
– Wait [number] seconds: This block pauses your script for a specified amount of time. Use it to create a delay between platform movements.
Step 7: Testing and Refining Your Game
After programming your character and platforms, test your game by clicking the green flag. Play through the game and make adjustments as needed. You can tweak the speed, movement, and interactions between your character and platforms to create a more enjoyable experience.
Step 8: Sharing Your Game
Once you’re satisfied with your platformer game, share it with others by clicking the “Share” button. You can invite friends to play your game or publish it to the Scratch website for the entire community to enjoy.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a platformer game using Scratch. With practice, you can continue to improve your skills and create more complex and engaging games. Happy coding!
