Project Templates
Genre-specific scaffolding, AutoLoad patterns, and modular architecture define rapid prototyping.
Available Scripts
base_game_manager.gd
Expert AutoLoad template for game state management.
base_level.gd
Abstract base class for all loaded levels with structured lifecycle hooks.
base_actor.gd
Expert foundation for all gameplay agents (Player, NPC, Enemies).
base_menu.gd
UI foundation for focus persistence, animations, and input blocking.
subsystem_locator.gd
Decoupled alternative to monolithic managers for modular registration.
multi_platform_input.gd
Template-driven Input Mapping for hardware-aware profile overrides.
platform_feature_config.gd
Conditional platform logic using Godot Feature Tags.
scene_state_machine.gd
Node-based State Machine boilerplate for visual state logic.
state_machine_node.gd
Abstract state node foundation for specialized state components.
accessibility_tts_manager.gd
Accessibility & Localization foundation using native TTS API.
level_steamer_manager.gd
Background level-loading template using load_threaded_request.
NEVER Do (Expert Anti-Patterns)
Directory & Scaffolding
- NEVER hardcode scene paths —
get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://levels/level_1.tscn")in 20 places? Nightmare refactoring. Use AutoLoad + constants OR scene registry. - NEVER skip.gdignore for asset folders — Designer internal project files should never be imported into res:// directly.
Architecture & Lifecycle
- NEVER use
get_tree().pausedwithout groups — Pausing entire tree = pause menu freezes. Use process modePROCESS_MODE_ALWAYSon UI. - NEVER skip virtual lifecycle hooks — In base classes, always provide
_initialize_X()hooks instead of just_ready()to allow child overrides without breaking parents. - NEVER rely on monolithic "God" singletons — Decouple systems using a Signal Bus or Subsystem Locator.
Platform & UI
- NEVER skip Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED in FPS — Set in player
_ready()to ensure focus. - NEVER use floating point constants for UI layout — Leads to drift. Use anchors and containers.
- NEVER ignore i18n Translation Context — "Lead" (Metal) vs "Lead" (Action). Strictly use contexts in
translate().
Performance
- NEVER load massive levels synchronously — Causes frame freezes. Strictly use
ResourceLoader.load_threaded_request(). - NEVER copy-paste templates as-is — Using platformer template for RPG? Leads to debt. UNDERSTAND the structure, then adapt.
Directory Structure
my_platformer/
├── project.godot
├── autoloads/
│ ├── game_manager.gd
│ ├── audio_manager.gd
│ └── scene_transitioner.gd
├── scenes/
│ ├── main_menu.tscn
│ ├── game.tscn
│ └── pause_menu.tscn
├── entities/
│ ├── player/
│ │ ├── player.tscn
│ │ ├── player.gd
│ │ └── player_states/
│ └── enemies/
│ ├── base_enemy.gd
│ └── goblin/
├── levels/
│ ├── level_1.tscn
│ └── tilesets/
├── ui/
│ ├── hud.tscn
│ └── themes/
├── audio/
│ ├── music/
│ └── sfx/
└── resources/
└── data/Core Scripts
game_manager.gd:
extends Node
signal game_started
signal game_paused(paused: bool)
signal level_completed
var current_level: int = 1
var score: int = 0
var is_paused: bool = false
func start_game() -> void:
score = 0
current_level = 1
SceneTransitioner.change_scene("res://levels/level_1.tscn")
game_started.emit()
func pause_game(paused: bool) -> void:
is_paused = paused
get_tree().paused = paused
game_paused.emit(paused)
func complete_level() -> void:
current_level += 1
level_completed.emit()Top-Down RPG Template
Directory Structure
my_rpg/
├── autoloads/
│ ├── game_data.gd
│ ├── dialogue_manager.gd
│ └── inventory_manager.gd
├── entities/
│ ├── player/
│ ├── npcs/
│ └── interactables/
├── maps/
│ ├── overworld/
│ ├── dungeons/
│ └── interiors/
├── systems/
│ ├── combat/
│ ├── dialogue/
│ ├── quests/
│ └── inventory/
├── ui/
│ ├── inventory_ui.tscn
│ ├── dialogue_box.tscn
│ └── quest_log.tscn
└── resources/
├── items/
├── quests/
└── dialogues/Core Systems
inventory_manager.gd:
extends Node
signal item_added(item: Resource)
signal item_removed(item: Resource)
var inventory: Array[Resource] = []
func add_item(item: Resource) -> void:
inventory.append(item)
item_added.emit(item)
func remove_item(item: Resource) -> bool:
if item in inventory:
inventory.erase(item)
item_removed.emit(item)
return true
return false
func has_item(item_id: String) -> bool:
for item in inventory:
if item.id == item_id:
return true
return false3D FPS Template
Directory Structure
my_fps/
├── autoloads/
│ ├── game_manager.gd
│ └── weapon_manager.gd
├── player/
│ ├── player.tscn
│ ├── player.gd
│ ├── camera_controller.gd
│ └── weapons/
│ ├── weapon_base.gd
│ ├── pistol/
│ └── rifle/
├── enemies/
│ ├── ai_controller.gd
│ └── soldier/
├── levels/
│ ├── level_1/
│ └── level_2/
├── ui/
│ ├── hud.tscn
│ └── crosshair.tscn
└── resources/
├── weapons/
└── pickups/Player Controller
player.gd:
extends CharacterBody3D
@export var speed := 5.0
@export var jump_velocity := 4.5
var gravity: float = ProjectSettings.get_setting("physics/3d/default_gravity")
@onready var camera: Camera3D = $Camera3D
@onready var weapon_holder: Node3D = $Camera3D/WeaponHolder
func _ready() -> void:
Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED
func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
if not is_on_floor():
velocity.y -= gravity * delta
if Input.is_action_just_pressed("jump") and is_on_floor():
velocity.y = jump_velocity
var input_dir := Input.get_vector("move_left", "move_right", "move_forward", "move_backward")
var direction := (transform.basis * Vector3(input_dir.x, 0, input_dir.y)).normalized()
if direction:
velocity.x = direction.x * speed
velocity.z = direction.z * speed
else:
velocity.x = move_toward(velocity.x, 0, speed)
velocity.z = move_toward(velocity.z, 0, speed)
move_and_slide()Input Map Template
# All templates should include these actions:
[input]
move_left=Keys: A, Left, Gamepad Left
move_right=Keys: D, Right, Gamepad Right
move_up=Keys: W, Up, Gamepad Up
move_down=Keys: S, Down, Gamepad Down
jump=Keys: Space, Gamepad A
interact=Keys: E, Gamepad X
pause=Keys: Escape, Gamepad Start
ui_accept=Keys: Enter, Gamepad A
ui_cancel=Keys: Escape, Gamepad BUsage
- Copy template structure
- Rename project in
project.godot - Register AutoLoads
- Configure Input Map
- Begin development
Reference
Related
- Master Skill: godot-master