How do I make a 2D platformer in Godot?

Start with a CharacterBody2D node for your player, add a Sprite2D and CollisionShape2D. Use move_and_slide() for movement and add gravity in _physics_process(). Build levels with TileMap nodes.

Is Godot good for 2D platformers?

Godot excels at 2D games. It has a dedicated 2D engine (not projected 3D), pixel-perfect rendering, built-in TileMap support, and optimized 2D physics.

Godot 2D Platformer Tutorial — Build Your First Game

2D platformers are the perfect first project in Godot. They teach you movement, physics, animation, and level design — all core skills. Let's build one from scratch.

Project Setup

Create a new Godot project and select the Compatibility renderer for best 2D performance. Our scene structure will be: a World scene containing the Player, a TileMap for level geometry, and collectible items.

gdscript

# Player.gd
extends CharacterBody2D

@export var speed = 200.0
@export var jump_force = -350.0
var gravity = 980.0

func _physics_process(delta):
    # Gravity
    if not is_on_floor():
        velocity.y += gravity * delta
    
    # Jump
    if Input.is_action_just_pressed("jump") and is_on_floor():
        velocity.y = jump_force
    
    # Horizontal movement
    var direction = Input.get_axis("move_left", "move_right")
    velocity.x = direction * speed
    
    move_and_slide()

Adding Animations

Use an AnimatedSprite2D node to switch between idle, run, and jump animations based on player state. Connect it to velocity changes for responsive visual feedback.

gdscript

# Animation logic
func update_animation():
    if not is_on_floor():
        $AnimatedSprite2D.play("jump")
    elif velocity.x != 0:
        $AnimatedSprite2D.play("run")
        $AnimatedSprite2D.flip_h = velocity.x < 0
    else:
        $AnimatedSprite2D.play("idle")

TileMap Level Design

Add a TileMap node and import a tileset. Paint your level directly in the editor. Enable physics layers on tiles that should be solid. Godot's TileMap system supports multiple layers, auto-tiling rules, and animated tiles.

Collectibles with Signals

gdscript

# Coin.gd
extends Area2D

signal collected(value)
@export var value = 10

func _on_body_entered(body):
    if body.is_in_group("player"):
        collected.emit(value)
        queue_free()

This pattern — Area2D detecting body entry, emitting a signal, then removing itself — is the foundation for pickups, checkpoints, hazards, and triggers throughout your game.