What physics engine does Godot use?

Godot 4.6+ uses Jolt Physics as the default 3D physics engine for new projects. 2D uses Godot's built-in physics engine. Both are performant for game development.

How do collision layers work in Godot?

Each physics body has a collision layer (what layer it's ON) and a collision mask (what layers it DETECTS). This lets you control which objects interact: e.g., player bullets hit enemies but not other bullets.

Godot Physics Tutorial: RigidBody, Area, & Collisions

Physics in Godot is powerful yet approachable. Whether you're making a platformer, a physics puzzle, or a 3D shooter, understanding body types, collision layers, and raycasting is essential.

The Four Body Types

Every physics object in Godot is one of four types: StaticBody (walls/floors), RigidBody (physics-driven objects), CharacterBody (player-controlled), or Area (detection zones). Choose the right type and physics handles the rest.

gdscript

# CharacterBody2D — Player-controlled
extends CharacterBody2D

var gravity = 980.0

func _physics_process(delta):
    velocity.y += gravity * delta
    velocity.x = Input.get_axis("left", "right") * 200
    move_and_slide()

# RigidBody2D — Physics-driven
extends RigidBody2D

func _ready():
    # Apply initial force
    apply_impulse(Vector2(100, -200))

Collision Layers & Masks

Layer = what I AM. Mask = what I DETECT. Set player on layer 1, enemies on layer 2, bullets on layer 3. Player mask includes layer 2 (detects enemies). Enemy mask includes layer 3 (detects bullets). Simple, powerful, zero code needed.

Raycasting

gdscript

# Raycast for line-of-sight
func can_see_player():
    var space = get_world_2d().direct_space_state
    var query = PhysicsRayQueryParameters2D.create(
        global_position,
        player.global_position
    )
    var result = space.intersect_ray(query)
    return result and result.collider == player

Jolt Physics in Godot 4.6+

Godot 4.6+ uses Jolt Physics as the default 3D engine for new projects. Jolt offers better performance, more stable stacking, improved character controllers, and deterministic simulation. Existing projects keep their current engine — Jolt is default for NEW projects only.