How to Make a Geometry Dash Game on Scratch: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Learn how to create your own Geometry Dash-inspired game on Scratch with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for beginners!
Introduction
Geometry Dash is a popular rhythm-based platformer game known for its challenging obstacles, vibrant visuals, and addictive gameplay. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own version of Geometry Dash, Scratch—the block-based coding platform—is the perfect place to start! In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a Geometry Dash game on Scratch using simple coding concepts, sprites, and creative level design. Whether you’re a coding newbie or a Scratch enthusiast, this tutorial will walk you through every step.
Prerequisites
Before diving in, ensure you have:
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A free Scratch account (scratch.mit.edu).
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Basic familiarity with Scratch’s interface (sprites, blocks, stage).
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Creativity and patience!
Step 1: Set Up Your Scratch Project
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Create a New Project: Log into Scratch and click “Create” to start a new project.
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Choose a Background: Geometry Dash features colorful, geometric backdrops. Delete the default cat sprite and pick a background by clicking the “Choose a Backdrop” icon. Search for “grid” or “neon” for a retro vibe.
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Rename Your Project: Click the title field and name it “Geometry Dash Scratch Game.”
Step 2: Create the Player Character
The player (often a cube or ship in Geometry Dash) will navigate through obstacles.
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Design Your Player Sprite:
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Click “Choose a Sprite” and select a simple shape like a square or triangle.
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Use the costume editor to color it brightly.
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Code Movement and Gravity:
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Add these blocks to the player sprite:
when green flag clicked forever if
then change y by (10) end change y by (-2) // Simulates gravity end -
Adjust the gravity value (-2) to control falling speed.
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Limit Movement to the Screen:
Prevent the player from moving off-screen with:if
[180]> then set y to [180]
Step 3: Design Obstacles and Platforms
Geometry Dash challenge comes from avoiding spikes, gaps, and moving blocks.
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Create Obstacle Sprites:
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Design spike shapes or use the sprite library’s “Bat” or “Block” assets.
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Place them along the stage to form a basic level.
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Add Movement to Obstacles (Optional):
Make obstacles move horizontally for extra difficulty:when green flag clicked forever move (5) steps if
then turn around (180 degrees) end
Step 4: Implement Collision Detection
The game ends if the player hits an obstacle.
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Code a “Game Over” Message:
Add this script to the obstacle sprites:when green flag clicked forever if
then broadcast [game over] end end -
Handle the Game Over Event:
In the player sprite:when I receive [game over] stop [all]
Step 5: Add Level Progression
Geometry Dash levels auto-scroll to the finish line.
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Create a Scrolling Effect:
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Make the background or obstacles move left to simulate forward motion.
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Attach this script to obstacles:
when green flag clicked forever change x by (-5) // Adjust speed here if
then hide // Remove off-screen obstacles end
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Design Multiple Levels:
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Use backdrops to represent different levels.
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Switch backdrops when the player reaches a certain x-position.
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Step 6: Polish Your Game
Enhance gameplay with music, effects, and a start menu.
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Add Sound Effects:
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Import a soundtrack by clicking “Sounds” > “Choose Sound.” Search for “8-bit” or “electronic” music.
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Play the sound when the game starts:
when green flag clicked play sound [sound name] until done
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Include a Start/Reset Button:
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Create a “Play” sprite. Use this code:
when this sprite clicked broadcast [start game]
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Add Visual Effects:
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Make obstacles flash on collision:
when I receive [game over] set [ghost] effect to (50)
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Step 7: Test and Share Your Game
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Test Frequently: Click the green flag to check for bugs. Adjust obstacle speeds or gravity as needed.
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Share on Scratch: Click “Share” to publish your game. Add tags like “Geometry Dash” and “platformer” for visibility.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just built a Geometry Dash-inspired game on Scratch. By mastering movement, collision detection, and level design, you’ve taken a big step into game development. Experiment with new features—like power-ups or custom animations—to make your game unique. Don’t forget to share your project with the Scratch community for feedback!
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