/godot-2d-movement

2D controller recipes (Godot 4.7)

Depth companion to godot-2d-movement.

Variable jump height (release to cut the jump short)

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
    # Releasing jump early dampens upward velocity -> shorter hop.
    if Input.is_action_just_released("jump") and velocity.y < 0.0:
        velocity.y *= 0.5
    # ... horizontal + move_and_slide()

Jump buffering (press slightly before landing still jumps)

@export var buffer_time := 0.1
var _buffer := 0.0

func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
    if Input.is_action_just_pressed("jump"):
        _buffer = buffer_time
    else:
        _buffer = max(_buffer - delta, 0.0)

    if _buffer > 0.0 and is_on_floor():
        velocity.y = jump_velocity
        _buffer = 0.0
    # ... gravity + horizontal + move_and_slide()

One-way platforms

On the platform's CollisionShape2D / static body, enable one-way collision in the editor (the shape gets a one-way arrow). The CharacterBody2D passes through from one side. To drop through deliberately, briefly disable the body's collision with that layer or use set_collision_mask_value() for a few frames.

Moving platforms

Make the platform an AnimatableBody2D (moves via animation/code, pushes bodies) and animate it with an AnimationPlayer or a Tween. A CharacterBody2D standing on it inherits the platform's velocity automatically through move_and_slide() (controlled by platform_floor_layers and platform_on_leave).

move_and_collide() — manual collision response

When you want full control (custom bounce, no sliding), use move_and_collide():

func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
    var motion := velocity * delta                 # here you DO scale by delta
    var collision := move_and_collide(motion)
    if collision:
        # Reflect velocity off the surface normal (a simple bounce).
        velocity = velocity.bounce(collision.get_normal())

KinematicCollision2D exposes get_normal(), get_collider(), get_position(), get_remainder(), and get_travel().

Acceleration-based feel

Instead of snapping velocity.x to dir * speed, ramp it for weightier movement:

@export var accel := 1500.0
@export var friction := 1800.0

func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
    var dir := Input.get_axis("move_left", "move_right")
    if dir != 0.0:
        velocity.x = move_toward(velocity.x, dir * speed, accel * delta)
    else:
        velocity.x = move_toward(velocity.x, 0.0, friction * delta)
    move_and_slide()

Useful CharacterBody2D properties

• floor_max_angle (rad) — steepest slope still treated as floor (default 45°).
• floor_snap_length — keeps the body glued to downward slopes.
• floor_stop_on_slope — prevents sliding when idle on a slope.
• max_slides — iteration cap per move_and_slide() (default 4).
• up_direction — defines floor/wall/ceiling; Vector2.UP for side-scrollers.
• slide_on_ceiling — slide vs. stop when hitting a ceiling mid-jump.