Homing missile
Problem
You need a “homing missile” - a projectile that will seek a moving target.
Solution
For this example, we’ll use an Area2D node for the projectile. Areas are typically good choices for bullets because we need to detect when they contact something. If you also need a bullet that bounces/ricochets, one of the PhysicsBody type node might be a better choice.
The node setup and behavior of the missile is the same you would use for a “dumb” bullet. If you’re creating many bullet types, you can use inheritance to base all your projectiles on the same core setup.
The nodes we’ll use:
Area2D: Missile
Sprite2D
CollisionShape2D
Timer: Lifetime
For the texture, you can use any image you like. Here’s an example one:
Set up the nodes and configure the sprite’s texture and the collision shape. Make sure to rotate the Sprite2D node by 90° so that it’s pointing to the right, ensuring it matches the parent’s “forward” direction.
Add a script and connect the Area2D’s body_entered signal and the Timer’s timeout signal.
Here’s the starting script:
extends Area2D
export var speed = 350
var velocity = Vector2.ZERO
var acceleration = Vector2.ZERO
func start(_transform):
global_transform = _transform
velocity = transform.x * speed
func _physics_process(delta):
velocity += acceleration * delta
velocity = velocity.clamped(speed)
rotation = velocity.angle()
position += velocity * delta
func _on_Missile_body_entered(body):
queue_free()
func _on_Lifetime_timeout():
queue_free()
This creates a “dumb” rocket that travels in a straight line when fired. To use this projectile, instance it and call its start() method with the desired Transform2D to set its position and direction.
See the related recipes section below for more information.
To change the behavior to seek a target, we’ll use the acceleration. However,
we don’t want the missile to “turn on a dime”, so we’ll add a variable to control its “steering” force. This will give the missile a turning radius that can be adjusted for different behavior. We also need a target variable so that the missile knows what to chase. We’ll set that in start() as well:
export var steer_force = 50.0
var target = null
func start(_transform, _target):
target = _target
...
To change the missile’s direction to move toward the target, it needs to accelerate in that direction (acceleration is change in velocity). The missile “wants” to move straight towards the target, but its current velocity is pointing in a different direction. Using a little vector math, we can find that difference:
The green arrow represents the needed change in velocity (i.e. acceleration). However, if we turn instantly, that will look unnatural, so the “steering” vector’s length needs to be limited. This is the purpose of the steer_force variable.
This is the function to calculate that acceleration. Note that if there’s no target, there will be no steering, so the missile remains traveling in a straight line.
func seek():
var steer = Vector2.ZERO
if target:
var desired = (target.position - position).normalized() * speed
steer = (desired - velocity).normalized() * steer_force
return steer
Finally, the resulting steer force must be applied in _physics_process():
func _physics_process(delta):
acceleration += seek()
velocity += acceleration * delta
velocity = velocity.clamped(speed)
rotation = velocity.angle()
position += velocity * delta
Here’s an example of the results, with a little extra visual flair such as particle smoke and explosions:
Here’s the full script, including the above effects. See related recipes for details.
extends Area2D
export var speed = 350
export var steer_force = 50.0
var velocity = Vector2.ZERO
var acceleration = Vector2.ZERO
var target = null
func start(_transform, _target):
global_transform = _transform
rotation += rand_range(-0.09, 0.09)
velocity = transform.x * speed
target = _target
func seek():
var steer = Vector2.ZERO
if target:
var desired = (target.position - position).normalized() * speed
steer = (desired - velocity).normalized() * steer_force
return steer
func _physics_process(delta):
acceleration += seek()
velocity += acceleration * delta
velocity = velocity.clamped(speed)
rotation = velocity.angle()
position += velocity * delta
func _on_Missile_body_entered(body):
explode()
func _on_Lifetime_timeout():
explode()
func explode():
$Particles2D.emitting = false
set_physics_process(false)
$AnimationPlayer.play("explode")
await $AnimationPlayer.animation_finished
queue_free()